Do You Want to Go See Frozen?

Published March 24, 2023

Do You Want to Go See Frozen?

It’s going to be a little chilly at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts when A.V.A. Ballet Theatre and the Reno Phil perform Frozen April 22 and 23, 2023. Choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne, Frozen the ballet is the captivating story of the Snow Queen written by Hans Christian Andersen. When their kingdom becomes trapped in a perpetual winter, Alana joins forces with mountaineer Kai to find Alana’s sister, Snow Queen Ella, to break the icy spell.

This is the second time A.V.A. Ballet Theatre has performed Frozen, but the choreography is new. Artistic director Van Alstyne says he is excited about the production. “We were able to let our imagination go wild for this ballet,” he said. “There is something for all ages to enjoy.”

In addition to new choreography, there is new music too. The spring rendition of Frozen will include music from Sergei Prokofiev’s The Stone Flower, considered one of his greatest works; Léo Delibes, and Disney music with the Hal Leonard melody as well. Dr. Jason Altieri will be conducting the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and I’m looking forward to hearing the orchestra play the dramatic music.

Dr. Altieri is the current Associate Conductor for the Reno Philharmonic and Music Director of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for making audiences laugh while on the podium, you’ll often see Jason conducting the Reno Phil Pops Concerts.

While Altieri enjoys a busy career working with professional performing organizations, he is also a fierce advocate for young musicians and music education. This is evidenced by his position as Director of Orchestras at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the directorship of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony. Under his leadership, the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony has become an increasingly visible component in Reno’s cultural life and has embarked on performance tours that have included guest appearances at Carnegie and Walt Disney Concert Halls. “I’m thrilled to be working with A.V.A. Ballet Theatre again,” he said. He conducted the Reno Phil for last spring’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

Starring as Ella, the Snow Queen, will be two dancers who portray the different ages of the frozen stars. Local dancer Feris Wright is the younger Ella. The young Alana is being portrayed by Olivia Moran. Both dancers recently performed in A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. The older Ella/Snow Queen is being performed by Amanda Peabody. Peabody is currently a sophomore working toward her BFA at the University of Utah. Ella’s sister Alana is being danced by Natalie Taylor. Taylor is also currently a sophomore working toward her BFA at the University of Utah. She was born in San Jose, California and trained at the San Jose Dance Theater since the age of eleven. She has attended ballet intensives throughout the country.

“Dancing the role of Ella is such an honor,” said Peabody. “I loved the story of the Snow Queen as a child, and the magic of the ballet is truly palpable.”

“When I cast Amanda as the Snow Queen, I knew she would be perfect for the role,” Van Alstyne said. “She has the right combination of dance skills and acting ability.” He has equal praise for Taylor who wowed audiences in Reno last December when she danced as both the Snow Queen and the Arabian in A.V. A. Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker.

Preforming as Kai, the mountaineer in Frozen, will be Ben Hannum. Hannum has danced with Peabody and Taylor at the University of Utah. “I’m excited about dancing in Reno,” said Hannum. “It’s an honor to be asked and I’m looking forward performing with A.V.A. Ballet Theatre.”

Van Alstyne has some very exciting choreography for every part of the ballet and the production has many visual special effects. I can’t wait to see it all.

Joining Taylor, Peabody, and Hannum on stage will be a cast of over 40 dancers and performers. The large corps de ballet will offer a feast for the eyes and the audience can expect to see a bevy of trolls and crows in character parts. In addition, there will be dancing snow bees and a half dozen magical snowmen.

The dancing, orchestra, visual effects, and icy sets are sure to be something exciting to see, hear and feel. Unfortunately, as I am writing this column, that addictive Disney song popped into my head and I can’t seem to let it go. Grrr.

Steve Trounday is a board member at A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, the resident ballet company of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Frozen will be performed at the Pioneer Center April 22 at 8pm and April 23 at 2pm. Tickets are available online at www.PioneerCenter.com, by phone at 775-434-1050 or at the Box Office Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.