SILER CITY, N.C. — Bilingual high school students portraying Princess Elsa, Olaf and other beloved characters from “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” will soon be reading their story about the mythical kingdom of Arendelle to preschoolers across Chatham County thanks to Frozen Storytime.
Organized by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, Frozen Storytime was created as part of JM’s Season of Frozen, a series of special events over coming months to help celebrate Jordan-Matthews High School’s North Carolina school premiere of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical.” The school was one of about 50 selected in a national contest to be the first school to present the full Broadway musical in their state.
“Frozen Storytime brings preschoolers into the celebration,” says Rose Pate, president of JMArts. “The national theme uniting all of our statewide premieres is ‘Love Is An Open Door’ — and the idea is to bring everyone together, people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. We couldn’t think of a better way than having our dual-language student actors read the story of ‘Frozen’ to them in Spanish and English, the languages that reflect our community.”
To make that happen, JMArts has united with the Jordan-Matthews High School dual-language program and Chatham County Schools to offer the first Frozen Storytimes. Bilingual high school students who have studied together in both languages since kindergarten at Siler City Elementary will appear in costume in preschool classes at local public schools.
After reading “Disney Frozen II” to the children in Spanish and English, students portraying “Frozen” characters will talk with the preschoolers and give them each a copy of the book to take home for their very own.
Cynthia Bredenberg, who directs the high school dual-language program and also designs costumes for Jordan-Matthews theatrical productions, said students are already excited about what’s ahead. “ Our dual-language program students are always excited to work with our younger bilingual students,” she said. “This will give our high school students an opportunity to volunteer while using their Spanish skills.”
Books for all of the students are being provided by Chatham County Schools. “This collaboration is helping our youngest learners experience how the arts and multilingual learning can increase interest and love of literacy and most importantly acceptance of one another,” said Carrie Little, executive director of pre-K and federal programs for Chatham County Schools. “With each child receiving a copy of the book, they will be able to replay the memory of what they experienced when listening and watching the multilingual actors and feel a part of what they are reading.”
While Frozen Storytime will be offered this winter through Chatham County Schools, Pate said some public readings could be organized as well.
Jordan-Matthews was selected to present the statewide premiere in a nationwide competition sponsored by Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International. Centering on the theme “Love Is An Open Door,” the competition was designed to promote inclusion and outreach in high school theater programs.
“Frozen” performances are April 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 3 p.m. at the Jordan-Matthews High School Auditorium. Tickets will available in a presale to JMArts members beginning December 1 and then in a public sale beginning February 1.
Several free community events associated with the production will be held through April. Details will be announced on JMArts social media and listed on a web page dedicated to the “Frozen” production at jmarts.org/frozen.
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