Disney Frozen JR

Disney Frozen JR is based on the 2018 Broadway musical and features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, (Frozen 2013), with Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a Book by Jennifer Lee.

There was no set as such just a bare stage with steps at either side which were used for various scenarios including becoming mountains. Different locations were projected on to a large screen at the back of the stage and effective props were added, by a very efficient stage crew, as and when required. The show starts when we are introduced to the royal family of Arendelle, the King and Queen and their two young daughters Anna and Elsa who are running around and playing with the villagers. That evening the young princesses use Elsa’s magic ice powers to build a snowman but heir play gets a bit out of hand and Elsa accidentally strikes Anna on the head. Their parents run to her aide and the Queen calls for help from the Hidden Folk. They are able to remove the ice from Anna’s head and the memories of Elsa’s magic were taken as well. Elsa grows fearful of her powers and isolates herself from her sister. Much later, following the death of the King and Queen, Elsa is crowned Queen, Anna falls in love with Hans, Elsa refuses to give them her blessing and after accidentally freezing her kingdom, she flees. Anna then embarks on a journey determined to reunite with her sister and save Arendelle.

Elsa was superbly played by Abi A. She totally captured the regal, strong and courageous nature of the character beautifully whilst being quite reserved and fearful. She has a great singing voice especially evident in her singing of ‘Let It Go’ which was outstanding. Her interpretation of it was so heartfelt and so meaningfully delivered, she really did, let it go! The quick change from her regal gown, to the one very much associated with the image we have of Elsa, was miraculously achieved - it was a truly first-rate performance. Flori S. excelled as Anna. She was so fun loving, enthusiastic and her mischievous nature was so impressively delivered. Flori, too, has a super singing voice, the duet, ‘For the First Time in Forever’ that she sang with Elsa was super and I particularly liked the harmonious duet, ‘Love is an Open Door’ with Hans. Freddie L. has such a natural stage presence and he so brilliantly portrayed the matter fact, kind, hardworking and helpful characteristics of Kristoff. His singing and playing on the guitar of ‘Reindeer(s) Are better Than People’, along with Sven, was top-notch. Finn E. initially was so convincing as the charming, arrogant and self-centred Hans who was supposedly in love with Anna. However, it transpired that this was just to gain the kingdom for himself and Finn splendidly manages to convey the deceitful and cruel aspects of Hans, when he leaves Anna to die and threatens to kill Elsa. How utterly delightful was Maddie O. as Olaf, the magical snowman. The ‘puppet’ was awesome and brilliantly handled by Maddie who brought out his comedic and optimistic aspects wonderfully as too, was her singing of ‘In Summer’. Sven, another remarkable ‘puppet’ was under the splendid guidance of Lily L. The Puppet Maker was Sue Allen. What a super portrayal came from Seb H. as Oaken, the friendly shop owner, who, along with his lovely family, terrifically sang and delivered ‘Hygge’ and Fletcher H. certainly expressed the ‘oddities’ of Weselton. Excellent support came from Isla A. as Middle Elsa and from Isla S. as Middle Anna and also from the cutely adorable Ebony C. and Emma O. as Young Elsa and Young Anna. Darcey B. and Jasmine C. were great as Bulda & Pabbie as were Mia L. & Eva M. as the King and Queen. The Maid, House Keeper, Cook, Bishop and Butler were well played by Bethany B., Grace S., Leah S., Alby R. and Ted S. and along with the nineteen members of the ‘ensemble’ all admirably played an important and integral part in the show. 

The singing, by the principals and the chorus, was of a very high standard and all of the large chorus numbers were imaginatively choreographed and so well executed. The costumes were absolutely stunning as were the wigs and makeup and together with excellent visuals, props and a good lighting plot, all played a vital part in making this a very entertaining, sometimes funny and sometimes quite moving, piece of theatre. Well done to both Back Stage Crews and Front of House personnel and indeed to everyone else involved. Congratulations must go to Director Jen Lewis, to Producer Stacey Hyndman, to Musical Director Jess Dolman, to Choreographer Sharon Stringer and Co-Choreographer Danni Stringer and of course, to the super Principals and cast members. The whole company is so deserving of praise for all the hard-work that has so obviously ensued in bringing this wonderful show to fruition. 

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