Sunday, December 29, 2013

A Situation That Was Not "Frozen": Update on RENT at THS and A Film Review of FROZEN

First: RENT Update
Board Member Katherine Griffin posted about how Trumbull High School was not allowed to do the planned production of RENT: School Edition that was announced in August. Three weeks after that meeting, we gained the support of 3 of the original cast members of RENT, Eric Whitacre (a famous choral music composer), The National Cotillion Against Censorship and the Larson Family (as in Jonathan Larson). The New York Times, The Washington Post and various blogs were posting updates. On Facebook, the page has over 7,000 likes and support had not stopped. 

On the 16th of December, Principal Guarino called a meeting with the THeSpian Society and stated that he has allowed us to continue production so our show can be when it was scheduled: March 27-30, 2014. This three week delay won't affect the quality of the final presentation, though. All of the students are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure this musical is as fantastic and delivers the messages we are trying to convey. 

RENT: School Edition will be performed March 27-30, 2014 in the THS Theater. Auditions will take place January 3rd and more updates on the show, such as casting and how to become a community sponser are on www.thsmusicals.com
Now onto a hit movie now in theaters: Disney's FROZEN

FROZEN is loosely based off Hans Christian Anderson's story THE SNOW QUEEN. This movie has been nominated for 2 Golden Globe Nominations: Best Original Song for "Let it Go" and Best Animated Film. "Let it Go" deserved that nomination. It is sung by Idina Menzel who is the voice of Elsa. Elsa is an average princess except she has one tiny difference: she can control ice and snow. When she was little, she almost killed someone she cares about because she didn't know how to control it. Elsa locks herself away in her room, fearing that she'll harm anyone again. When it is time for her to become queen, she does well and doesn't let her powers show. When her sister, Anna, angers her, she accidentally releases those hidden powers. She made the kingdom fear her just by accident. When she is escaping, she sets off an eternal winter without meaning to. "Let it Go" is what is going on in her mind and how she is going to live, but not by fearing anyone. She builds herself a castle made of ice and lives there. (Video is below. If you cannot see it, click here)


The animation is beautiful and flawless. The story is about sisterhood and how it is more important than finding "the one". Also, there is a constant idea on "You can't marry someone you just met!" which goes against most Disney movies and I found hilarious. This movie is a movie musical, but the songs are catchy and you'll be singing them after you leave the theater. (The soundtrack is available on CD and ITunes)

This movie not only states that "You can't marry someone you just met", but it also seems that it is the first time true love's kiss did not solve all the world's problems. In addition, this is the first Disney movie to be directed by a woman. 

I loved this movie and I would go see it again in a heartbeat. The critics are correct. This movie stole my heart and it was a beautiful experience. 

The movie has the voice talents of many Broadway stars, such as Idina Menzel (RENT, Wicked) as Elsa, Josh Gad (Book of Mormon) as Olaf, Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Glee) as Kristoff, Santino Fontana (Cinderella) as Hans. Movie and TV Star (who has a theater background) Kristen Bell as Anna. 

PS. If you are going to see this movie, wait until AFTER the credits are over. There is an extra scene.
PPS. That rule is the same if you are seeing a Marvel movie.

~Nathan Clift, 16
Junior at Trumbull High School
VP of the New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

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