Let it show!
Student Reporters Lamya Akasha 10.7, Hannah Barrios 10.7 and Maya Sidar 8.7 report on a magical performance
Every year, Claremont High School creates an amazing musical production and 2025 was no exception. From 5th to 7th March, Claremont's Frozen Company performed four incredible shows to six hundred people, including a special visit from Sudbury Primary School. Starting in October 2024, when over one hundred and fifty students from years 7 to 13 auditioned to take part, fifty specially-selected pupils worked for months, rehearsing to put together a breathtaking performance.
Siya Vithlani in 11.4 played Queen Elsa: ‘The best part of performing on stage is the adrenaline you get from being there. No matter how nervous you are beforehand, you know the whole cast will be supporting each other. I’d do it again every single night if I could because it's such an amazing experience!’
Lorena Cardei in 11.8, who played Princess Anna, added: ‘A highlight of being part of the cast was that it allowed me to form bonds with new people. One of the biggest challenges for me was the stress I experienced, but as soon as I stepped into the spotlight it all vanished! For me, the best part of the show were the bows, as it always made me feel so grateful and proud to be part of the production!’
Pedram Abasi in 11.4, who played Hans, clearly got to know the songs very well: ‘The production was truly “for the first time in forever” a magical experience. Every moment was filled with “hygge”. The talented cast and crew proved that “love truly is an open door” by welcoming me into Frozen with open arms. Even when things “got colder by the minute”, their passion shone through “melting every frozen heart”. Now that the curtains have closed, I refuse to simply “let it go” - the friendships, the family and the memories I made will stay with me forever. So, let's “let the sun shine on” and celebrate the magic we created together!’
Claremont’s production of Frozen: The Musical was a great success, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of the students and staff involved. From the stunning performances to the impressive set design, each element of the production brought the beloved story to life in a way that captivated the audience. The cast's ability to embody their characters highlighted their hard work and passion. The music, choreography and special-effects transported everyone into the magical world of Arendelle, leaving the audience in awe. Various departments - from Drama and Art, to Languages and Finance - worked tirelessly behind the scenes to put together a magical show.
Director and producer Mr Lipman said: ‘The rehearsal period is quite long and demanding and we need to ensure that many logistical elements are in place to make the show a real success - new challenges this year included how to make snow and ice! Every year we are so proud of the young actors we work with. This year's cast was particularly impressive, covering a broad range of ages, from years 7 to 13. It has been amazing to see some of our regular performers develop their confidence and take on bigger and more challenging roles. Equally, we have been impressed with our youngest and newest actors, who really stepped up to the challenge of a Claremont production. These shows are a massive team effort and we had so much fun together, building a wonderful Frozen community!’
The production not only entertained but also demonstrated the power of teamwork and creativity in bringing an enchanting tale to the stage. The students and teachers should be incredibly proud of their achievement, and the experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of witnessing it.