A Frozen #FrontRowFriday to all the Encore fans out there! We’re buzzing with anticipation leading up to the opening of Disney’s Frozen Jr. this evening at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. It’s our first production back in our home theatre since The Jungle Book back in 2017. We are definitely full of family feeling, returning to our Encore home with a show that focuses on the significance of sisterhood. We found the perfect duo to continue this theme: sisters Sydney and Molly P!
Encore: Say hello! Briefly introduce yourselves (how have you been involved with Encore and/or the arts before, who are you playing in this production, etc).
Molly: I’m Molly P. and I’m nine years old. This is my first Encore show and I’m playing Young Anna. I’ve seen every show that my older sister has been in — I actually saw The Music Man eight times! I’ve always loved musical theatre and we’ve been going to musicals together since I was three years old.
Sydeney: Hello! My name is Sydney P. I have been performing in Encore shows for four years. Disney’s Frozen Jr. is my eighth show. I am playing the role of Sven in this production.
Encore: What’s been the best thing about doing a show with your sister?
Sydney: There are a few reasons why I love doing this show with my sister. We get to practice all of the songs and dances together! I also love watching Molly develop as an actor. She has been coming to my shows since 2015. She has been waiting for the time when she could be up on the stage. I enjoy watching her learn about the process of putting a show together and everything that goes with it.
Molly: I’m excited that my first show is with my sister.
Encore: What was the audition process like for each of you? How did you feel?
Sydney: My audition process was kind of stressful but at the same time exciting. The weeks leading up to the audition involved lots of belting of Frozen songs and watching the movie. Molly and I saw the Broadway show last year. I knew a little more about what to expect when I walked into the audition room.
Molly: I was at Girl Scout sleepaway camp that week and I went back and forth twice for the audition and callback. I was nervous. I’d practiced the songs and harmonies from the Broadway show with my sister and a teacher.
Encore: What’s been your favorite Encore memory so far?
Molly: I love singing “Let the Sun Shine On” and being IN a show!
Sydney: My favorite Encore memory has been meeting so many new and amazing people. Every show has so many fun people. I have met some of my best friends through Encore. I love working onstage with all of them but also hanging when we are off of the stage. I love joining a new cast and seeing everyone that I have done shows with before and have not seen in a long time.
Encore: What do you enjoy most about performing?
Molly: I love solo and ensemble singing.
Sydney: The thing that I enjoy most about performing is getting to try things that you wouldn’t get to do otherwise. You get to explore so many different sides of yourself. There are so many different roles that you could take on and there is always more to learn. It’s fun to leave behind everything that is happening in your life and just become a new person.
Encore: How would you describe Encore’s production of Frozen Jr. to someone who had never seen the movie before?
Sydney: Disney’s Frozen Jr. is a fantastic musical. It’s a story about the journey of two sisters who don’t know much about each other. As the story goes on, both sisters learn about the other as well as themselves. Encore does a great job with all the little details going into this show. We have all worked hard on all of the songs and dances. The is so much energy and emotion put into this show by everyone who is a part of it.
Molly: It’s a really fun story about sisterhood. There is great music and funny scenes.
Encore: What are you most proud of/excited about regarding our upcoming show? Why should people come to see the show?
Molly: I feel proud of my work on Young Anna’s harmonies. People should come see the show because it’s a fun story with lots of good songs, fun dances, and lots of talented actors and actresses!
Sydney: I am most excited about exploring this new character and having lots of fun on the stage. I can’t wait to interact with all of the audience as we walk through the audience and after the show. This is show is so much fun for everyone. It’s a new version of Frozen, different than the movie.
Encore: Anything else you’d like to share?
Sydney: I hope everyone comes to watch this amazing show!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, October 12 and 19, 2019 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, October 13 and 20, 2019 at 3pm
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos contributed by the O’Dell-Payne Family.
Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.