Oct. 23, 2024

Hughson High drama and choir students entertained audiences with 11 performances in the past week of the popular Disney musical “Frozen” as well as songs from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Family members, friends, community members, Samaritan Village residents, people served by the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and many others packed the 300-seat Ella Webb Theater on the high school campus for the performances.

“We had wonderful audiences that filled the seats. All total, more than 3,000 people in our community and surrounding areas saw the performances,” said Brad Thompson, the high school’s drama instructor.

Students began practicing when classes began in August for the productions, the first of three held during the school year.

“Frozen” is a much-loved story based on the 2013 animated movie of the same name.  The story centers on the relationship between two sisters who are princesses, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has magical powers to freeze objects and people, which she does not know how to control. After inheriting the throne, Elsa flees, inadvertently causes the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter, and nearly kills her sister. She must sacrifice and show true love to save the day.

Stella Skinner played young Elsa, Hayden Ford was middle Elsa and Maci Fife was the oldest version of the lead character. Naomi Nelson was young Anna, Madden Nobles was middle Anna and Kylee Bingamon was the oldest Anna.

Other key characters were played by Maddox Gregorio (King Agnarr), Raegan Barstow (Queen Iduna) and Lincoln Lighthall (Bishop).

Prior to the performance of “Frozen,” Hughson’s choir members – known as Sound Investment -- entertained the crowd with songs from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Hayden Rytting was featured as the title character, with Sophia Kelly and Betty Conners sharing the part as Lucy, and Jacob Wetenkamp as Snoopy.

“They had a lot of fun, and the audience did, too,” Thompson said. “In 10 short minutes they experienced the emotional roller coaster of Charlie Brown’s life (and our own) from the frustration of trying to get his kite to fly  to the exhilaration of Snoopy’s happy dance when his supper dish is filled for his evening meal.  There were moments of laughter and tenderness.”

With “Frozen” and “Charlie Brown” both a success, the students now will focus on their next production, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which is scheduled for Feb. 5-6.

Thompson said being part of live performances has many benefits for his students.

“Not only does it teach teamwork, dependability, community, confidence, and other social skills of interdependent behavior, but it also helps students learn to be vulnerable, to open up and be comfortable with themselves and the unique blend of talent and skills they have,” he said. “Everyone is different, and this world needs the talents of everyone.

“There are so many studies that show how the arts uses the total brain. They have finally been able to prove what many have suspected: studying and performing music actually increases our intelligence and grows the brain.

“We do musicals that include dance, art, acting, and music. They get it all. It is so fun to watch them grow right in front of your eyes!”

Thompson thanked members of the community as well as businesses for their support.

“Several businesses, like Brown Loving Care (for elderly parents), Precision Dental, and Chris and Sarah Barth with their real estate business have made substantial contributions that enable us to produce our shows,” he said.