‘Pure magic’

Mercy High is first Michigan school to perform ‘Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

While it’s not warm enough to build a snowman outside, Mercy High School students will do so inside during their production of “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical.”

Students will be the first in Michigan to perform the musical, having earned the right to do so by winning the United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door contest sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association, Music Theater International and Disney Theatrical Group. The competition granted one high school in every state or territory across the country the right to produce the musical.

Cast and crew will present two student matinees and six public performances of “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical” March 15-17 and March 22-24 in the Mercy High School Auditorium, 29300 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday performances will take place at 2 p.m.

Ticket sales are going well and Shelley Bajorek, chair of Mercy High School’s Performing Arts Department, expects some shows to sell out.

“Everyone is bringing their A-game,” she said. “It will be watching pure magic come together.”

Bajorek was attracted to the production because of its girl power theme that embodies many elements taught at Mercy High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women.

“I’m a huge Disney fan and I love the whole idea of sisterhood and female empowerment that aligns with the values of the school,” she said.

Winning the contest was key. In the application, school leaders focused on how they would use the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy — women and women’s issues, nonviolence, anti-racism, immigration and Earth — in the production.

“All of these concerns can be connected to the story of ‘Frozen,’” Bajorek said.

She explained that Anna and Elsa are strong, independent women, which touches on the concern of women. Elsa’s snow powers impact natural seasonal