Mercy High is first Michigan school to perform ‘Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

By Jane Peterson - Oakland Press

While it’s not warm enough to build a snowman outside, Mercy High School students will do so inside during their production of “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical.”

Students will be the first in Michigan to perform the musical, having earned the right to do so by winning the United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door contest sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association, Music Theater International and Disney Theatrical Group. The competition granted one high school in every state or territory across the country the right to produce the musical.

Cast and crew will present two student matinees and six public performances of “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical” March 15-17 and March 22-24 in the Mercy High School Auditorium, 29300 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday performances will take place at 2 p.m.

Ticket sales are going well and Shelley Bajorek, chair of Mercy High School’s Performing Arts Department, expects some shows to sell out.

“Everyone is bringing their A-game,” she said. “It will be watching pure magic come together.”

Bajorek was attracted to the production because of its girl power theme that embodies many elements taught at Mercy High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women.

“I’m a huge Disney fan and I love the whole idea of sisterhood and female empowerment that aligns with the values of the school,” she said.

Winning the contest was key. In the application, school leaders focused on how they would use the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy — women and women’s issues, nonviolence, anti-racism, immigration and Earth — in the production.

“All of these concerns can be connected to the story of ‘Frozen,’” Bajorek said.

She explained that Anna and Elsa are strong, independent women, which touches on the concern of women. Elsa’s snow powers impact natural seasonal changes, which highlights the concern of Earth and the welcoming of strangers into their kingdom demonstrates the concern of immigration, for example.

Mercy High School learned they won the contest in September 2022. Since then, students and staff have been busy preparing for opening night with lots of practice and fundraising. The fundraising was necessary, Bajorek said, because additional tools, like new LED lighting and a projection system, were needed to honor the production and do it right.

A goal of $85,000 was set for the lighting and an Epson High Brightness 20,000 Lumens Projector. In February 2023, the Performing Arts Department hosted a cabaret fundraiser, Love is an Open Door, that raised a good chunk of the funds needed with other fundraising efforts and donors making up the difference. These tools will benefit the Performing Arts Department long after the curtain closes on “Frozen.”

In the meantime, Bajorek said the audience will recognize the beloved “Frozen” story, love the familiar tunes and enjoy the new songs as well as Mercy High’s many unique touches, or “Easter eggs,” a term used to describe clever hidden messages in movies. Doves hand cross-stitched into Anna’s bodice, which reflects a core value of peace in Mercy High’s production, is one example of an Easter egg that keen observers may spot.

Mercy High School President Cheryl Delaney Kreger said she appreciates how the school’s values are woven into the program.

“It’s so well thought out,” she said. “It’s such an honor to have “Frozen” here. We are proud of the production and how it will highlight the talents of our students.”

Auditions for the musical were held in early September and included a cast and crew of more than 100 high school and middle school students from around the metro Detroit region. Even elementary students are involved in the roles of young Anna and Elsa.

Bajorek likes to have as many students as possible involved because as they build, paint, act and perfect the use of light and color, students gain valuable skills like time management and leadership while developing an understanding and respect for others, she said. They also are exposed to history, various time periods and other cultures. This is knowledge they can take with them whether they continue to pursue the theater or not.

As a result, the entire production, from makeup, costumes, sound, props and on-stage talent, is handled by students with adult supervisors in key roles.

“The kids really are doing everything,” she said. “There’s always a place for everyone in the theater.”

It’s clear that “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical” has been a labor of love for Bajorek.

“I love these kids and I love my job,” she said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a process like this from beginning to end.”

For tickets, visit showtix4u.com/event-details/79364.