The Snow Queen (Blessed Unrest)

“The actors and creative team make this production a pleasure to watch, making the plot riveting, entertaining and just the slightest bit sad...I loved how a very small ensemble transforms into different characters, coordinating their movements to make the story flow seamlessly. And I loved how this production, in all its simplicity, perfectly captures the purity of a child mixed with the existential loneliness of missing the one for whom your heart beats.” Full Review

"Delightfully whimsical story and dance piece...Andersen’s long and enchanting story becomes a beautiful 80-minute journey onstage...It’s a timeless story, with many twists and updates that make it ideal for Blessed Unrest...The cast never stop moving, using Sydney Maresca’s spare and beautiful costumes to show so much of the character of the north." Full Review

"The final product is a delightful balance of comedy, adventure, and just a tinge of melancholy...A lot of fun: energetic and funny, family friendly but not sentimental, with eye-catchingly creative costuming and some great movement work. McArthur captures Gerda's resourcefulness and loyalty, ably playing a child on the cusp of adolescence-to-adulthood without trivializing the character...'The Snow Queen' will melt even the most frozen of hearts this cold winter season." Full Review

“‘The Snow Queen’ magically comes to life through interpretive dance, creative staging, and a spectacular cast…A very imaginative journey that could only be seen on a downtown stage…It’s rare when a production requires this level of mental imaging, but it was thoroughly enjoyable…The lack of backdrops and props ultimately made the show stronger...There is definitely something to be said for this level of creative simplicity." Full Review

“The simple, spare set design left lots of room for illusion, fantasy, and imagination, which the 'Snow Queen' delivered fully...The ensemble was tight, and watching them work together, with trust, imagination, and precision was a treat.” Full Review

“Opatrny’s adaptation of ‘The Snow Queen’ is interesting and clearly appeals to its young audience. But it would have added to the pleasure to see more of the title’s character, who controls winter with a dastardly hand...Still, the versatile cast clicks, and the creative simplicity of Maresca’s costumes works. Vawter’s sets utilized simple props to neatly improvise a castle, doors and trees. Director Burr gets the most from her cast.” Full Review

“Blessed Unrest brings Hans Christian Anderson’s enigmatic tale of friendship center stage, in the company’s signature, highly physical style of storytelling...Well crafted and will delight adults and children alike...However, it often seems that ‘The Snow Queen’ wants to dig into something more complex and metaphorical, yet is constrained by the overly simplified plot of the original fairy tale. And the protagonists appear unchanged even to the end.” Full Review

“The singing sprinkled throughout is lovely, adding tremendous heart to the piece...The movement is incredibly creative and clever...Despite an eighty-five minute running time, 'The Snow Queen' at times feels a bit longer. Some of the acting is a bit presentational and difficult to connect with...The underlying joy and truth could use some reinforcement...Charming and fun, and with just a bit more oomph will delight audiences of all ages.” Full Review

“A charismatic cast and talented director...The dialogue and humor veer a bit more into modern slapstick. Opartny is surprisingly effective at translating the original narrative-driven story into a full-length play of dialogue. His script maintains the feeling of the original tale, while making the story totally accessible to 21 century children...Many of the characterizations are a bit hollow...But these 'lows' are minor in what was an artistically satisfying afternoon.” Full Review