HCPSSLong Reach HS Wins National Contest to Debut Broadway’s “Frozen”
April 19th, 2023
Audiences who attend Long Reach High School’s April 2023 production of Broadway’s Frozen are in for more than just entertainment. They’ll also be part of a new chapter in Frozen’s history, with LRHS having been selected as one of only 50 high schools in the nation with rights to produce the show.
LRHS’ interest in doing Frozen isn’t new, says Marla Blasko, who directs the school’s theater program. LRHS students had wanted to do the show, but with Frozen Jr.—an abridged version of the Broadway show—being the only option available to high schools, Blasko decided to hold off.
“Frozen is a big show that requires the right cast and a lot of resources. I wanted to wait until we were in a position to do the Broadway version and really do it right,” she explains.
That opportunity surfaced in June 2022, when Blasko learned of a nationwide contest for high schools offering a unique prize: exclusive rights to produce the Broadway version of the show, as well free access to the Frozen digital script and score.
“It felt like a sign that the world wanted us to do [Frozen],” Blasko recalls.
Organized by the Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International, the contest required high schools to submit an online application outlining their vision for the production and how it would engage the school and local community under the theme of “Love is an Open Door.”
In her application, Blasko noted her plans to “create an inclusive, innovative and interactive production,” and recruit students of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds to participate, adding that “the Long Reach theatre department welcomes all and is part of a school that celebrates diversity.”
Blasko’s effort paid off. In August 2022, she was notified that LRHS had been selected as the contest winner for the state of Maryland.
“It was such great news. With the rights to the musical and the royalty fees covered, we could officially move ahead and start preparing to bring Frozen to LRHS,” says Blasko.
In addition to conducting rehearsals, Blasko has been hard at work gathering materials for the show. That includes sifting through the collection of materials LRHS has amassed from previous theater productions, as well as taking part in a “prop swap” with other schools in the county.
“We definitely try to reuse and repurpose as many of our existing materials as possible to keep costs down,” she notes, adding that audiences may recognize props from past shows when they see Frozen.
“We’re working hard to provide the Disney magic audiences expect and also make the story our own,” Blasko says.
Among the unique elements attendees can look forward to are a “snowflake chorus,” featuring 12 Howard County elementary school students, a live pit band composed of professional musicians and Howard County students, and extensive use of dance to tell the Frozen story.
LRHS will present Frozen in the school auditorium April 20 at 7 p.m., April 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and April 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at hcpss.booktix.com for $11 or at the door for $12.
