"Frozen" Dazzles at the Flickinger as Children's Music Theater Opens Season in Grand Style

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — With the staggering vocal talents of Isabella Ochoa and Kendall Kunihiro (aka Elsa and Anna) leading the way, "Frozen: The Broadway Musical" from the Children's Music Theater of Alamogordo opened Friday, Oct. 16, at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts. 

Impressive sets, costumes, special effects and a live orchestra set the stage for stellar performances by a large cast of kids ages 7 to 17. Favorites like "Let It Go," "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Love Is an Open Door" drew some of the night's biggest cheers. Behind the scenes, a student stage crew kept Arendelle running smoothly.

A cast that shines from top to bottom

Ochoa commanded the stage as Elsa, balancing the queen's icy reserve with real vulnerability. Her voice filled the hall, and her "Let It Go" brought the audience to its feet with a moment of pure goosebumps.

Kunihiro was a delight as Anna, bursting with warmth, comic timing and a voice that soared in every number. Her chemistry with Ochoa made the sisters' bond the true heart of the show.

Eric Balogh gave Kristoff an easygoing charm and a rugged, likable presence, while Caleb Cooper's Sven, the loyal reindeer, earned laughs and affection without saying a word. Together they were one of the evening's most endearing pairings.

Kylie Kunihiro was a scene-stealer as Olaf. Her sunny energy and perfect comic instincts had the youngest audience members giggling and the grown-ups laughing right along with them.

Caleb Crabtree played Hans with smooth charisma that made his turn all the more satisfying, and Gavin Shepherd hammed it up wonderfully as the scheming Duke of Weselton, drawing laughs with every pompous entrance.

The younger performers were a highlight in their own right. Elizabeth Reuter and Olivia Calles were adorable and affecting as Young Elsa and Young Anna, setting up the story's emotional stakes with real tenderness. Olivia Davison and Evelyn George carried the sisters' journey forward beautifully as Middle Elsa and Middle Anna.

Trent Hileman's Oaken brought a cheerful, crowd-pleasing burst of fun, and Samuel Thrasher and Addison Gilliland gave King Agnarr and Queen Iduna a gentle dignity that made the royal family's story land. Asher Celoria as Pabbie and Valerie Garcia as Bulda brought warmth and humor to the hidden folk.

The 26-member ensemble deserves its own standing ovation. Whether as villagers, courtiers or hidden folk, they filled every scene with energy, tight harmonies and sharp choreography, giving the production the full, rich sound of a professional company.

A story within the story

For Ochoa, the role meant more than a starring turn. She is a cancer survivor, and her portrayal of a young woman who stops hiding and embraces her strength gave the show's message of courage and self-acceptance special weight for everyone who knows her story.

Among those congratulating her after the curtain call was Grace Nagamine, candidate for New Mexico House District 51. Despite a busy schedule, Nagamine made a point of being there to celebrate Ochoa's victory over cancer and her starring role, and posed for photos with the young star in full Elsa costume.

"My schedule was packed, but I could not miss the chance to see this beautiful young girl shine," Nagamine said. "To watch her thrive as a survivor and take the stage as Elsa was something special. She is an inspiration to us all.

Photo: Isabella Ochoa (Elsa) with House District 51 candidate Grace Nagamine after the performance. - Alamogordo Town News

What's next

Director and CMTA co-founder Heather Bash used the evening to announce what's next: the program's Spring 2027 production will be "The Sound of Music," with auditions set for January.

Remaining performances: today, Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts.

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