By Andrea “Dre” Pedemonte
Snowball fights, canceled classes, and bursts of winter cheer are a few ways snow can make the season feel magical, and a jolly, talking snowman is the marshmallow on top. That spirit of wintertime whimsy greeted me as I entered the venue for Adventure Theatre MTC’s production of Frosty the Snow Man, playing now through January 11.
Adapted for the stage by William Francis, Frosty the Snow Man is a short comedic play about a lovable yet mischievous snowman who comes to life in the whimsical town of Evergreen Falls. Joined by a colorful cast of characters and a humorous, grumpy cop, Francis’s play, based on the iconic holiday song, reminds audiences that childlike wonder will always be within us, especially at this time of year.
Director and Choreographer Danny Tippett takes this message a step further by weaving in musical arrangements and original songs composed by Kenny Neal, expanding the play into a lively, musically enriched holiday production. The original storyline is balanced with energetic musical numbers, a mix of newly written originals and familiar holiday classics that spark gleeful nostalgia for audience members of all ages. Tippett’s warm reimagining of the short play highlights a dynamic cast that fills Adventure Theatre MTC’s intimate performance space. His direction shines most clearly in the ensemble musical moments, where the small cast captivates the audience with sparkling choreography, including tap-like routines reminiscent of the Golden Age of musicals.
The magic of the show is enhanced by a myriad of festive tunes and sound effects brought to life by Composer and Sound Designer Kenny Neal. Whether it’s an actor landing a slapstick joke or an enchanting flick of the wrist, the sound effects were clean and well-timed, adding a cartoonish flair to the show’s rhythm.
The sparkle behind Evergreen Falls comes from the animated actors who keep the stage buzzing with joy and a sense of storybook innocence. Among the young townsfolk are Mary Ann and Geraldine, played by Brigid Wallace Harper and Irene Hamilton, two sassy but rambunctious girls who help lead the mischief that enables Frosty’s antics. Hamilton’s comedic chops as the boy-obsessed Geraldine were a standout as she commanded the stage with an effervescent sass that was hard to look away from.
Opposite this duo are Charley, played by Walker Vlahos, and Joey, played by Jordan Brown, who also appears as the Delivery Boy. The two bring charisma and youthful spark, complementing their castmates and helping to ground the show’s small, lively ensemble.
A Mrs. Claus–type charm takes the stage through Maya Nellum’s debut performance as Mrs. Armbruster. Her presence as the show’s narrator stands out as elegant and refined, bringing an additional dose of magic to each scene she enters. The titular character of Frosty is brought to life through Christian Montgomery. Montgomery’s Frosty had children on the edge of their seats, waiting for the magical snowman to return, sing, and dance back to life. He was wonderfully paired with the grumpy Officer Bump, played by Dylan Toms, who, clad with a baton and a grouchy demeanor, eventually warms up to winter and the townspeople who embrace it. Tom’s character shone with great vocal ability and a sharp wit, making Officer Bump a memorable highlight of the show.
The creative team rounds out the production with thoughtful wintery touches. Most notably, Set Designer Dom Ocampo decks the theater out with pastel delight. Adding soft candy-like hues of pinks, yellows, and purples, Ocampo’s design, along with the attention to height levels and depth, turns Adventure Theatre MTC’s smaller space into a main stage for holiday escapades.
The set is complemented by Lighting Designer Lynn Joslin’s icy tones of blue and white, reminding us of winter’s crisp atmosphere, welcoming beanies and scarves. The snowy look continues in the wardrobe choices by Costume Designer Paris Francesca, who dresses the actors in pastel fabrics reminiscent of the 1950s, with added twinkling sparkle.
If there is room for improvement, it lies in a few technical details. The space’s acoustics required certain actors to project more than others, creating slight imbalances in vocal clarity. And while the wintry set design is charming, I found myself wishing for just a bit more snow to heighten the seasonal magic.
Still, the production’s creative elements work in tandem to transport the audience to a place where holiday magic feels wonderfully real. Neal’s musical compositions, coupled with Tippett’s direction, give the show the cozy familiarity of a holiday classic, resulting in a story that feels like it’s always been part of this magical season.
Running Time: Approximately 40 minutes, without intermission.
Frosty the Snow Man plays through January 11, 2026, at Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC), 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Tickets are $28 with group, field trip, and special party rates available. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 301-634-2270.
This production features strobe lighting and moments of theatrical combat. Recommended for all ages.
Frosty the Snow Man
Play by William Francis
Based on the song “Frosty the Snowman” by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson
Directed by Danny Tippett
Musical arrangements and original compositions by Kenny Neal
CAST
Frosty: Christian Montgomery
Mrs. Armbruster: Maya Nellum
Officer Bump: Dylan Toms
Mary Ann: Brigid Wallace Harper
Geraldine: Irene Hamilton
Joey/Delivery Boy: Jordan Brown
Charley: Walker Vlahos
Swing: Cayla Hall
Swing: Jackson Saunders
PRODUCTION CREW
Director and Choreographer: Danny Tippett
Set Designer: Dom Ocampo
Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin
Costume Designer: Paris Francesca
Composer/Sound Designer: Kenny Neal
Resident Properties Designer: Andrea “Dre” Moore
Music Director: Elisa Rosman
Production Stage Manager/Operations Associate: Shannon Saulnier
Assistant Stage Manager: Bryan Stopak
Interim Technical Director: Megan Holden
Andrea “Dre” Pedemonte is a recent transfer student to The George Washington University, continuing her BA in English Studies while adding a minor in Journalism and Mass Communications. As a first-generation Peruvian-American, she is passionate about continuing her undergraduate degree in our nation’s capital. While she continues to become her own person in her growing academic and writing career, Andrea never forgets her roots, having been raised in a large and lively family household in Northern Virginia. Her passions outside of the classroom include musical theater, singing, and loads of reading.
