Weaver Performing Arts brings the magic of Disney’s Frozen JR. to the Art Kamagar Center at the Merced Theatre (301 W. Main Street) with three public performances on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Designed for middle school-aged performers, the 60-minute musical is based on the 2013 Disney animated film and the Broadway adaptation. The production features a cast of 60 students in grades 4–8 from the Weaver Union School District, representing Pioneer Elementary, Farmdale Elementary, and Weaver Middle School.
The show is directed by Jennifer Davey, with Celeste Casanova as co-director, Robert Hillhouse as music director, and Katie Harris as choreographer. The production is presented in partnership with the Weaver Performing Arts Boosters and supported by numerous faculty, parent, and community volunteers.
Weaver Performing Arts’ school-based theater program is grounded in the belief that the arts are a powerful extension of the classroom. Through Disney musicals, students are invited into imaginative, music-filled worlds while being held to high artistic standards in a supportive and joyful environment. Throughout rehearsals and performances, students build discipline, responsibility, and confidence as they balance music, choreography, and storytelling. Collaboration is central to the process, teaching students the value of teamwork and the importance of every role—onstage and behind the scenes—while fostering empathy, resilience, and creative problem-solving that extend far beyond the stage.
“Our program strives to create a space where students feel safe to take risks, celebrate their individuality, and discover what they are capable of achieving together,” said Director Jennifer Davey. “We have so many teachers, staff, parents and community members who volunteer their time and talents to help shape our productions. I am beyond proud of the legacy our program has and the lasting impact our students provide as they take the skills they learn in the program and give back to the community at large in the future.”
Building on the success of Weaver Performing Arts’ 2025 production of Aladdin JR., Frozen JR. marks the program’s 19th musical production. Audiences will delight in this heartwarming tale of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends as they embark on an epic journey of self-discovery, bravery, and sisterhood. Favorite songs such as “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Love Is an Open Door” are featured alongside additional songs from the Broadway production.
In addition to public performances, Weaver Performing Arts will host special school-day performances during production week, welcoming thousands of students from the Weaver Union School District and schools across Merced County to Downtown Merced. For many students, this marks their first visit to a historic professional theater, where they learn theater etiquette and experience high-quality live performance in a downtown cultural setting. Students witness peers their own age performing at an exceptional artistic level, reinforcing that creativity, collaboration, and confidence are both attainable and valued. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom, creating meaningful, lasting memories. The school performances also transform the Merced Theatre into a vibrant daytime learning hub while generating foot traffic that supports the continued vitality of Downtown Merced.
With its empowering message of love, resilience, and understanding, Frozen JR. promises to melt hearts of all ages.
Tickets are $10 and available at www.mercedtheatre.org (with $3 online convenience fee) or by calling the box office at 209-381-0500.
Disney’s Frozen JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre Internations (MTI).All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. For more information about licensing Frozen JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
