EVANSTON — Last September, Evanston High School’s theater and vocal departments learned they had won a unique opportunity. They have spent the months since preparing to perform a stage adaptation of the animated Disney film “Frozen.” The record-breaking production took place March 23-25 in the EHS auditorium.

“Frozen: The Musical” was fresh off Broadway when the United States of Frozen contest began. This competition offered 51 promising high schools throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico the chance to perform “Frozen” on stage. Opening on March 23, EHS ran one of the world’s first off-Broadway productions of the musical.

Theater department director Erin Russell and vocal music director Heather Blackwell heard about the contest last summer, and were reluctant to apply, as the challenges inherent in running a Broadway show are numerous. Among their concerns were staging, set and costume design and musical accompaniment. No backing music was available for singers, so the music was performed live from beneath the stage, and the school could not easily purchase premade set, stage or costume pieces.

Despite these challenges, Blackwell and Russell were tempted, and they put forth a strong application, listing EHS’ three-year reign as state drama champions and numerous vocal awards, but with a particular focus on the contest theme, “Love is an Open Door.” Named after a song in “Frozen,” this coincided with Russell’s department values — be present, be kind and be fearless. Russell said in September that these values create good people with a strong relationship to the public.

After the performances, Russell told the Herald in an email, “I feel so proud of the kids and so sad that it’s over.” She said the students surpassed her expectations, adding that she is “bursting with pride.”

High school student and “Frozen” cast member Tawnya Beck said it felt “really good” to be involved in the musical. “It was fun to put on. We put a lot of work into it, and it was really cool to be the first high school in Wyoming to perform it.”

The show had a record turnout, not just for musicals, but for any production performed in the school’s history. Russell said well over 1,000 people were in the auditorium throughout the weekend.

Vern Hopkin, an EHS math teacher and theater buff, saw both casts perform. “I thought it was fantastic,” he said. “It was well-acted, the set was well-done and the singing was beautiful.” He added, “I’m so glad we have this level of performance from our drama and choir departments at EHS.”

Sagebrush Theatre President Katie Heckert, who accompanied Hopkin and others to the musical after a rehearsal for the community drama nonprofit’s upcoming production, “Wizard of Oz,” said, “I was proud and impressed with the level of talent and dedication, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

According to Russell, many of “Frozen’s” features may be used in future productions. “We have collected some amazing costumes, set pieces, etc.” she said, “but the true transferrable is the dedication and creativity we used in this show.”

Some new technologies may also be of use in the future. Russell said, given another chance, she would add more performance nights.

Of the honor, Russell called it a privilege and joy to have earned the unique opportunity to produce “Frozen.” She said, “At times the responsibility felt very heavy on Mrs. Blackwell’s and my shoulders, but ultimately it was a humbling feeling to be among the first.”

She concluded by expressing her gratitude for the community’s unprecedented support.