Leandra Ellis-Gaston Leads Frozen Cast at Casa Mañana
The Broadway production runs through November 15 at the Fort Worth venue, with tickets starting at $39.
By Amit Chukwu ·
Leandra Ellis-Gaston takes the stage as Princess Elsa in a new production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth. The show, which explores themes of sisterhood and acceptance, runs through November 15.
The production arrived at the 65 year old theater as part of its ongoing commitment to professional Broadway and children's theatre. Casa Mañana serves nearly 110,000 people annually and brings over 45,000 school children to its productions each year. The current run concludes with a Sunday performance that includes American Sign Language interpretation.
Ellis-Gaston, a multi disciplinary artist from Columbia, South Carolina, previously appeared as Sugar in the national tour of Some Like It Hot. Her Broadway credits include Six and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. She also performed in the national tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical before joining this cast.
Sydney Dotson plays Anna and describes herself as super excited to be back under the Dome. Dotson previously performed as Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr. and as Maggie in A Chorus Line at Theatre Arlington. Her past work at Casa Mañana includes a role in Carrie the Musical.
The cast includes Paul Schwensen as Hans, Justin Showell as Kristoff, and Logan Rafanelli as Weselton. Showell, a University of Michigan graduate, has appeared in the national tour of Hamilton and on Broadway in Floyd Collins. Schwensen began his acting career at age six in Bye Bye Birdie.
David Postlewate portrays the snowman Olaf. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas Tech University and trained at the Joffrey Ballet School. Postlewate has previously appeared at Casa Mañana in The SpongeBob Musical and West Side Story.
Eugenio Contenti serves as director and choreographer. His work has been seen across the United States, Italy, Spain, and Mexico. Recent credits include the Italian premieres of Amélie and Murder for Two. He has previously directed productions at Casa Mañana, including Rent and Come From Away.
Jesse Warkentin serves as music director. He previously led the orchestra for the international Broadway tour of An American In Paris, which traveled to China, Taiwan, and Paris. Warkentin has also performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular orchestra.
Remaining performances are scheduled for Wednesday, November 11 at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, November 13 at 8 p.m. Saturday, November 14 features two shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The final performance is Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices begin at $39. Patrons can purchase seats online at www.casamanana.org or at the Casa Mañana Theatre Box Office located at 3101 West Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth.
