When Amelia Barr was a little girl growing up in rural Tomahawk, she couldn’t have imagined performing in a major theatrical production, let alone starring in a highly anticipated adaptation of one of Disney’s most beloved musicals.
But when the curtain rises this week in Minneapolis for the Children’s Theatre Company premiere of Disney’s “Frozen,” Barr will be at the center of the action, bringing the magical character Pabbie to life.
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Barr, who spoke with WPR’s “Morning Edition” host Shereen Siewert in the days leading up to the show’s opening, reflected warmly on her Northwoods roots and the path that led her to the Minneapolis stage. She described her Tomahawk childhood as deeply musical and creative, though she initially explored theater mostly at home, performing for imaginary audiences alongside her siblings.
“I miss Tomahawk. I love Tomahawk so much,” Barr told WPR. “But I truly could not have imagined where my life would lead me in terms of being an actor and being on this stage. I’m so excited about it.”
In “Frozen,” which premieres April 15 and runs through June 15, Barr portrays Pabbie, the mystical elder who introduces audiences — and characters — to the enchanting yet sometimes unpredictable powers of magic.
The show, based on the hit Broadway musical, promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with its story of sisterhood, friendship and overcoming fear. In addition to her primary role as Pabbie, Barr is also an understudy for Elsa, the iconic lead character whose struggle to control her magical powers lies at the heart of the story.
As she anticipates opening night, Barr reflected on what her journey could mean for other aspiring actors growing up in small towns across Wisconsin. She urged young people not to feel limited by their surroundings or resources.
“Even if it’s just you singing in the shower or singing outside at home, whatever motivates you, let that move you forward,” she said. “Success is still so possible.”
The following interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
SS: When you were a little girl growing up in Tomahawk, did you know you wanted to be on the big stage?
AB: We lived very much in the country when we were in Tomahawk. My siblings and I were all musical and creative. My real formative years of theater were really just me and my siblings putting on a play together or running out into the woods pretending that people were clapping for me.
I didn’t do much theater in Tomahawk, but I did start learning more about that craft in Minnesota. I would call myself a late bloomer in terms of my profession.
SS: What makes this original production distinct from previous adaptations?
AB: First and foremost, the story of “Frozen” has always really resonated with me because it is a story of sisterhood, and I have a lot of siblings. I have sisters, so I’ve always been very attracted to that part of the story.
I think what makes this production so special is that Tiffany, our director, is so focused on individual storytelling. No matter what your part is in the show, whether you’re playing the main character Elsa or if you’re a townsperson, you are an important and integral part of the story. She is fueling everybody with this motivation to tell the tale.
SS: Tell me about your role.
AB: I am playing Pabbie, the mystical person in the show. Basically, my character introduces the audience to the world of magic, and we see how that plays into Elsa’s journey with her magic as well.
It has been super fun to explore a more mystical, fantastical character. I’m also understudying Elsa, and it helps to have both ends of the magic in the show. If I do have to go on for Elsa I know what that already looks like, a bit.
SS: What has been the most challenging thing about being involved in a production of this magnitude?
AB: Probably just imagining what it will be like when we finally get all the technical elements and all the costuming in play. Right now, we’re still in the stages of learning the material, working the material and making sure everything is ready.
Pretty soon we’ll have props and costumes and other technical elements in play. I think that is probably the more challenging part because in “Frozen” you really have to bring the world alive. It’ll be a challenge at first, I’m sure.
SS: What do you want young aspiring actors back in your home state of Wisconsin to take away from your journey?
AB: I would just say to anyone who is thinking about exploring a path like this to not discourage yourself and think that just because you might not have the immediate resources that other people might have if they’re growing up in New York City or they’re growing up in Minneapolis, that success isn’t possible.
SS: Performing in a Tony-award nominated show with music by celebrated writers must bring a certain level of expectation. How do you manage that pressure?
AB: It helps to tap into the community of it all, because the people in the show with me are so kind and wonderful. I personally rely on my fellow cast members to reassure me that we’ve got it, we’re all right. That we’re going to get this done and it’s going to be wonderful.
The biggest thing is just taking care of yourself, and I have to remind myself that sleep is so important. Health is so important. Concentrating on that helps keep me calm, with all the responsibility.
SS: What’s next for you?
AB: After this show, I’ll head back to New York City. I have a wonderful agent and I’ve been doing a lot of auditions. My ultimate goal is to perform in New York, so we’ll see what that looks like as my journey continues and the fun continues.
I also have a movie that’s coming out this summer, and that will be an exciting chapter to see what happens with it. I think 10 years down the road you’ll catch me in the Big Apple doing some kind of show.
SS: When the curtain rises on opening night, what feelings do you anticipate knowing your hometown and so many others are watching your career unfold?
AB: Honestly, pure gratitude. It sounds corny, but I just feel very, very excited and blessed to be at a point where I can do live theater and call that my career. Gratitude and excitement, for sure.
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