It’s a savvy move on the part of Synetic Theater to stage a production of The Snow Queen right as children and tweens everywhere are besotted with the prospect of “Frozen 2” opening in theaters. No doubt parents may actually be able to get their children to the theater with the tantalizing prospect of seeing the story that inspired the Disney phenomenon.
And once they get there, kids of all ages should have a pretty good time. But be forewarned that this version of ice royalty is no ballad-belting, girl power-embracing, bad-guy-defeating sister. It’s never surprising when original fairy tales are a bit darker than their contemporary (and/or Disney-fied) versions, and this one’s no exception. After all, in Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,”the title character is basically the villain, even if her isolation and solitude does make her a sympathetic one.
The Snow Queen (Acacia Danielson) in Synetic’s version is a lonely ice princess who captures a young child, Kai, (Joshua Cole Lucas) in the hopes of finding a playmate for herself. When Kai’s friend Gerda (Moira Todd) realizes her friend is missing, she goes on an epic journey to find her friend, meeting friends and foes along the way, all culminating in a final confrontation with the Snow Queen. It’s helpful to read the show synopsis to better follow the specifics of the play’s plot, but playgoers can still enjoy the production just soaking up the dance and atmosphere, almost Nutcracker-style.
The Snow Queen closes January 5, 2020. Details and tickets
Synetic’s staging is dynamic and colorful; the shimmery metallic queen spinning around mechanically in her prison-like, music box-inspired snow globe becomes a haunting image during both the show’s opening and conclusion. Some of the show’s chorus scenes work a little better than others — dancers using sequined blue pillows as a stand-in in for the waves of a river feel like an odd choice — but the production’s choreography from Kelly King is generally beguiling.
Synetic’s performers, including Lucas, Todd, and the engaging Irene Hamilton, all embrace the childlike wonder required for their roles. Todd and Maria Simpkins, as the Little Robber Girl who Gerda meets during her search for Kai, have a fun chemistry together, too. Original music from Synetic’s house composer Koki Lortkipanidze moves the action along jauntily.
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The Snow Queen, clocking in at just over an hour, breezes by almost too quickly to leave a dramatic impression, but it proves to be a nice, seasonally-appropriate diversion for adults and children alike.
The Snow Queen. Based on the fairy tale from Hans Christian Andersen. Directed by Ryan Sellers. Adapted by Emily Whitworth. Choreographer: Kelly King. Composer: Koki Lortkipanidze. Scene Design: Phil Charlwood. Costume Design: Alexa Duimstra. Lighting Design: Doug Del Pizzo. Sound Design: Thomas Sowers. With Acacia Danielson, Moira Todd, Joshua Cole Lucas, Maria Simkins, Irene Hamilton, Anna Lynch, Dylan Arredondo, and Darius Johnson. Produced by Synetic Theater . Reviewed by Missy Frederick.
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