Crane River Theater Company of Kearney made its annual Page to Stage library tour through Dawson County on Thursday, July 9, bringing a preview of its summer production of Disney’s “Frozen” to young audiences in Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg.
The theater stopped in Lexington in the morning before traveling to Cozad and ending the day at the Gothenburg Public Library with their last library visit for the week.
Crane River Theater cast members play a game of Freeze Dance with children attending this year’s Page to Stage performance at Gothenburg Public Library. A “Frozen” twist was added to the game as instead of dancing participants performed an action from the play and had to freeze mid moment when director Steven Barth told them to.
By the afternoon, cast members and attendees had packed the Gothenburg Public Library meeting room so tightly that some visitors watched from the hallway and stairwell.
“Programs like this are important because they expose kids to different kinds of theater, get them excited about reading new things and spark their imaginations,” said Mandy Holsten, children’s librarian at Gothenburg Public Library.
People are also reading…
Holsten believes libraries should be places where children can be themselves, even if that means being louder than the traditional library whisper. That was certainly the case on July 9, as laughter and music echoed throughout the building during Crane River’s visit.
Steven Barth, executive artistic director of Crane River Theater, introduces this year’s Page to Stage play “Frozen” to children in attendance at the Gothenburg Public Library.
Steven Barth, executive artistic director of Crane River, led this year’s Page to Stage program, introducing the cast of “Frozen,” helping tell the story and leading interactive games with the audience.
Children joined cast members for games including “Olaf Says” — a “Frozen”-themed version of Simon Says — and Freeze Dance.
A trivia session included each cast member giving attendees three hints as to who their character was and then having the audience guess in unison.
While the reindeer character of Sven drew laughter and smiles from children with his over-the-top expressions and silly voice, the character of Prince Hans drew a collective “boo!”
Each summer, Crane River Theater produces a family-focused musical and pairs it with a traveling library program across Nebraska for Page to Stage.
The hourlong presentation introduces children to the story, songs and choreography while encouraging them to read, use their imaginations and stay active during summer break.
Children smile, laugh and get active during Crane River Theater’s Page to Stage “Frozen” program.
From July 6-9, the theater visited communities including Minden, Holdrege, Axtell, Fremont, Columbus, Broken Bow, Arnold, North Platte, Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg.
“Frozen” will be performed at the Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney throughout July and August.
Adult tickets range from $25 to $45, and tickets for children ages 3-12 are $15. Lap tickets are not available, and all attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children younger than 3 will not be admitted.
For tickets or more information, visit cranerivertheater.org or call 308-627-5796.
