Children's Musical Theatre presents ‘Frozen’ in Bartlesville
Andy Dossett | The Wiley Post
July 14, 2026
Children’s Musical Theatre of Bartlesville will bring the kingdom of Arendelle to life this week with its 2026 Mainstage production of "Frozen."
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 16-17, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, at The Center in Bartlesville.
Young Elsa, played by Madelynn Agnew and Young Anna, played by Lauren Eberhard, build a snowman in the Children's Musical Theatre production of ‘Frozen.’
Andy Dossett | The Wiley Post
The production features 66 young performers, along with a live orchestra, large-scale sets, costumes and a small army of volunteers working behind the scenes.
For the cast, the final days before opening night have brought a mix of excitement, nerves and pride as weeks of rehearsals come together under the stage lights.
"It’s really cool to see all of it come together," Kaylee Wager, playing Elsa's understudy and ensembles, said. "You see all the crew’s work and the cast’s work, and I’m really excited. It’s going to be such a good show."
More than a familiar story
While audiences may recognize the characters and songs from Disney’s animated film, cast members said the stage musical offers more than a scene-for-scene retelling.
"It’s such a recognizable story, and there’s enough of it where people say, ‘Oh, I know that,’ but there’s also something new that they don’t know is going to happen," Savanah Brayfeild, a member of the ensemble, said.
The cast described the production as funny, energetic and filled with surprises.
"There are a lot of laughs, a lot of fun things and so many twists and turns," Vivi Cate McDonald, who plays Queen Iduna, said. "It's such a great musical for everyone to come see."
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. July 16-17 and 2 p.m. July 18-19.
Andy Dossett | The Wiley Post
Rehearsals began June 15, with performers working from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week to prepare the full-scale production in roughly a month.
For Jayce Wager, who plays Hans, this is his first CMT Mainstage production, and he said it has exceeded his expectations.
"Huge set pieces, amazing cast members, an awesome orchestra and outstanding directors — it’s all been really amazing," Jayce Wager said.
Building confidence and community
CMT’s summer Mainstage program serves students ages 7 to 17 and is offered tuition-free through community support. The program gives young performers experience in acting, singing, dancing and the technical work required to stage a musical.
McDonald, who is in her seventh summer with CMT, said one of the most rewarding parts of CMT has been growing up alongside older performers and watching them mentor younger cast members before moving on.
"It's really bittersweet because all of our seniors have to go," she said. "Growing up with them and looking up to them as a little 10-year-old, seeing them leave is kind of heartbreaking."
She said watching former cast members return to volunteer and mentor younger performers gives today's students something to aspire to.
Jayce Wager said the production has created friendships that extend far beyond the stage.
"I always love the way that everyone works together, but also how it brings us together," Jayce Wager said. "We’re all bonding, and it really helps build lifelong friendships, but also really cool ideas and talents that we can use later on in life."
Other cast members said the experience has helped them grow more confident while learning how to support one another.
"You’re not just doing it for yourself," Kaylee Wager said. "You’re doing it for all those other people, and you’re all working together on one thing."
Artistic Director Brynn Jones gives notes to the cast before rehearsal on July 13, 2026 at The Center.
Andy Dossett | The Wiley Post
For some, the program has also helped turn an interest in theater into a possible career.
"Ever since ‘Frozen,’ I’ve been like, ‘I need to do this,’" Kaylee Wager said. "I want to study theater and music and perhaps become a music artist."
Producer and longtime volunteer Darcy Swanson said more than 100 volunteers contribute to the production, including parents, alumni and community members. Between 35 and 50 volunteers may work backstage during a single performance, assisting with costumes, makeup, security, scenery and other responsibilities.
"Everybody is important here," Swanson said. "Nobody’s left out. We all lift each other."
Swanson has volunteered with CMT for 13 years, beginning when her oldest child joined the program.
"The things that they learn are invaluable," she said. "We’re really lucky to have CMT here."
Cast members said they hope the show entertains audiences while inspiring younger children to imagine themselves on stage someday.
"I look forward to having those kids have that dream planted in them, like it was planted in me," Kaylee Wager said. "I want people to be able to explore their talents, even if they don’t know what they are yet."
Tickets are available through The Center. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. July 16-17 and 2 p.m. July 18-19.
