OAA Fall Season: Performances of “Frozen” and “A Christmas Carol” at Carnegie Hall

If you were to ask Open Arts Alliance Executive Director Rocco Natale about the upcoming theater season, he would say: “Many new adventures, but many old friends.”

That could mean anything, as the local nonprofit celebrates its tenth anniversary of bringing artistic engagement to our community through educational theater and senior citizen outreach.

Perhaps the most immediate is an autumn season with the popular family classic Frozen Children and the premiere of a new concert version of Charles Dickens’ classic at Carnegie Hall: A Christmas song at Weill Hall.

Offering two fall musicals in 2024 is a hallmark of the nonprofit organization, providing students (grades 1–12) with expanded learning opportunities, including the chance to perform in one of the world's premier concert halls.

Cindy Busani, Director of Outreach, says she is looking forward to the shows for student performers, adding, “FROZEN is a universally loved story about the power of sisterhood.

And what trickster doesn't love Scrooge McDuck?” and Managing Director Rocco Natale adds: “This season offers students the chance to work in a world-class location while also fostering their personal development and giving back to their community at home.”

The idea to present works in Carnegie Hall’s prestigious Weill Concert Hall was born out of a commitment to providing global learning opportunities for local productions and is intended to celebrate the “past, present and future” of a decade of enriching the arts.

The concert will feature former students of the organization returning to share the stage with current students (grades 7-12). In addition, professional artists will perform, providing first-hand experiences for students and young adults.

According to board member Samantha Steele, this project was born out of an impulse to recognize student excellence while providing them with experiences to prepare for college and enhance their resumes.

“We hear from students on our leadership teams that the pressure to succeed is greater than ever. We want to give students the opportunity to stand out while pursuing their personal dreams.”

But this is not the end of the exciting developments: OAA has a new location at the Greenwich Arts Council on Greenwich Avenue.

This central location not only provides expanded access to much-needed rehearsal space, but also serves as a hub for the free, expanded senior education programs that OAA offers seniors annually.

“We are tired,” laugh Busani and Natale, then add: “But good tiredness.”

Busani added: “I think we're all just excited about what this means for the kids – more opportunities to shine.”

All youth ages 6 to 18 are invited to register now for programs and auditions.

For more information and to register, visit www.OpenArtsAlliance.com.

Open Arts Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.