Laura Andruski, co-writer and director of “The Snow Queen.” Photo courtesy of Montgomery Playhouse.
Sometimes theatrical professionals get the chance to write something special. Back in 1995, Laura Andruski (Book and Lyrics) and Sharilyn C. Reynolds (Music) created a musical version of Hans Christian Anderson’s story “The Snow Queen” as part of an opera-on-the-go program in New Jersey. This month, their creation will be performed by The Montgomery Playhouse, giving Andruski the chance to direct her own musical.
The show is perfect for family viewing. Only one hour long, it follows Cai as he is spirited away by the Snow Queen to the North Pole. His friend Gerda searches for him, traveling everwhere and ending up fighting the Snow Queen to rescue her friend.
There are many characters and the cast is able to play multiple roles with the add of puppetry and masks along with an “oversized” set beautifully done by Reina Williamson. Arielle Bayer is the musical director and Cassandra Reddding, Montgomery Playhouse Artistic Director, is the producer.
Laura W. Andruski received her BA in Theatre from Rider University. She is an award-winning director (MCTFA, ESTA, & RGA) who has directed over 90 productions. Locally, Laura has been active with BP, RMT and RLT, where she serves on the Board of Directors. Laura is also the Producing Artistic Director for A Taste For Murder Productions (atasteformurder.com).
Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Theatre has always been a huge part of my life and I was performing in plays and musicals since middle school. I pursued a theater degree and have been privileged my entire adult life to work in the arts, transitioning from acting to arts administration and directing. Some of my more interesting jobs have included being a professional stage manager for Arizona Civic theatre in Tucson, Assistant Director of the Swig Arts Center in New Jersey, and Director of Arts Education for Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany New York. I even worked as the Theatre Coordinator at the Arts Barn for 10 years before I retired in July 2024 to direct full time.
You both wrote and directed the show. Which role did you prefer?
Both roles were extremely satisfying, though I never dreamed in a million years that I would be directing the work. It was just happenstance that Montgomery Playhouse discovered it and then reached out to me to direct it. (I never have before.) To be honest, directing is my real passion. I have only co-authored one other theatre piece for young audiences, “Puss in Boots,” with another composer friend, Peter de Mets. But I have directed over 80 productions and even have my own theatre company, A Taste For Murder Productions, which partners with venues in Montgomery Country to produce interactive murder-comedy dinner (and dessert) shows. I am currently booked to direct several theater projects through June of 2027. I feel really blessed to be able to do this kind of work.
What made you choose “The Snow Queen?” Why about that Hans Christian Andersen story attracted you?
I co-authored “The Snow Queen” in 1995 as a young mother with four children, along with a friend who was also a mom (of four children!) It was originally a commissioned work for a theatrical company that desired a page-to-stage musical—a show based off a literary work—for young children to introduce them to operatic works. I received a collection of Hans Christian Andersen books when I was ten years old and loved all of his stories. I felt that “The Snow Queen” was the most adaptable, and I loved its message of friendship, loyalty, and tenacity, not to mention all of the animal helpers that Gerda meets along the way. I wrote the book and lyrics. My friend and co-author, Shari Reynolds-Ward, a classically trained musician, composed the music to support and enhance the story.
How does your show differ from Andersen’s original story?
Because the work was commissioned, we were asked to keep it as directly connected to Andersen’s prose as possible. Much of the dialogue is direct quotes from the characters in his story. Unlike some of Hans Christian Andersen’s works that often end on a dark note (often cleaned up in adaptations by Disney writers), “The Snow Queen” ends very happily.
What kind of puppets and masks do you use?
When I agreed to direct “The Snow Queen” for Montgomery Playhouse, I knew that it needed some theatrical updating to engage a modern, family audience. After all, it had been 30 years since I had created the work with my co-author Shari Reynolds-Ward. It is less operatic and more of a modern musical. Tempos have changed, and I decided I wanted to include theatrical elements like masks and puppets, and dressing in different costumes—all things that young children enjoy doing themselves.
We are using several different styles of puppets such as hand puppets you would see on “Sesame Street” or “Avenue Q;” stick puppets that are backlit to cast a silhouette on the set; and even a life-size reindeer. (He’s very large!) Masks worn by actors to help with character portrayals include a goblin henchman and a very gossipy crow with an animated beak. Props coordinator Harlene Leahy, costumer McKenna Kelly, and puppet-maker Cassandra Redding, have gone above and beyond to create the masks and puppets used by very skilled performers. You don’t want to miss the show!
“The Snow Queen” runs March 13-22, 2026 presented by The MontgomeryPlayhouse in partnership with Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Performances are Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 11 am & 2 pm, and Sunday at 1 & 4 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets either in person at the Arts Barn Box Office, by calling 301.258.6394, Tuesday – Saturday 1-5 pm, or go online. (Online ticket sales end two hours prior to performance.) Recommended for ages 4 & up.
