by Wendy Butzerin
Lovable characters from the popular show Frozen will captivate audiences this weekend as they sing and dance their way into your heart. Frozen KIDS is a 40-minute production, making it an excellent introduction to theater. The show will be held at the Highline Performing Arts Center starting this Friday night, August 25th.
Make it an event! – Come 30 minutes before curtain to enjoy special treats at concessions and photo opportunities with characters from this fun musical: Meet the cast in a post-show Q&A. This production of Frozen KIDS is sure to prove that “some people are worth melting for.”
This is a Downstage Center Summer Production, which means they focus on the actors’ high-quality performance instead of the technical aspects. Cast members themselves range from age 7-16 years old.
Tickets and more details are available online.
Here is a synopsis of the show from their website:
“You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the celebrated animated film. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, and all your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted into a 40-minute show for young audience members and families who know every word by heart, this musical includes favorite Frozen songs such as “Love is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production.”
Hi-Liners have a local reputation for providing consistent quality musical performances featuring talented singers, actors, and dancers. Burien-News staff had the opportunity to interview Kathleen Edwards, the Artistic Director, and Bayje Felder, who plays the lead role of Elsa.
In 2020 the Hi-Liners were scheduled to perform the Frozen Jr. version, but one week before the opening, the show was canceled due to lockdowns. According to Edwards, this was an emotional decision to choose Frozen KIDS. It is a shorter version and not reproduced precisely like the 2020 show. “It is a celebration and a touchstone to honor what we had to let go while still moving forward.”
Edwards shared that the organization has also been intentionally seeking to increase diversity in its cast. This can be seen in their casting of Frozen, including Elsa, in which the lead role is played by Bayje Felder, a 16-year-old girl from Mt. Rainier High School. Bayje has been involved in three Hi-Liners productions and other drama performances all her life. When asked what she enjoyed about her role, Bayje said she was vocally challenged with the song “Let it Go.” The piece is complex, and she felt good about making a real breakthrough in working through the music.
Bayje will be a mentor, along with other teenagers, who will set the bar for professional conduct in the youth theater environment. Leadership and growth in the Hi-Liners Community is one of their secrets to success. Actors thrive in the community, and many come back after graduating High School to share their skills at a professional level. Krystle Alan, the Director and Choreographer of Frozen, started as a Mainstage performer when she was 12. Now she is also the Artistic Assistant.
A collaboration between long-time performers Richard Glaman and Macy Vinther provided Music Direction. Even the sound Technician Eric Busz played Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins, the recent Mainstage show this summer.
Hi-Liners are recruiting kids to come and join the fun of the theater community. They offer performance opportunities, classes, workshops, and camps for students aged three and up.
Hurry and buy your tickets for Frozen KIDS! Audiences at each show will be the first to find out about the productions included in the 2024 Season.
