WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Disney’s “Frozen” had never been performed by a high school cast — until this year. 

West Warwick High School was set on performing “Mamma Mia” this school year until they found out they had won the “United States of Frozen” essay contest. The competition allows one school from every state to perform the family favorite movie and musical.

“It was unanimous that we all wanted to switch to ‘Frozen,'” said senior Abby Saccone.

To enter the competition, every school had to submit an essay on how love is present in their school. 

“Our school has another club called Choose Love, so our essay was mainly about that and how we incorporate that into our school,” Saccone said.

Saccone and junior Abby Tuchon play sisters Elsa and Anna. “I love that I’m Anna,” Tuchon said. “Everyone wanted to be Elsa, but I’m so grateful that I’m Anna.”

The two say they were always friends, but the stage has made them closer.

“Working together and having that sisterly bond, I feel like that’s very much impacted our day-to-day school lives,” Saccone said.

“It makes so much sense now that we’re in it,” Tuchon agreed.

The 48-person cast isn’t the only thing that’s larger than in previous years: West Warwick High isn’t holding back when it comes to lighting and effects. 

“Our backdrops are projected and they look very realistic,” Saccone said.

Because West Warwick is one of 50 other U.S. high schools performing the musical for the first time, every costume is new and made from scratch — and there are a lot of costumes.

“I get ready like 17 times backstage, because I have 20 quick changes,” Tuchon said.

This brings a few challenges for the cast as well.

“The Elsa dress is the most difficult,” Saccone said. “There’s a bunch of fog everywhere and my dress changes and I have to pull it off. There’s a trap door and you have to pull it off of the trap door, so it’s really really complicated for tech.”

The show opened March 10, but there are still a few more chances to catch the performance this Friday and Saturday!

Click here to buy your tickets before they’re sold out.