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Stage North presents family friendly production ‘The Snow Queen'

“The Snow Queen” tells the harrowing tale of Gerda, a scrappy young girl, who overcomes snow monsters, robbers and a vengeful queen with a heart of ice. The theater company add its own spin to the production.

Snow Queen 1
Cast of "The Snow Queen," recently rehearse a scene in costume. The Stage North Theatre Co. is presenting the holiday play that runs Dec. 11-15 on the Franklin Arts Center stage in Brainerd. Submitted Photo

Stage North Theatre Co.’s holiday adaptation of “The Snow Queen” assures audiences that even the iciest of hearts can melt under the power of love, the company states in a news release.

With both night and matinee performances, the family-friendly show runs Dec. 11-15 at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd.

Originally penned by Hans Christian Anderson in 1845, and used as the basis for the movie “Frozen,” “The Snow Queen” tells the harrowing tale of Gerda played by Jaden Wendt, a scrappy young girl, who overcomes snow monsters, robbers and a vengeful queen with a heart of ice, played by Liz Davies. Gerda wants to recover her lost and beloved little brother, Kai, played by Caleb Pence. Co-directors Gary Hirsch and Wendy DeGeest have put their own spin on the classic story, adding a bit of Christmas magic, a few intriguing twists and turns, and instances of audience participation. And for those who have been longing for snow, the theater company satisfies that desire in an unexpected manner, a news release stated.

Topped off with five major dance interludes to classical tunes, the fast-paced show is sure to be entertaining from head to toe and start to finish.

“Wendy and the dancers have done such a great job; it is so much fun,” Hirsch stated. “And everyone will be surprised and pleased with the show’s ending.”

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Stage North’s stated mission is to put the “community” in community theater. With each show, Hirsch endeavors to include as many people as possible. “Snow Queen” has a cast and production crew of more than 50 theater enthusiasts, ranging from young to old and experienced to first-timers.

“Together, they create a whimsical world full of adventure,” Hirsch stated. “Audiences will be immediately drawn into the scenes just based alone on the set design by Dave Ostrowski and built by Mike Anderson. But soon attendees will find themselves enamored by the seasonal songs from a delightful children’s chorus, and charming performances from the entire acting troupe.”

Cast includes Barb McColgan as Gerda and Kai’s loving grandma; Jesse Brutscher as the Hunter; sisters Autumn and Maureen Paulus in various characters, as well as three Tanner siblings — Abigail, Kamber and Olivia.

“Stage North’s holiday shows — especially — are becoming a Brainerd lakes-area tradition,” commented one season ticket holder. “Audience members always walk away with a full heart and smiles on their faces.”

“The Snow Queen” will be 7:30 p.m. December 11-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. Tickets are available by calling 218-232-6810, online at stagenorththeater.com or by stopping in at the A-2-Z Yarn Shop. Also check out the ticket selection on B-bay.

Stage North Theatre Co. encourages audience members to join A-2-Z Yarn Shop, Transformed By Love Ministries and the Franklin Arts Center by donating new unwrapped toys for all ages as well as non-perishable food items for the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army.

Stage North Theatre Co.’s holiday adaptation of “The Snow Queen” assures audiences that even the iciest of hearts can melt under the power of love, the company states in a news release.

With both night and matinee performances, the family-friendly show runs Dec. 11-15 at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd.

ADVERTISEMENT

Originally penned by Hans Christian Anderson in 1845, and used as the basis for the movie “Frozen,” “The Snow Queen” tells the harrowing tale of Gerda played by Jaden Wendt, a scrappy young girl, who overcomes snow monsters, robbers and a vengeful queen with a heart of ice, played by Liz Davies. Gerda wants to recover her lost and beloved little brother, Kai, played by Caleb Pence. Co-directors Gary Hirsch and Wendy DeGeest have put their own spin on the classic story, adding a bit of Christmas magic, a few intriguing twists and turns, and instances of audience participation. And for those who have been longing for snow, the theater company satisfies that desire in an unexpected manner, a news release stated.

Topped off with five major dance interludes to classical tunes, the fast-paced show is sure to be entertaining from head to toe and start to finish.

“Wendy and the dancers have done such a great job; it is so much fun,” Hirsch stated. “And everyone will be surprised and pleased with the show’s ending.”

Stage North’s stated mission is to put the “community” in community theater. With each show, Hirsch endeavors to include as many people as possible. “Snow Queen” has a cast and production crew of more than 50 theater enthusiasts, ranging from young to old and experienced to first-timers.

“Together, they create a whimsical world full of adventure,” Hirsch stated. “Audiences will be immediately drawn into the scenes just based alone on the set design by Dave Ostrowski and built by Mike Anderson. But soon attendees will find themselves enamored by the seasonal songs from a delightful children’s chorus, and charming performances from the entire acting troupe.”

Cast includes Barb McColgan as Gerda and Kai’s loving grandma; Jesse Brutscher as the Hunter; sisters Autumn and Maureen Paulus in various characters, as well as three Tanner siblings — Abigail, Kamber and Olivia.

“Stage North’s holiday shows — especially — are becoming a Brainerd lakes-area tradition,” commented one season ticket holder. “Audience members always walk away with a full heart and smiles on their faces.”

“The Snow Queen” will be 7:30 p.m. December 11-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. Tickets are available by calling 218-232-6810, online at stagenorththeater.com or by stopping in at the A-2-Z Yarn Shop. Also check out the ticket selection on B-bay.

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Stage North Theatre Co. encourages audience members to join A-2-Z Yarn Shop, Transformed By Love Ministries and the Franklin Arts Center by donating new unwrapped toys for all ages as well as non-perishable food items for the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army.

Snow Queen 2
Liz Davies plays the vengeful queen with a heart of ice in "The Snow Queen," presented by Stage North Theatre Co. The play opens Dec. 11 at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd and runs through Dec. 15. Submitted Photo

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