DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Good evening, everyone! 

Welcome to Disney's Frozen Jr., a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. I am so excited that you are here, and I cannot wait for you to enter into the magical town of Arendelle where you just might be inspired to go on an adventure to find true love, too. 

Frozen Jr. was the clear choice for these students, and yet, I struggled with landing on this show. I was settled on a completely different show until four days before we revealed it to the students! Once that day came, though, and I saw their reactions, I knew Frozen Jr. was the right choice. Come to find out, Frozen came out when they were in preschool and I thought, "How perfect that they get to end their time at St. Agnes with a show so close to their hearts!" (See the cutest preschool Frozen-obsessed pictures below.) 

When we held our auditions in late November, I could already start to see this show come alive, and I knew these students would truly put on an incredibly magical show. I was proven wrong, though, because what they have to show you tonight is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I am so unbelievably proud of them and all their hard work. They've left their all on the stage, and it's evident in this phenomenal production.

The eighth graders have worked tirelessly to understand these characters, learn the very difficult choreography, and bring this story to life. I have loved every minute of working with them, and I could not be more proud of what they have to show you tonight! 

This performance would have never gotten to where it is without the support and work of our community, and my heart is filled with gratitude for all of you. Thank you to each of the parents who got their students where they needed to be for each rehearsal, provided food, and hunted down the multiple clothing pieces for the many, many costume changes!

Thank you to all of the wonderful teachers here who not only moved their schedules around so we could get rehearsal in, but also stepped up to work on set, costumes, technology, and every other little detail. I am so blessed to work with the best team in Kansas City!

My eternal thanks goes out to our set team: Tiffany Rhoades, Shannon Reel, Paige Hopfinger, Becky Duckers, and Jordan Lynch, who stayed late many nights over the past couple months in order to truly make this show sparkle! Without them, the snow and ice would definitely not glisten with the magic of Arendelle!

Making costumes for this show was definitely not for the faint of heart, and the team rose to the challenge without hesitation. Each piece is so incredibly beautiful; it is because of the nonstop work of these determined minds. My immense gratitude goes to Debbi Schraeder, Jill Clements, Katie Chaffee-McClure, and Lauren Anderson who scoured thrift stores, hunted down items for us to borrow, and sewed until their fingers were numb. 

To Darin Hansen, Darin Astor, and their team of miracle workers: my greatest appreciation for your creative genius and making my dreams a reality! The set, sound, and lighting are quite a feat, and I would trust no other people than you.

Thank you to Father Pat and Jane Sullivan for their vision and support through all of this, without whom this event would not have been possible.

And last, but not least, my gratitude goes out to all other adults that stepped up to fill every need, little and small. Your generosity of your time, talent, and treasure is truly a gift!

We are so blessed by each of you and grateful you are here tonight to support all the students and their hard work. We hope you enjoy the show! 

Through Mary,

Ms. Rachel Lackups

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for an "Easter egg" from our previous show, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.