Self Care

Arden Children’s Theatre Presents: Snow Queen

LaToi Storr December 28, 2019 no Comments

I have 3 angry little children in my house. They had no idea that I would be attending the show; The Snow Queen. However I will be changing that. This was my first time at the Arden Children’s Theatre. As you know I love theatre and think that all people should have the opportunity to attend shows. I’m glad to know that Arden Theatre feels the same and donates tickets to children and patrons who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This is due in large to patrons donating a ticket price at the end of their shows.

There are so many reasons why Snow Queen gets a great two thumbs up!

When I see a show I try to view it from many different angles. Although I attended the show with Phillyfoodgal and it seemed as if we were the only ones who didn’t have kids with us it really is a show for all ages. It’s witty, dynamic and most importantly interactive.

Length of Show

I thought the length of the show was just right. It wasn’t too short which I thought it might be since it is a children’s theatre. Because is it’s interactive nature it has an intermission about 45 minutes into the show right as the kids wanted to begin being antsy. There was a set of kids behind us and they did well and were about the same ages of my youngest children. From the lights and actions The Snow Queen kept all of the kids right in the action!

Interaction

Depending on where you sit there is snow falling which the big kid in me loves. Beach balls and other interactive play happening at one time. It adds to the kids sensory play in my opinion. It’s the perfect way to hold the kids attention. For theatre at such a young age it’s perfect. Let me also give a great compliment to the actors who held a question and answer afterwards. Their ability to help the children formulate their questions without making them feel bad was the best.

Actor Alex Bechtel speaking to a child after the performance

Will the kids love it?

Absolutely yes! It’s a great family time show that kids of all ages will love. The story follows the Snow Queen as she attempts to a “loyal” subject to help fix her mirror. In this quest it takes Gerda on a seasonal trek to find out about herself and her abilities. The whole cast turns into a life size dream world to help facilitate the changing of seasons. It’s colorful, bold, filled with amazing songs and each actor has such a stage presence that even the characters who you don’t want to like you love! Your child will have much to talk about once leaving this show. FYI it’s not Frozen. I know a lot of the kids near me kept saying it but by the time they left they instinctively had a clear line. Also they do a great job talking lightly about topics such as anxiety. I loved this since kids of all ages and a lot of adults deal with it! Making it normal because it is a normal part of life stuck out to me!

Things to know

The stage is round in the sense. There are marked off yellow lines like construction lines so that you don’t cross over. I would encourage kids to go to the bathroom prior to the show but if like kids they have to go during there is only 2 ways to leave the theatre and you will be directed.

There is a concession stand for food and drinks. You can bring them into the theatre. Allot about 10-15 minutes prior to the show to grab them as the lines can be long. The prices aren’t bad either! Oh the cups they have the cups with the sippy like tops! These cups even for adults are amazing and provide a keepsake to take home!!

Daniel Ison plays Cei and a Troll

Please consider donating at the end of your show. Right now they have a donor willing to match each donation. It takes $14 dollars to send a kid who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend a show and now that one $14 with the match sends 2 kids to a show! That’s super amazing to me. I was exposed to theatre because my mother majored in it and had grown up with it her whole life. Not everyone has that as their story line. Often outside of a movie that’s the only acting that some kids think about because of lack of exposure.

Snow Queen played by Katherine Fried

Little known gem: The Cat and the Hat is coming in the Spring. I will be in the building with my 3 kids for sure! I also can’t wait to see it in the Spring.

Eunice Akinola plays Gerda and Troll

Jo Vito Ramirez plays John, Fred, Troll, Robber and Narcissus

To the actors

You had such amazing charisma. I was sitting there like a big kid enjoying every minute because you brought each character to life. You did above and beyond to make me see you as your individual characters. All of your stage presence was seen. Afterwards thank you for taking pictures with me too!

Alex Bechtel plays Mr. Oversku, JJ, Bae, Snow Drop, and Troll

Thank you to Phillyfoodgal for inviting me. I had the best time. Thank you to Bryan Buttler Media for the arrangements. Thank you to the Arden Theatre Company. I love what you are doing. Thank you to ALL staff who helped even the volunteers of the night!

Mary Fishburne plays Mrs. Fyn, Rose, Robber, and Troll

I look forward to the Spring Show as well as bringing my own to this show.

Jenna Kuerzi plays Elisa, Lil, Robber Girl, Bindweed, and Troll

FYI the Snow Queen ends January 26th. This is plenty of time to take your family to see this. I also highly recommend it while the kids are out of school. Although the gift giving is almost over I would recommend the gift of theatre. Kids have enough toys gift them experiences! For tickets click here!