The Snow Queen
A Struble Project in collaboration with Haven Middle School
Directed by Sophie Rich
January 18-20, 2013
Mussetter Struble Theater
“Warning: The Snow Queen is not too frightening for children, who think it is only a
story. But it does scare some adults, because they know it is true.” –Adrian Mitchell
The Snow Queen, a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, will be
performed with an ensemble of both Northwestern Students and Haven Middle School
students in 6-8th grades in a creative drama-based rehearsal process. The story follows the
courageous journey of young Gerda as she fights to save her best friend Kai from the
clutches of the mysterious, sinister, beautiful Snow Queen. Gerda must make it to the
castle break the spell under which the Snow Queen has placed Kai before he freezes
solid—but to get there she must overcome each wily, alluring obstacle that the Snow
Queen places in her path, from talking rosebushes to imposter allies. Luckily, among the
gremlins, Gerda discovers a few generous guides to help her along her way. Ultimately, it
is Gerda’s courage and loyalty to Kai that helps her solve the puzzle, break the spell, and
allows her to journey safely back to her rooftop home. The Snow Queen is an adventure
full of fantasy, darkness, and perseverance fit for all ages.
Character Descriptions (NOTE: Haven and Northwestern students will both be
considered for all roles):
Gerda—a young peasant girl, courageous, hard-headed, resourceful, but vulnerable
Kai—her best friend, a young boy, intelligent, curious, gullible
Grandmother—Gerda’s grandmother, caretaker for both children, wise, compassionate
Showman—a carnival man who runs the winter lottery each year, grand, majestic
The Snow Queen—beautiful, cold-hearted ruler who ensnares children in her puzzles
Boj—the Snow Queen’s assistant, devoted but clumsy
The Lady of the Garden—one of the Snow Queen’s tricks, alluring, gentle, but cruel
Crow and Croakella—enthusiastic allies to Gerda, a married couple of gawking birds
Muz and Buzzer—a mother and daughter team of bandits, grizzly, loud, rambunctious
Moo—an excitable, loving reindeer who accompanies Gerda at the end of her journey
Magic Woman—inviting, mysterious, helps Gerda realize the importance of her journey
Ensemble (Children, Bullies, Townspeople, River, Rosebush, Horses, Crows, Robbers)