REVIEW: THEATRE AQUARIUS’ PRODUCTION OF DISNEY’S “FROZEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL” IS PURE THEATRICAL MAGIC

To call Disney’s Academy Award winning animated feature Frozen a ‘cultural juggernaut’ is an understatement. It has captivated audiences of all ages since its premiere in 2013, spawned an equally compelling sequel in 2019 and continues to hold its beloved status to this day. It was only a matter of time before it would, like so many of its Disney Renaissance predecessors, become a full-fledged stage musical on Broadway in 2018. With an abundance of theatre magic and a cast that truly shines on stage, Theatre Aquarius brings Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical to Hamilton for the holiday season and it is an absolute delight to behold.

Frozen: The Broadway Musical opens with hauntingly beautiful Norwegian chanting soaring through the auditorium. The skilled musicians in the orchestra, led by musical director Bob Foster, set the magical and ever-s0-slighty foreboding tone before audiences meet Anna (Addison Wagman) and Elsa (Naomi McIntyre) as children. The opening sequences makes us want to see more of their adorable and dedicated performances before they grow up. Both young actors excel in their roles balancing being both playful and heart-breaking and have very bright futures ahead of them on stage.

Anna (Addison Wagman) and Elsa (Naomi McIntyre) - Dahlia Katz Photography

The film's themes of sisterly love, fear of the unknown, and staying true to yourself shine through beautifully in this stage production. Anna's awkward quirks are conveyed brilliantly by Jessica Gallant. As adult Anna, Gallant embodies everything audiences love about her character: the enthusiasm for life, her vulnerabilities regarding family and her sassy demeanor which is played to perfection. She has more onstage chemistry with both Hans (a strong vocal performance from the dashing Gabriel Antonacci) and Kristoff (a warm, richly delivered performance from Taurian Teelucksingh) in the musical than she did in the film thanks to its added length, and Hans' second act reveal has a little more foreshadowing than the film did, though his overall shady intentions still seem to come from nowhere. 

Anna (Jessica Gallant) and Hans (Gabriel Antonacci) - Dahlia Katz Photography

Hamilton’s own Kaleigh Gorka returns home to captivate audiences as Elsa, where she also played the role in the Canadian premiere at Nova Scotia’s Neptune Theatre last year. Elsa’s complexities shine through in her asides in “First Time in Forever” and of course, the smash hit “Let It Go.” With additional songs like “Dangerous to Dream” and “Monster” and the improved writing during the scene in which Anna confronts Elsa in her ice palace, Gorka reveals Elsa’s conflicted heart and soul with her characterizations and impressive vocal range and belts throughout both acts.

Kaleigh Gorka as Elsa - Dahlia Katz Photography

While this show implements a near-constant use of background projectors to create the wintry imagery, it also has beautiful set pieces used for the Arendelle castle, ice palace and snowy North Mountain area. The benefit of well-designed theatre lighting makes these set pieces sparkle and glisten in a way that simply cannot be recreated on film. The lighting design work, combined with Elsa's dazzling transformation, are stunning effects and exciting theatre magic which had Saturday’s matinee audience gasping and cheering, adding to the experience of seeing live theatre in the best way possible.

The show also uses creative techniques to portray the creature sidekicks of Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer. In this show, Olaf is portrayed by Adam Francis Proulx who matches his comedic facial expressions to the puppet with real panache. Proulx makes Olaf his own, while paying respect to the animated character and the audience was delighted by his whimsy and loyalty to Anna and friends throughout. Sven is presented with skilled actor and puppetry director Dayna Tietzen inside who helps with the mobility of the full-bodied reindeer suit. This choice definitely shows an homage to other Disney animated features turned stage musicals such as Disney’s The Lion King with actor’s embodying various animals. Very impressive work from both.

Adam Francis Proulx and Dayna Tietzen - Dahlia Katz Photography

The ensemble proves that no musical succeeds without them and Frozen: The Broadway Musical is no exception. From playing multiple characters with ease and exceling at the intricate choreography from Robin Calvert, there are great moments throughout from this talented ensemble. One number “Hygge,” in particular, is a standout thanks to the hilariously energetic performance from Constant Bernard as Oaken, the Norwegian shop keeper, who belts and dances with incredible enthusiasm over his love of comforts and coziness at the top of the second act. Bravo.

The cast of Frozen: The Broadway Musical featuring Constant Bernard as Oaken - Dahlia Katz Photography

Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Theatre Aquarius exceeds expectations with its well-designed set pieces, entertaining musical numbers, and faithful adaptation of the film's themes and characters. The added musical numbers and scenes enhance the narrative without dragging down the pacing. The use of puppetry techniques to portray Olaf and Sven onstage is highly creative, and the talented cast brings the characters to life with their energetic performances. Overall, Frozen: The Broadway Musical is a must-see for fans of the film and musical theatre enthusiasts alike.

Tickets are limited for the remainder of the run but check out Theatre Aquarius’ website for added performance dates. Go enjoy the warmth and wonder of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical. It's a testament to the power of stage adaptation and the pure magic of live theatre.

Theatre Aquarius Creative Team for Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical

Jeremy Webb, Director

Bob Foster, Musical Director

Robin Calvert, Choreographer

Dayna Tietzen, Puppetry Director

Cara Rebecca, Fight & Intimacy Director

Brian Dudkiewicz, Set Designer

Steve Lucas, Lighting Designer

Ranil Sonnadara, Sound Designer

Helena Marriot, Costume Designer

Cassie Seaboyer, Puppet Designer

Adam Francis Proulx, Puppet Consultant / Builder

Corwin Ferguson, Projection Designer

Mandy Roveda, Apprentice Director

Patrick Bowman, Associate Musical Director

Shakeil Rollock, CGDC Associate Choreographer

Jane-Leigh Jamieson, Apprentice Choreographer

Luna Arantza, Apprentice Lighting Designer

June Zinck, Stage Manager

Brianna Unger, Assistant Stage Manager

Josephine Ho, Assistant Stage Manager

Kaitlyn Kaemingh, Apprentice Stage Manager

Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical 

Book by Jennifer Lee

Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage

Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee

Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Group