PHILADELPHIA- On Monday at the Wilma Theater in Center City, three schools from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania gathered to discuss their participation in the nationwide competition The United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door and their upcoming high school productions of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Officials from Disney and Music Theatre International (MTI) were present, as well as press from 6ABC and Fox.

“When we found out about the contest, I didn’t tell anybody because I knew that if we didn’t win everyone would be disappointed. I knew I wanted to be apart of this from the beginning because of Love is an Open Door we’ve had many conversations about what it means to us individually, “ stated theater director Andrea Roney.

Through a competitive online application process, one high school in every U.S. state and select territories was chosen to win exclusive rights to present Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical in 2023 or 2024. Winners were chosen based on a unique artistic vision of Frozen and a demonstrated commitment to outreach in their school and local communities.

“We are going to pride ourselves on our diverse casting. We are having an ASL performance during our Saturday show, to give an opportunity for anyone in the community to experience theater,” stated Mt. Pleasant High School theater director Chris Turner.

“Two of our performances will have ASL interpreters, one of our performances is a sensory friendly performance,” stated Eastern Regional High School director Gregg Molotsky.

A combined cast from all North Penn, Mount Pleasant, and Eastern Regional High Schools performed “Finale/Let it Go” and representatives from each high school spoke about each performance and how each program is embodying the theme of “Love is an Open Door.” Representatives from the Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Productions, and Music Theatre International were also on site to talk about the program.

Seniors Audrey Keller and Jack Bachman were interviewed for 6ABC,NBC10 and Fox 29 about their involvement in the show and their experience staging the Broadway musical on their high school stage.

“So, right now, I’m producing a docuseries for our school for the show. So, while I’m also in the show as I play Sven, I’m able to see it from another perspective, too. I conduct interviews. It’s just seeing it from that third person point of view and being able to see the effect it has on our cast and our crew,” Keller informed 6ABC.
Disney’s Frozen is presented through special arrangement with and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International and is not available for licensing outside of The United States of Frozen program. North Penn’s show will run from April 27-May 7,so make sure to buy your tickets here!