The Cache Theatre Company staged an amusing little amateur production of Frozen Jr. featuring talented teens from Cache Valley high schools last weekend.
The show had some minor gaffs and glitches that are typical of any amateur musical. But Frozen Jr. also had many of the pleasures that can only be derived from watching young people expand their horizons on stage.
Chief among those pleasures was watching the youthful cast of Frozen Jr. perform their hearts out, knowing that every minute in the spotlight represented hours devoted to rehearsal in lieu of having been spent that time staring at their smart phones or other digital devices. It was also gratifying to see the Utah Theatre fairly crowded with an audience that included a high percentage of young people who apparently still enjoy live performing rather than virtual forms of entertainment.
There was plenty for them to enjoy in Frozen Jr.
Katie Ludlow starred as the snow queen Elsa. Her performance was genuinely heartfelt and her voice was strong enough to really belt out the show anthem’s “Let It Go!”
Ms. Ludlow shared the stage with perky Brynlee Downs playing Elsa’s sibling Anna. Ms. Downs’ portrayal of the precocious kid sister was engaging and she sang lead in many of the show’s crowd-pleasing choral numbers.
The real surprise of the evening was Kayli Checketts in the scene-stealing role of the magically animated snowman Olaf. Ms. Checkletts lit up the stage with her infectious enthusiasm; she can sing, dance and comically mug with the best of them. You literally couldn’t take your eyes off her.
Other cast stand-outs include Sam Teuscher as the ice-hauler Kristoff, Kestley King as the raindeer Sven, Thomas Barton as the alpine entrepreneur Oaken and Ben Anderson as no-good Prince Hans.
The strong choral singing of the show’s ensemble also deserves mention, along with the graceful dancing of the Snow Chorus (Sydney Pace, Ashley Barton, Violet Batemen, Regen Lemon, Savannah Leonhardt and Emily Myers) that simulated the effects of winter storms.
Kudos to Chris Metz for directing this showcase for young talent and enhancing the production with innovative lighting effects.
I sincerely hope that the young cast members of Frozen Jr. had as much fun performing the show as I did watching it.
The Cache Theatre Company’s next offering will be the bluegrass musical Bright Star opening Nov. 7.
Support for Charlie's In The House comes from The Cache Valley Visitor Bureau and The Sportsman.
