Once again, the much-anticipated annual Weaver Arts production is here at the historic Merced Theatre, with this year’s production being Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” — based on the massive 2013 hit film.
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the live magic of theatre as well as this beloved tale brought to life through the hard work of our talented local students.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Merced Theatre website: mercedtheatre.org
Scheduled Showtimes:
• Friday, March 6, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m.
Notably, this year’s production was led by first time director, and longtime Weaver Arts collaborator, Jennifer Davey, who first began volunteering with the program all the way back in 2011 when her daughter participated in her first show.
“It’s hard to put into words what this program means to myself and my family,” Davey says. “My three, now adult, children are Weaver alum and all three participated in Weaver Performing Arts. My two oldest children helped with productions while in high school and have both come back each year to help in some capacity. The lessons learned in our theater program go so far beyond just performing on stage. Students build relationships, learn communication skills, self confidence, how to overcome fear and push past obstacles, how to be a team player, compassion, dedication, resilience. All these character traits go far beyond our program and contribute to successful, kind, and productive members of our community.
“My favorite part of our program is performance week. I love seeing the student’s eyes light up when they walk into the historic Merced Theatre for the first time, the look on their faces when they hear their voice for the first time during mic checks, or how proud they are of their friends as they watch from the sides of the stage while they wait for their turn to go on. The moments where you see all the hard work come together are the best for me. The pure ‘in the moment’ excitement where kids are doing something they love and don’t have to worry about anything else.”
About the production itself, Davey shares, “I love that this is not a typical princess, romantic fairy-tale. It’s a story of loyalty and honor. Love of family and sisters. It’s about believing in yourself and allowing yourself to be exactly who you are born to be. This is a struggle that hits home for many middle school students who often are looking to ‘fit in’ or are worried about what others might think of them.”
This week, the Times was also able to speak with some of the young cast members amidst their busy rehearsal schedule to learn about their experiences and see why so many youngsters love this production so much.
“It has been an amazing experience learning and working on this show,” says Juan Pulido Jr., cast as King Agnarr, and three year Weaver Arts veteran. “My favorite scene in the show is ‘Summer’ because I love the energy of Olaf and the song.” He also added, “To the people who come see the show, I hope you enjoy the show and come back to see our future projects.”
“I love to perform and I love to have a microphone,” says first-time performer London Hillhouse, cast as Middle Elsa. “It’s been difficult to learn the songs, but when I did, it was really fun. … My favorite scene is in ‘Do you want to build a snowman,’ because it’s the only time I sing alone. This scene is very sad.”
Says four-year Weaver Arts participant Haydin Gastelum: “It has been fun because I get to work on something that I love doing — performing, singing, dancing. And, I’ve got to meet so many new people who are just the best.nI like Frozen Jr. because it helps me be myself and I can be outgoing with people who can be real with me.”
The Cast:
• Mia Hunt as Anna
• Aurora Serena as Elsa
• Brandon Sutherland as Kristoff
• Samantha Mercado as Sven
• Christopher Easley as Hans
• Raydin Gastelum as Olaf
• Alivia Cobian as Young Anna
• Eliana Gonzales as Young Elsa
• Juan Pulido as King Agnarr
• Sophie Charo as Queen Iduna
• Fue Her as Pabbie
• Aleena Aguirre as Bulda
• Shay Yang Middle Anna
• London Hillhouse as Middle Elsa
• Ronan Vang as the Bishop
• Mikayla Yee as the Housekeeper
• Mason Whitfield as the Butler
• Jordenne Hunt as the Handmaiden
• Lilly Jones as the Cook
• Isaac Granados as Steward
• Raydin Gastelum as the Duke of Weselton
• Lily Jones as Oaken
• Jaxon Lee as Guard
• Juan Chavez as Guard
Townspeople: Ariyana Chavez, Juan Chavez, Haydin Gastelum, Emmalyn Her, Camilla Lupian, Jaxon Lee, Aprill Martinez, Ronan Vang, and Ryann Williams
Castle Staff/Hidden Folk/Oaken’s Family: Aleena Aguirre, Jazlene Damigo, Benjamin Gonzalez, Isaac Granados, Fue Her, Jordenne Hunt, Naiya Ingram, Lily Jones, Mia Medina, Mason Whitfield, and Mikayla Yee
Snow/Summer Chorus: Aveline Barriga, Madison Her, London Hillhouse, Arya Oseguera, Tiara Pridgeon Hampton, Enevy Ramirez, Faith Xiong, and Shay Yang
Dancers: Josue Baez-Martinez, Penelope Chavez, Kaylah Cobian-Lizaola, Joslyn Darling, Francil Ellington, Gianna Elms, Rhema Gonzalez, Sophia Gutierrez-Vera, Bailey Her, Harper Klups, Bella Luna, Deborah Munoz, Aimee Purslow, Alejandra Ramirez, Bella Rodriguez, Leah Salamanca, Xylia Santoya, and Piper Vang
“Thank you to the Weaver Union School District for allowing us to have a program like this year after year,” Davey says. “I’d love to see a performing arts program expand into more that is offered during the school day and act as a pathway to high school. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet up with the Golden Valley drama department this year and our students loved it!
“Thank you to the parents, staff, teachers, boosters, Administration for all the support and hard work to help the students succeed. Thank you to the students for trusting the process and embracing change. I’m so proud!”