The Snow Queen: A Musical Fairytale, currently playing at the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg, has a very analogue air. The piece, penned 30 years ago by its director, Laura Andruski, with music by Sharilyn C. Reynolds Ward, was originally commissioned by an opera company to introduce children to that art.
This origin is evident in Ward’s music. Well played on a sole piano by music director Arielle Bayer, the songs comprise primarily exposition set to complex tunes, often without any attempt to make the rhythm of syllables match the music, in the style of operatic recitative. These are punctuated by repeated choruses. There are lovely harmonies in the whole-cast numbers and in the duet “Best Friends” sung by the earnest and sweet Kai and Gerda (Puck Elkins and Maisie Irene). Altogether, the whole gives an impression almost of having come from another time, or having been translated from another language.
This may be in part because the commissioning company wanted the work to stick as closely as possible to the original words of Hans Christian Anderson. Andruski chose The Snow Queen, a lovely story with a happy ending about friendship, helpfulness, and perseverance, perfect for children. At the beginning of the show, the producer, Cassandra Redding, comes downstage to explain to the youngest members of the audience how things work in a live play — how they can cheer, and boo, and interact with the performers. (Instructing them how to do a standing ovation might have been a tad self-serving, but if the children are that excited, why not?)
The show leans into its vintage vibe without seeming stodgy. At the back of the stage, where more and more theaters these days are relying on computer-designed video projections, Andruski’s set design consists exclusively of a “cranky” — an old-school, large, and very long paper strip on rollers that scrolls along, revealing sequential locations in black and white drawings. The drawings, by scenic artist Reina Williamson, seem rather sketchy and thin at the beginning, especially in the initial title image, but as the scroll progresses the lines get heavier and more black emerges to contrast with the white, emphasizing the snowy setting. At two points, shadow puppets are projected from behind, especially effective when a carriage and horses dash along a road through the woods, depicted by the shadow tipping up and down while the trees scroll by! This effect is so charming it would have been nice to see more use made of it. We also get to see an impressive gliding sleigh and a truly spectacular throne for the Snow Queen.
A delightful element that makes the show fresh is the use of wonderfully creative puppets, masks, and animal costumes by Cassandra Redding. From a Muppetesque goblin to a statuesque reindeer to an extremely animated crow, these special effects liven and light up the stage — literally, in the case of some snowflakes that dance on and off.
It takes talented actors to convey emotion from behind a goblin mask or a bird beak, and this cast is up to the task. Particularly fine is Ian Swank as a crabbed evil elf and a stately reindeer, complete from his horns to his hind hooves — about as extreme a physical transformation as possible. Niranjali Amerasinghe delights as a duplicitous crow, squawking “Every Word I Say Is True,” who soon has the children yelling “NO!” and booing in earnest. Glenda Fu Smith provides demented comic relief in “They All Are Mine” before she learns that having friends is nicer than keeping prisoners at knifepoint. Sarah Robinson gives us a beautiful, evil, and imperious Snow Queen in a spectacular white cloak bedecked with glittering snowflakes, with a crown and epaulettes made of gorgeous but viciously sharp icicles (costumes by McKenna Kelley).
All of this holds the little audience members transfixed, their faces alight. Some bounce in their seats, some yell at the characters, some are thrilled to be given flowers to give back to the cast members when asked. They are truly caught up in the magic of live theater, totally engaged without need for screens or earbuds or buttons to push. Patrons in the single-digit years, their parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves old-fashioned theater and fairy tales will delight in this show.
Running Time: Under one hour with no intermission.
The Snow Queen: A Musical Fairytale plays through March 22, 2026 (Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 11 am & 2 pm, and Sunday at 1 & 4 pm), presented by the Gaithersburg Arts Barn in partnership with The Montgomery Playhouse at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. Purchase tickets ($16 general admission) at the door or online. Online ticket sales end two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Arts Barn box office or by calling 301-258-6394.
Recommended for ages 4+
The Snow Queen
Music by S.C. Reynolds-Ward
Book & Lyrics by L.W. Andruski
