The show must go on: Youngsters fill stage in Sikeston Little Theatre’s ‘Frozen Jr.’

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Little Theatre wants you to “Let It Go” and take in a show.

And, in this time of coronavirus, they want to do it safely with social distancing and face masks.

“Frozen Jr.” opens at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Sikeston Little Theatre, 506 S. Kingshighway. Performances are slated for 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Aug. 20-22 and at 2 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 23.

Young actors rehearse a scene from “Frozen Jr.” at the Sikeston Little Theatre. Fifty-five actors in the third through seventh grades were cast in the musical production.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

Young actors rehearse a scene from “Frozen Jr.” at the Sikeston Little Theatre. Fifty-five actors in the third through seventh grades were cast in the musical production.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

According to Brock Thornsbrough, who is directing the show with his wife, Amie, bringing the “Frozen Jr.” to the Sikeston stage was months in the making. In January, 55 youngsters in third through seventh grades were cast in the musical production.

“It was all great,” Thornsbrough said. “Then in March COVID took over, and we stopped all rehearsals at that point.”

But in true theater form, Thornsbrough decided the show must go on. In June rehearsals began again.

“We began rehearsing with just four or five actors at a time where we could space everyone out,” he recalled. “Then beginning at the last week of June, I asked the parents if they were comfortable with moving forward. They were so we brought the full cast back in.”

As rehearsals continued in July, Thornsbrough said the SLT board of directors worked to ensure the safety of all involved. There was always plenty of hand sanitizer and each evening after the children left, all rooms were thoroughly cleaned.

For the production, the number of seats at each performance is limited and audience members are asked to wear masks.

Despite the break, Thornsbrough said rehearsals have gone well.

“Normally a show goes six to eight weeks but we have gone months. While (the cast) was on break, most of them memorized the music and were familiar with their lines. So when we started, we came back with a leg up,” he said.

Thornsbrough said the production resembles the animated movie but includes the songs added for the Broadway production. Audience members will hear “Let It Go,” “Fixer Upper” and “Love is an Open Door.”

He also promised some “jaw-dropping” surprises in the production.

The young performers have not only mastered the music and the dancing for “Frozen Jr.” but also acting, Thornsbrough said.

“I think that every character has an important role in telling this story - you have a hero, a villain, the sisters, the parents that end up dying so we know the tragedy,” he said. “The kids have taken on the characters they were assigned and understand the importance of each role in making this story amazing.”

The cast is a mix of veterans and newcomers, such as Jocelyn Bickings, who fills the role of Bulda.

“She is a great singer and performer. We hope that she will be coming back,” he said.

“Abbigail Tarter of Sikeston is one of my veterans,” Thornsbrough continued. “She has played several smaller roles and earned the lead role of Elsa. She is just nailing it.”

Twelve-year-old Abbigail said she was surprised and happy to be cast in a leading role. She was equally happy to return to rehearsals.

“I was just glad to be back with everybody. It is really an enjoyable experience. The people in the theater are amazing. You get to know everybody and they feel like a family to you,” she said.

She said her favorite song is “Let It Go.” Abbigail called it a challenging song then pointed out that the show is all about challenges.

“I feel like there is a message of love and learning to overcome things that get in your way. It is about not letting things stop you from getting to do what you want to do,” she said.

Cheryl Tarter, Abbigail’s mother, said participating in this and the other SLT productions have been good for her daughter.

“She was very shy when she first started, but she loved to sing. Now she is much more outgoing and definitely more vocal,” she said. “People will be kind of speechless when they come to the show. It is going to be amazing and not just Abigail, all the kids are great.”

The show’s choreographer Jenny Duncan of New Madrid, Missouri, said there was just too much talent involved in the local production not to bring it to the public.

“They were very ready to get back to the theater to put on the show. I think that helped with their wanting to learn,” Duncan said. “When they came back, they picked up on the dances so much easier.”

She said the young actors’ favorite dance is “Hygge.” As for her, she also likes “Let It Go” and “Fixer Upper.”

“I have a lot of fun teaching the little kids because they just want to learn. They are very respectful and always have smiles on their faces,” she said.

Duncan will only see the opening night of “Frozen Jr.” The next day she heads to St. Louis to attend Missouri Baptist University, majoring in theater and minoring in dance.

“I’m just very proud of these kids. Their talent is mind-blowing for their age. They are all little superstars. I’m going to miss them very much,” she said.

Duncan and Abbigail agreed; “Frozen Jr.” has much to offer.

“Anybody who is questioning whether to see a show, they don’t want to miss it. It is an experience you will remember,”Abbigail promised.

Thornsbrough suggested any youngsters in the audience who have Elsa or Anna costumes or any others characters from the movie to wear them to the theater.

“This is a family show and it will be fun,” he said.

To add to the fun, Thornsbrough said Unilever has donated frozen treats to be handed out as the audience leaves the theater.