(Editor’s note: The production will feature multiple actors and mentors from Beckham County, including Sayre and Elk City.)
The Sagebrush Penguin Project’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. is set to hit the stage July 14th and the 15th at the newly renovated and dedicated Susan Powell Auditorium, with Friday and Saturday’s performance at 7:30, and a Saturday matinee at 3:00. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or Sagebrush Penguin Project page on Facebook. Call 580-210-0150 for more information. The Penguin Project began in Peoria, IL and has evolved to a national program with dozens of replication sites across the United States-Elk City is one of four in Oklahoma. Roles are filled with young artists with developmental disabilities including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. Actors are accompanied on stage by a group of mentors- children of relatively the same age without disabilities who have volunteered to help the artist every step of the way from line memorization and choreography to providing moral support and simply being a friend.
This program provides a supportive and safe environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents while enhancing social interaction and communication skills and boosting self-confidence.
The Sagebrush Penguin Project is partnered with the Elk City Public Schools, and the First Presbyterian Church with major sponsoring by the Sayre Kiwanis Club, and the Elk City Masonic Lodge #182. Without the communities support, this production could not be done with Disney costuming, and the magic of theatre.
Directed by Tiphani Currell and Music Director, Adrianna Tibbbetts, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. features actors and mentors from western Oklahoma.
Meet Emma: Emma is a recent graduate from Merritt High School where she participated in Vocal and Advanced Art classes as well as Academic team. She is planning on going to the University of Central Oklahoma starting in the fall where she will pursue degrees in English Education and Gender Studies. She has enjoyed participating in the Sagebrush Penguin Project as an Artist staring in Annie Jr., Disney’s Aladdin Jr., and Guys and Dolls, Jr. This year she will have a leading role as Elsa in the musical Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Meet Haylee: Haylee Reed was born in Elk City, Oklahoma. She plays Anna in the upcoming production. Throughout her years in school she loved to sing and act. She graduated in class of 2023,though out her school years Haylee has been in FFA ,school plays, choir, and the SageBrush Penguin Project , where she has done many plays including Annie Jr., Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Guys and Dolls Jr. And this year Disney’s Frozen Jr.
