In spring 2020, the students of Civic Theatre School were all set to present the Lehigh Valley premiere of “Frozen Jr.,” based on Disney’s hit film when everything shut down because of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.

The Civic students finally get to take the stage in the production of “Frozen Jr.,” April 7-10, Nineteenth Street Theatre, Allentown.

“This student production will melt hearts when the curtain opens on this long-awaited show,” says Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director William Sanders.

Sanders jokes the production was “frozen in time” and many of the same students from the original 2020 production are back to play their roles. However, they have grown in two years, forcing the directors to make modifications.

Sanders says that Joshua Bridges, who plays Olaf, was going to portray the magical snowman, but has gotten too tall and now will use a puppet to represent the beloved character.

Sanders, along with JoAnn Wilchek Basist and Brian Foley, direct the production, the culmination of the Civic Theatre School spring session, which is open to children in first through 12th grades. The program has attracted 104 students.

“It’s one of our largest classes in recent years,” Sanders says. “I think these kids just want so badly to be here.”

It’s the first Civic Theatre School production since 2019. There are 68 Civic students in the show.

Disney released “Frozen” in 2013. The film, Disney’s 53rd animated feature, was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen.” Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel voiced sisters Anna and Elsa. The film was a huge hit, winning Academy Awards for animated film and original song (“Let It Go”).

A stage version of the show featuring the songs by Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez from the film, plus five new songs written for the stage, opened on Broadway in 2018. The musical was nominated for three Tony Awards.

The Civic production is a 60-minute version of the Broadway musical and is tailored for the voices of young actors.

The story of love and acceptance between sisters follows the emotional relationship and journey of princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood.

Along the way, they encounter the snowman Olaf, ice harvester Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven and the mysterious Hidden Folk.

Songs include “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever.”

The show stars Alanna Henderson (Elsa), Alyssa Bridges (Anna), Marina Furst (Kristoff), Anthony Sanchez (Sven) and Luke Hauck (Hans).

Choreography is by Susan Danish and Sanders.

“Frozen Jr.,” 11 a.m., 2 p.m. April 9, 10. Proof of immunization and face masks required. Tickets: www.civictheatre.com; 610-433-8903

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com