Abbotsford Children’s Theatre (ACT) presents its production of The Snow Queen starting Wednesday, Dec. 10.
The story has been revived with the popularity of Disney’s Frozen, which is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale written in 1845.
The ACT production features school shows on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way.
Public performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Modern dancing by the snowflakes and trolls brings new life to the play, as well as a contemporary fight scene with large masks.
The grandeur of the winter ice and snow make for a stunning set, and the evilness of a snow queen and the goodness of two children complete the recipe for an impelling tale to ring in the holiday season for all.
“It has many similarities to Frozen, but it is still very different. If you like Frozen you will love this play,” said Caylee Watrin, who plays one of the snow queens in the double cast.
Director Leslie Kemp has been directing with ACT for close to 20 years.
“The Snow Queen has a great message of perseverance and believing in yourself and your cause as well as the value of friendship. It teaches that the real magic is in everyday things that we don’t see; the idea of heart and courage.”
Artistic director Freddy Latham said the cast of 40 students aged 14 to 17 from various schools have “embraced the challenges to characters.”
Tickets are $12 and are available at The Reach Gallery Museum, Tourism Abbotsford and Jazz-Ma-Tazz or online through abbotsfordchildrenstheatre.org.