**** Highly Recommended On Saturday, December 2, 2023, I saw “The Snow Queen,” a new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s adventure, with my mom and two young children. It was excellent! The audience was filled with young girls and young boys, alike. All ages enjoyed this musical! I would give this play 5 out of 5 stars.
The play follows a best friendship between Gerda (Joryhebel Ginorio) and Kai (Jeremiah Alsop). As the Snow Queen, (Alanna Chavez) lures, traps, and deceives Kai to her Snow Palace, the furthest North point of the world, to count and analyze snowflakes for eternity, Gerda does not give up searching for her best friend despite her grandmother’s (Caron Buinis) uneasiness about the adventure.
Gerda must make the long and treacherous journey North to find Kai and convince him to come home. She encounters many magical creatures and people along her journey; some of these characters help her and others hinder her efforts. A special reindeer and crow (Ryan Stajmiger) help Gerda really get underway on her adventure.
Gerda eventually makes it to the Snow Queen’s Palace and convinces Kai that he belongs at home. She tells him it is so cold there and he belongs with kindness and love. Kai eventually realizes the special love and genuine friendship Gerda has for him and agrees to go home.
The play was very enjoyable. The music and singing were great! Most of the artists play numerous characters; it is really amazing how they switch between all of their roles and costumes so well.
The message to follow love, friendship, and not give up for what you believe in, was wonderful. The performance also echoed an anti-bullying tone, too.
The cast stays after the play to answer questions from the audience. The play lasted just over an hour at an hour and 5 minutes. "The Snow Queen" is directed by Landree Fleming with music direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Katie Johannigman.
"The Snow Queen" runs through December 31st at the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Performances are Fridays through Sundays at 10:00 am with select 12:30 pm performances and plenty of holiday week performances. Tickets are $15.75 (plus tax and handling fees). FYI (847) 634-0200 or www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Julia Rack and her review crew.