ISM performs Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’ on March 30-31, April 1-2

Audiences are in for an extremely cool treat with the International School of Minnesota’s (ISM) current musical production of Disney’s “Frozen Jr.”

The musical’s cast and crew, made up of 34 ISM students ranging from first to 12th grade, will transport viewers to the magical kingdom of Arendelle along with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and all of the beloved “Frozen” characters.

Theater-goers are encouraged to dress as their favorite character when they see this fun, family-friendly musical.

Upcoming performances of the show, which launched last night, will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 2.

Tickets can be bought at the door with cash or card or online here at least six hours before the performance. Prices are $8 for students and $15 for adults.

Performances will be at ISM’s Leila C. Saad Performing Arts Center, which is just inside the school’s main entrance. The school is located at 6385 Beach Road in Eden Prairie.

A ‘visually stunning’ production

James Lekatz, ISM’s director of performing arts, said the creative and “visually stunning” production will make Arendelle’s magic extremely real for audiences.

“We really were able to focus on a lot of theatricality in this show,” Lekatz said. “In film, what you see becomes reality. In the theater, it’s really hard to make magic real. So you have to work with lights and some tiny staging tricks and effects that transform it into high theatricality.”

Lekatz said this enabled the cast and crew to interpret the musical in an engaging and meaningful way. “There’s some moments where we really get to go into the psychology of Elsa, as we have slow motion and interesting lighting choices going on,” Lekatz said.

“At the same time, it’s a musical. We have some really huge dance numbers in the show, and there are some new songs from when they made the movie into a musical, that I think people will really enjoy,” he added.

The show’s sets were created by Josh Barnd of River Bottom Productions, which is based in Jordan.

Lekatz said ISM has collaborated with River Bottom Productions for years on the technical elements of the school’s productions, including the lights and sound. Lekatz said the creative sets and technical aspects, including a “surprise” at the show’s end, will transport and delight audiences.

Lekatz said the elaborate costumes were all created by “wonderful” parent volunteers, led by Barb Bertomeu, who also is a member of the school’s health office. “They have spent so much time sewing, altering, ironing, steaming, and hot gluing pieces like twigs and leaves to make our trolls look like forest creatures.”

In addition to the show, Lekatz said, “We have an awesome chef and kitchen department here at the school, and they have Frozen-inspired treats for concessions.”

In the hallways around the theater, audiences will be able to enjoy a gallery-style exhibit of student artwork. Lekatz said, “We had an art collaboration with the visual arts teacher, Mr. Mack. He spent time creating and working with students on Frozen-inspired work.”

Painted ceramic starflake magnets made by ISM art students on the school’s new kiln will also be for sale at the concession stand for $5 each while supplies last.

There will also be an “Arendelle Afterparty” on Saturday afternoon, but this event is already sold out.

After rehearsing for many weeks, Lekatz said, “The kids are totally excited. Having the energy of an audience is just one of the best things in the world.”