May 12, 2023
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
DIAMOND BAR, CA— With true Disney fanfare, Diamond Bar High Drama Department presented a spectacular production of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical.”
“Frozen” sisters Anna and Elsa, adorable snowman Olaf, and a cast of characters made their very first debut on a high school stage in California.
Every seat in the theater was filled with captivated audiences of all ages during eight sold out performances in April.
An extra Saturday matinee was even added and tickets were snapped up within a matter of hours.
“This has been a dream come true and an incredible opportunity for all of us!” said Drama teacher and director Jared Kaitz who took on the “monster” challenge of bringing Disney magic to life.
A dedicated cast and crew, comprised of 200 students and musicians, rehearsed every afternoon for nearly four months.
“Frozen” featured sensational special effects, stunning sets, over 200 costumes and 50 wigs (many handmade by Kaitz himself), and powerhouse performances.
Cast members jumped at the chance to appear in the Disney musical they grew up with.
“When I think about this show, it will stand out in a league of its own,” shared junior Eden Wright, 17, who starred as Elsa, the queen of Arendelle with the icy magic power.
“I’ve been a Disney fan since I was a little girl and knew this was something I just had to do!” added junior Jovani Suviate who portrayed Elsa’s younger sister, Anna.
Jovani especially loved seeing all the children that came to watch the show.
“This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Junior Alexis Chisholm, 16, played Olaf, a tricky role which involved maneuvering a three-foot-tall snowman puppet while singing and dancing.
“Walking onstage and hearing kids scream ‘It’s Olaf!’ warmed my heart and made me so happy because I was making the kids happy,” she said.
“I never expected to ever be in such a huge production, surrounded by all these talented, kind, and supportive people,” said senior Aeron McCoy, 17, who played Anna in the dual-cast leading role.
“Every rehearsal was full of fun and laughter, but also passion and commitment,” she added.
When Kaitz, a Diamond Bar High alumnus, heard there was a contest for one high school in every state to win the production rights to “Frozen” – he applied right away.
In September, Diamond Bar High was granted exclusive rights to present the hit Disney musical.
Winners of The United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door nationwide contest were chosen based on their unique artistic vision of “Frozen” and commitment to diversity and inclusion outreach in the schools and local communities.
Diamond Bar High held matinee activities for children, WVUSD Unique as a Snowflake Showcase, Frozen Friday Updates, community outreach performances, Disneyland Resort “Frozen Costume Collaboration” partnership, and much more.
“Frozen” is ultimately about the power of love and ability to bring people together, something on display each day in the school’s theater department.
“This is a place where they can be themselves, they don’t have to hide behind a mask,” said Kaitz.
“This whole environment has been so welcoming,” Jovani, 17, said of her first high school theatrical experience.
“Everyone’s so kind and generous - there are no differences and everyone feels appreciated.”
Shown:
Let It Go! Diamond Bar High production of Disney’s “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” played to sold out audiences of all ages.