By Jessica Dillon
Martinsville City Public Schools’ Performing Arts Academy’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. will take the stage this weekend at Martinsville High School.
The production, presented by the Martinsville Performing Arts Academy, will be performed March 6-8. Students say they are excited to bring the popular story to life for the community.
Kamori Dillard, a senior at Martinsville High School, plays Elsa after auditioning for the role. The production marks her final high school play. She plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University and major in laboratory animal science with a minor in dance.
“My favorite part of the movie, specifically, would probably have to be Olaf just every time he steps foot on the screen. I just love his personality, just everything about him,” said Dillard. “My favorite part about Elsa is how, in the beginning, she doesn’t really want to let go, but then, as time goes on, she finds herself. She realizes that it’s actually okay to let go, and that it’s okay to be yourself and not worry about what others think about you.”
Dillard said playing Elsa resonates with her, especially after taking on leadership roles in recent productions.
“This is my final show. While it is a sad moment, I feel so accomplished over what I’ve done over these years. My happiness, it kind of overrules my sadness a little bit. Like, just everything I wanted in theater has come to fruition, and I’m just so excited to do it one more time.”
“This is just an amazing show. I really hope the public enjoys it,” she added.
Sixteen-year-old Kira Johnson plays Anna. Although she auditioned for middle Anna, she was cast as the older version of the character.
Her favorite moment from the movie is a comedic scene.
“In both the movie and the play, when Weselton bowed down, his ball spot shows.”
Johnson said her favorite musical number is “Love Is an Open Door.”
“Definitely, love is an open door. I think that’s one of my favorite scenes,” she said.
She added that she enjoys Anna’s personality.
“I just like how she’s very energetic and she’s happy that she thinks she found love. It’s just full of excitement.”
Senior Caesar Draper plays Olaf, the cheerful snowman. Draper said he has received several college offers but has not yet decided where he will attend. He plans to major in professional theatre.
“I’ve seen frozen multiple times, the 1st and 2nd and I just love the movie. I love the message that the movie gives. I feel like in the plays, we’re telling this story, so you can actually put more feeling in it because you’re telling the story to the audience,” he said.
Draper said one of his favorite aspects of performing is the community that develops among cast members.
“I can say my favorite part is the community and, like, how we all are different, different ages, different genders, different races, and we can all come together despite our insecurities or our things that we think are different about us that other people don’t like. We can put it together to create something beautiful, which is a show that the audience loves.”
Olaf is portrayed using a puppet, and Draper will wear a white outfit to match the character while delivering his lines.
He encouraged other students to pursue performing arts if they are interested.
“For any kid that has like the thought of doing musicals, dancing, or anything in their life that they feel is different and they feel like everybody else would judge them for what they choose to do with their life. I say go for it. It’s your life. You only live once. And with me, I went for an opportunity with performing in my first musical, The Lion King Jr. Now, I’m here today. I have sung in multiple places. I’ve danced multiple places. I have performed most of places I’ve even got grown more connections throughout my career of performing. And it all started here in Martinsville. So if you have the opportunity, I say you take it and seize the moment.”
Performances of Disney’s Frozen Jr. will be held March 6-8 at Martinsville High School. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and $20 for VIP seating, which includes early seating and two selections from the concession stand.
