ARES Frozen Jr

Описание: Adam Robertson Elementary presents
Frozen Jr.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
It has become an anticipated silly tradition that I get a little bit teary backstage before the curtain opens while giving the cast their final talk. They know it’s coming, and even though they make fun of me, I know each of them feels some of the same overwhelming emotions as it all comes together in the final moments. Over the course of any production, the process is far more valuable than the performance, and while they get a glimpse of all sorts of tones and emotions as we navigate teaching them, moving them, encouraging them, shushing them, reminding them, scolding them, preparing them, applauding them, the common feeling they all feel the moments before this curtain opens, from their directors, from me, and from deep within themselves, is absolute pride. This is not easy to do. It is difficult to memorize lines, blocking, entrances, exits, timing, cues, stillness, movement. It is difficult to be on a stage, to dance, to speak, to bring energy into faces and bodies and characters. It is difficult to sing. It is difficult to sing loudly without shouting, to sing softly without disappearing, to sing technically without overthinking. Some of the kids you see on this stage are quiet and shy; others are loud and energetic. The beauty of a musical is that, regardless of personality, skillsets, hidden talents, every single one of them has chosen to step on this stage, and every single one of them is singing. They are all nervous. They are all excited. And they are all brave. It is hard to do hard things, and watching each of them sing, watching this beautiful show all come together, makes me proud… and yes, a bit teary backstage. It makes all of us teachers helping, parents watching, community celebrating, and cast members sharing this stage, beam just a little bit brighter. Frozen came out the year I became a mom. I remember listening to my kids sing ‘Let It Go’ over and over and over again. Even before words, singing in gibberish, turning anything into a cape, stomping a little foot and clenching a little fist to shout “I don’t care what they’re going to say”. I’m sure many of you have similar memories with this and other classic children’s films. They help kids learn good messages about friendship, kindness, and courage. They help them learn to embrace stories and imagination and power. They help them learn to do hard things. They help them learn to sing. And, if we make space for their voices, they keep singing, they keep doing hard things, and then the real magic happens. Please, enjoy the show.