The Snow Queen: A Musical Fairytale, at the moment taking part in on the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg, has a really analogue air. The piece, penned 30 years in the past by its director, Laura Andruski, with music by Sharilyn C. Reynolds Ward, was initially commissioned by an opera firm to introduce kids to that artwork.
This origin is clear in Ward’s music. Effectively performed on a sole piano by music director Arielle Bayer, the songs comprise primarily exposition set to advanced tunes, typically with none try to make the rhythm of syllables match the music, within the fashion of operatic recitative. These are punctuated by repeated choruses. There are beautiful harmonies within the whole-cast numbers and within the duet “Finest Mates” sung by the earnest and candy Kai and Gerda (Puck Elkins and Maisie Irene). Altogether, the entire offers an impression virtually of getting come from one other time, or having been translated from one other language.
This can be partly as a result of the commissioning firm needed the work to stay as intently as potential to the unique phrases of Hans Christian Anderson. Andruski selected The Snow Queen, a beautiful story with a cheerful ending about friendship, helpfulness, and perseverance, excellent for youngsters. Originally of the present, the producer, Cassandra Redding, comes downstage to clarify to the youngest members of the viewers how issues work in a dwell play — how they will cheer, and boo, and work together with the performers. (Instructing them easy methods to do a standing ovation might need been a tad self-serving, but when the kids are that excited, why not?)
The present leans into its classic vibe with out seeming stodgy. In the back of the stage, the place increasingly more theaters as of late are counting on computer-designed video projections, Andruski’s set design consists completely of a “cranky” — an old-school, giant, and really lengthy paper strip on rollers that scrolls alongside, revealing sequential places in black and white drawings. The drawings, by scenic artist Reina Williamson, appear quite sketchy and skinny at first, particularly within the preliminary title picture, however because the scroll progresses the strains get heavier and extra black emerges to distinction with the white, emphasizing the snowy setting. At two factors, shadow puppets are projected from behind, particularly efficient when a carriage and horses sprint alongside a street by means of the woods, depicted by the shadow tipping up and down whereas the timber scroll by! This impact is so charming it will have been good to see extra use manufactured from it. We additionally get to see a powerful gliding sleigh and a very spectacular throne for the Snow Queen.
A pleasant aspect that makes the present contemporary is using splendidly artistic puppets, masks, and animal costumes by Cassandra Redding. From a Muppetesque goblin to a statuesque reindeer to a particularly animated crow, these particular results liven and lightweight up the stage — actually, within the case of some snowflakes that dance on and off.
It takes gifted actors to convey emotion from behind a goblin masks or a fowl beak, and this solid is as much as the duty. Significantly high-quality is Ian Swank as a crabbed evil elf and a stately reindeer, full from his horns to his hind hooves — about as excessive a bodily transformation as potential. Niranjali Amerasinghe delights as a duplicitous crow, squawking “Each Phrase I Say Is True,” who quickly has the kids yelling “NO!” and booing in earnest. Glenda Fu Smith gives demented comedian reduction in “They All Are Mine” earlier than she learns that having buddies is nicer than preserving prisoners at knifepoint. Sarah Robinson offers us a phenomenal, evil, and imperious Snow Queen in a spectacular white cloak bedecked with glittering snowflakes, with a crown and epaulettes manufactured from beautiful however viciously sharp icicles (costumes by McKenna Kelley).
All of this holds the little viewers members transfixed, their faces alight. Some bounce of their seats, some yell on the characters, some are thrilled to be given flowers to provide again to the solid members when requested. They’re actually caught up within the magic of dwell theater, completely engaged with out want for screens or earbuds or buttons to push. Patrons within the single-digit years, their dad and mom, grandparents, and anybody who loves old school theater and fairy tales will delight on this present.
Working Time: Beneath one hour with no intermission.
The Snow Queen: A Musical Fairytale performs by means of March 22, 2026 (Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 11 am & 2 pm, and Sunday at 1 & 4 pm), introduced by the Gaithersburg Arts Barn in partnership with The Montgomery Playhouse on the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Sq. Highway, Gaithersburg, MD. Buy tickets ($16 basic admission) on the door or on-line. On-line ticket gross sales finish two hours previous to the efficiency. Tickets can also be bought in individual on the Arts Barn field workplace or by calling 301-258-6394.
Really useful for ages 4+
The Snow Queen
Music by S.C. Reynolds-Ward
Guide & Lyrics by L.W. Andruski
