St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation and Parks has selected Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical as its 2026 Summerstock production, with eight performances scheduled at Great Mills High School on July 17 through 19 and July 24 through 26.
The announcement, made in early November 2025, follows the department’s tradition of staging youth-focused Broadway-style shows each summer. Auditions for the production are set for April 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Carver Recreation Center in St. Mary’s City. The program invites performers aged 13 to 21, with two roles available for girls aged 10 to 12. Detailed audition guidelines, including preparation materials and requirements, will be released in January 2026 on the official Summerstock page.
Online ticket sales open July 1, 2026, through the county’s recreation portal, with in-person purchases available on performance dates if seats remain. Past Summerstock productions have sold out quickly, prompting early purchases for popular titles.
The musical adapts the 2013 Disney animated film, incorporating songs from the movie such as the Academy Award-winning “Let It Go,” alongside new numbers created for the stage version. Music and lyrics come from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with the book by Jennifer Lee. The Broadway production, originally directed by Michael Grandage and produced by Disney Theatrical Group, is licensed through Music Theatre International for community and regional presentations.
Chris Lengle serves as the Summerstock producer, handling inquiries and sponsorship opportunities. Interested parties can reach Lengle at Chris.Lengle@stmaryscountymd.gov. Sponsorships help fund sets, costumes, and technical elements, often supplemented by grants from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and Maryland State Arts Council.
Summerstock, now in its fourth decade, provides hands-on theater experience for local youth while offering family entertainment at Great Mills High School auditorium. The program typically casts dozens of performers from across St. Mary’s County, with rehearsals running intensively in the months leading to opening night. Previous productions have included titles like Tarzan in 2025, School of Rock, and Mary Poppins, drawing audiences from Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, and surrounding areas.
Great Mills High School has hosted most Summerstock shows since the program’s early years, utilizing its stage and facilities for rehearsals and performances. The venue’s location near Route 235 makes it accessible for county residents. Ticket pricing follows standard Summerstock structure, with discounts for matinees, seniors, and children, though exact 2026 rates will be confirmed closer to sales launch.
The choice of Frozen aligns with Summerstock’s pattern of selecting family-oriented musicals featuring strong ensemble roles suitable for young actors. The story centers on sisters Anna and Elsa, exploring themes of family bonds and self-acceptance through elaborate production numbers, including ice-themed effects adapted for community theater scale.
For updates, residents can monitor the Department of Recreation and Parks website or social media channels. The program encourages participation from teens interested in acting, singing, dancing, or backstage roles, building skills in a professional-style environment guided by experienced staff.
This production marks another milestone for Summerstock, which has grown from modest beginnings in the 1970s and 1980s to a highlight of the county’s cultural calendar. Community involvement through sponsorships and volunteer support remains key to staging high-quality shows annually.
