Our Tosa West Theatre Program family, fresh off the most successful production to date!
If you were anywhere near Wauwatosa in mid-November, you knew of the phenomenon sweeping the city — a production unlike any Wauwatosa had ever seen, and one that made our hearts swell with pride. A show that sold out in just 10 days, and the very first of its kind in Wisconsin high school theater history. It’s no question that the Tosa West Theatre Program’s production of Disney’s “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” will be remembered for years to come. To commemorate its remarkable success, we chatted with Tosa’s West’s beloved theater director, Adam Steffan. Here, Adam, who was born and raised in Wauwatosa, reflects on the musical’s impact, how the cast and crew created pure magic, and what’s next for the production.
Can you tell us about the experience, post production? And its impact?
“‘Frozen’ was a remarkable experience. When we talk about our production, often we go to what we saw on stage, which was phenomenal and not your typical high school experience, but what I think about is all of the things that happened off stage. When we started on the journey of ‘Frozen,’ none of us really knew what an impact it would have — not only on our students, but on our whole community. ‘Frozen’ created opportunities for joy; ‘Frozen’ created opportunities for collaboration and love. And I think that was exemplified by all of the community support that took place and the big, warm hug we received from Wauwatosa.
“… Now, having been through the entire experience, that’s what I’m really holding on to. … Years from now, people will certainly remember our performance, but also the wonderful impact that it had here at Tosa West and in the Wauwatosa community.”
Tosa West was the sole high school in Wisconsin chosen for this opportunity. How incredible!
“What was fun to watch was how everyone stepped up to the plate. There was some pressure involved (from Disney and the Educational Theatre Association). This was a huge deal, and it was stressful, and it was hard. In the end, what we created was really something special. We’re forever grateful to be part of this United States of Frozen family.”
Do you consider this the most pivotal production of your career thus far? (Adam has been with the Tosa West Theatre Program for 12 years.)
“Absolutely. The production sold out in 10 days. It’s phenomenal. It’s hard to even find words to describe everything that went on with ‘Frozen.’ It’s certainly typical for us to sell out shows, but certainly not an entire run, and definitely not before we open.
“… I was born and raised in Wauwatosa, and am a product of Wilson, Longfellow and Tosa East. For me, too, that’s part of it. The ability to give back to the community that I grew up in and love.”
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or add?
“The school district is so supportive of what we do — and that includes our superintendent and our principal. We wouldn’t be able to do these things without their support. Tosa West Theatre is a shining example of what can happen when programs like these are well supported and valued within a school district.”
The Tosa West Theatre Program hopes to revive its production of ‘Frozen’ at the International Thespian Festival next June. Six shows are selected from across the country, and will be invited to perform on the main stage at Indiana University in Bloomington. Adam shared that the selections will be revealed in January; we’re sending the BEST OF LUCK to Tosa West!
