Encore! Performing Arts’ “Frozen” showcases the power of Orlando’s theater community
I have visited the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts many times, typically for professional productions presented as part of its Broadway season. This performance of Disney’s “Frozen,” however, was something different.
The musical was produced by Encore! Performing Arts, a Central Florida nonprofit that brings together local performers and volunteers for productions of varying sizes while raising money for charitable causes.
For the first time in forever, I saw “Frozen” differently
At the beginning of the evening, Encore executives spoke briefly about the organizations benefiting from the production. It was a meaningful way to begin the show, but I did not yet understand the full extent of what the company was accomplishing.
Throughout Act I, I found myself impressed by the quality and scale of the production. It may not have carried all the polish of a Disney production down the street, but the cast and creative team delivered an ambitious show inside the Dr. Phillips Center’s Walt Disney Theater.
Photo by Attractions Magazine staff
Massive choruses filled the stage, sets transformed between scenes, and the cast performed in beautiful costumes. Most importantly, everyone onstage appeared fully committed to bringing Arendelle and its characters to life.
Then, during intermission, my friend and I discovered while reading the playbill: Encore is an entirely volunteer-driven organization. The cast, crew and team working behind the scenes had donated their time and talents to create the production.
That knowledge completely changed the way I experienced Act II.
I already love the second act of “Frozen”—“Hygge” is my favorite number—but I watched the remainder of the show with an even greater appreciation for the work happening onstage and behind it. Every costume change, set transition, musical number and technical effect represented hours contributed by members of Central Florida’s entertainment community.
What is Encore Performing Arts?
Encore was founded more than 20 years ago through the community spirit of Disney cast members. Today, the organization includes more than 300 volunteers and has raised more than $325,000 for Central Florida charities, according to its website.
I left the theater amazed by the talent within Orlando’s local performing arts community and by the willingness of so many people to come together for a charitable cause. It was a demonstration of what can happen when artists contribute their skills toward something larger than themselves.
Encore! Performing Arts’ final performance of “Frozen” is scheduled for July 19 at 5 p.m. in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Additional productions are listed at encorecentral.org.
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