Disney FROZEN the Broadway Musical Casts a Captivating Spell
Do you want to build a snowman? It’s a question that’s captivated young audiences and entertained families since Disney first introduced sisters Anna and Elsa. The Muny’s production of Disney Frozen the Broadway Musical brings their story to life in a way that only The Muny can — with memorable songs, dazzling effects, and a charismatic cast that invites the audience into the story. In the capable hands of director John Tartaglia, with music direction by Darryl Archibald and choreography by Patrick O’Neill, the musical moves through myth and plot at a quick pace, with an abundance of personality, wit, and humor to keep young audiences, bored teenagers, and adults invested and entertained.
Sisters Anna and Elsa, the princesses of Arendelle, are close friends and constant playmates until Elsa’s emerging power reveals its strength with a force that surprises her, forever altering younger sister Anna’s hair and their lives. The sister’s parents are lost at sea while searching for answers to help Elsa control her abilities, and, although they live in the same castle, Elsa and Anna are kept separate. Saddened by her estrangement and unable to remember the cause of their separation, Anna grows into a young woman on her own, not reuniting with her sister until Elsa’s coronation as the new queen. An unexpected visitor stirs Anna’s heart and causes Elsa to unleash her powers, throwing Arendelle into a frozen state and threatening to keep the sisters apart forever. With help from Kristoff, Sven, and the clumsy, cheerful snowman Olaf, Anna is determined to reunite with her sister, but can she melt Elsa’s icy resolve?
Patti Murin, as Anna, and Hannah Corneau, as Elsa, provide the heart and soul at the center of Frozen, and the two create a natural bond that resonates with affection from the stage to the back of the house. Murin is effusive and charismatic as the adventurous Anna, her voice has a pleasant depth and bright tone with a sense of curiosity that easily connects, particularly with younger audiences. Corneau has a crisp, brilliant singing voice, hitting the highest notes with astonishing clarity and ease, and an anxious concern that proves grounded in love and her own need for acceptance. There’s a complimentary contrast between the performers that suits the story well, and Isla Turner and Maliah Strawbridge also capture that essential spark as young Anna and Elsa. Standouts in the ensemble include Bobby Conte as the charmingly duplicitous Hans, Jelani Remy as the amiably true and loyal Kristoff, and Kennedy Kanagawa as everyone’s favorite lovable snowman Olaf, but the entire cast is engaging, and the ensemble numbers are visually and musically delightful.
The easy-to-follow story is filled with captivating characters, catchy, memorable songs, and a familiar plot enhanced with a bit of Muny magic. The set design has just the right amount of flourish and detail to make the audience feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale kingdom, and the special effects add stunning, sparkling elements with a touch of magical possibility. From the folktale calls of “Vuelie” to the familiar notes of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” through the showstopping “Let It Go” all the way to the final bow, Frozen pulls at your heart strings with a message about love, sisterhood, and facing your fears while staying true to yourself. There’s also plenty of humor, a little romance, and a pervasive sense of hope that provides both courage and reassurance. The plot is enhanced by songs that add texture and emotional context, from the flirtatious contrast of “Love Is an Open Door” and “What Do You Know About Love” to the humor of “Reindeer Are Better Than People” and “In Summer” to the powerful high notes of “Dangerous to Dream” and “Let It Go.” And the second act doesn’t miss a beat, with highlights “Hygge,” “I Can’t Lose You,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Monster” carrying audiences through the conflict to the reconciliation and joy of the thaw and “Finale.”
With its faithful depiction of the fairytale and uplifting message about enduring love, the family friendly, all-ages appropriate Disney Frozen the Broadway Musical, with book by Jennifer Lee and music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is an excellent choice for The Muny’s season. The story is simple, but the compelling delivery holds your interest and the essential truth in the power of a sister’s love is enough to draw a tear or two from more sentimental audience members (like this reviewer).
