CLEARFIELD – One of the most beautiful of all fairy tales, the timeless appeal of The Snow Queen lies in its persuading us that life is truly magical.
In Hans Christian Andersen’s play, the wicked Snow Queen casts her icy spell on the world, turns young Kay’s heart to ice, and takes him away as her eternal prisoner to her Ice Palace at the very top of the world.
Gerda, Kay’s friend, must journey forever north and brave many dangers in her attempt to save Kay and break Winter’s grip. Gerda never gives up. She leads us through terrifying ordeals as well as endless fun and nonsense.
Along the way, Gerda encounters talking ravens, the evil Cobweb Spider, a prince and princess, a band of robbers and the wild robber-girl, greedy polar bears and the brave reindeer who carries Gerda across the artic. This is a wonderful, fast-paced adventure story, fitting for the whole family.
“Let me give you a fair warning,” says Gwen Crandell, director of this production. “For those of you who have heard this is the story the movie Frozen was based on (it is), there are a lot of differences…and no Olaf!
“However, the message is still the same: Love and resilience can conquer all adversity. We hope young and young-at-heart alike enjoy our rendering and any would-be splinters are melted away by our performance.”
The show is sponsored through a very generous gift from the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Clearfield.
During the run of the show, the CAST lobby will be filled with works of art from Mary Hamilton and Fred Gearhart.
On opening night, the Clearfield County Fair Queen, and CAST board member, Rachel Duke, will collect donations for the Queens for A Cause, which raises funds to support Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities.
During intermission, homemade refreshments will be available. Chances can also be purchased for a “Basket of Cheer” featuring wine and other goodies, as well as a “Stocking Stuffer” basket for kids.
The cast is made up of more than 20 children, ranging in age from 10-16 years. The show is directed by Crandell, with Dee Coudriet and Jennifer Himes Bush serving as assistant directors. Lisa Gormont is stage manager.
Countless parents and family members are volunteering behind the scenes to make this winter fairytale come to life.
Performances dates and times are Dec. 9-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Group rates are also available by contacting CAST.
Sunday’s matinee performance will feature sign language interpretation.
Tickets are available online at www.ClearfieldArts.org. The CAST office will be open to sell tickets Mondays and Tuesdays, Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets will also be sold at the door prior to each performance.
For more information, visit www.ClearfieldArts.org, call 814-765-4474 or e-mail ClearfieldArts@gmail.com.
The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. CAST is located at 112 E. Locust St., in the heart of downtown Clearfield.