The snow on the ground and the chill in the air made the timing just right for Wantagh Elementary School’s annual musical production, “Frozen KIDS.” Nearly 90 students took part in the adaptation of the popular Disney animated movie. 

There were four shows on Dec. 16 and 17. Daytime performances were for Wantagh Elementary students, followed by evening showings for families. The cast featured 52 fourth and fifth graders, supported by 37 members of the crew. 

Lead actors included Brandon Martori as King Agnarr, Viviana Mattingly as Queen Iduna, Ireland Hill-Hotz as Anna, Reya Basnet as Elsa, Francesca Morale as Young Anna, Mila Minicus and Young Elsa, Elle Mekeel as Middle Anna, Hollie Casale as Middle Elsa, Matthew Feder as Duke of Weselton, Jack Meinck as Hans, Anthony Segal as Kristoff, David Kolios as Sven, Evelyn Tierney as Olaf, Francesca Azcona as Pabbie and Addison Aquila as Bulda. The ensemble consisted of castle staff, hidden folk, storytellers, townspeople, the snow chorus and the summer chorus. 

There were several lively musical numbers including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Let the Sun Shine On” and “Let It Go.”

Members of the crew took on various roles from set changes to lighting and sound. Leading the production were director Kyle Sweezy, music director Kaitlyn Cavallo, choreographer Gillian LeRoy, stage manager Rachel Iannuzzi and technical director Christopher Cockren.

Auditions began the first week of the school year. Before-school rehearsals took place twice during each six-day cycle, as well as afterschool dress and technical rehearsals closer to the show. Mr. Sweezy said they chose “Frozen” because it is well-known by the students and the three prior shows since the inception of the school’s annual musical production have all been from Disney movies. 

“It’s a spectacle every year and it brings a lot of joy to the building,” Mr. Sweezy said. “Everyone worked really hard to prepare, and I’m very proud of the cast, crew and advisers.”

Mrs. Iannuzzi, the school’s assistant principal who launched the annual musical during the 2022-2023 school year, added that it is a big team effort to make this a success.