FROZEN JR

Great to be back at Parodos for their summer show – Frozen Jr.  Not a show I am familiar with, but the abridged junior version contained enough detail for me to be able to keep up with the story.

I felt the production was better suited to the smaller venue, it played to full houses, was much more inclusive, and I’m sure the performers appreciated the closer contact with their audience.

I liked the idea of using backdrops on a hanging rail that covered the whole of the back wall, however the removal of each drop was rather time-consuming, and although it was a way of designating the next scene, I found it a little clumsy in comparison to the rest of the production. 

Lighting was good throughout, with some very good effects and instantaneous blackouts in relevant places.  The snow scenes were lovely with the disco ball giving the look of a snowstorm.  The lighting overall enhanced the production, which was full of colour.

Sound was a little suspect at times, though I was impressed with the quality of the performers vocalisation, and their commitment to this iconic piece.

The costumes were stunning – a tour de force for Bryony Reynolds, who I understand designed and made most of the costumes, obviously with help, but along with all the other production considerations to take care of, this was certainly a big commitment, and one which bore fruit for the audience and the cast, as they all looked wonderful.  Colourful and suitable costumes, with great hair and wigs.

The choreography was suitable for the various abilities, and I loved the Act 2 numbers designed by Natalie Shearer, with Oaken, the Snow Chorus and the Hidden People – the slant of the choreography went well with the music and the performers enjoyed themselves.  I also liked the finale of Act 1, In Summer.

The use of three different girls to play Elsa and Anna at three different ages meant that they all got a chance to take the lead. 

Lily Anthony (Young Elsa) and Abby Rowson (Young Anna) were charming and performed really well, I could feel their concern at being parted. 

Keira Halfpenny (Middle Elsa) and Angel Bayliss (Middle Anna) then took over, and progressed the relationship despite them being kept apart, Angel was particularly expressive in the section where they were either side of the door. 

Finally, we had Katie Osborne (Elsa) and Freya Mullen (Anna), both these young ladies showed good performance skills, I loved what they did with the parts, and it was good to see how they have improved since the last production.

Chloe Ragul was a convincing Olaf, despite being on crutches – very well done for carrying on in the ‘show must go on’ tradition, and also creating a regal Queen, in a beautiful dress.

Lucia Kidman created a very commanding Prince Hans, who the audience really loved to hate, nicely achieved.

Jessie-Jay Barnes was a cute Sven, forming a good duo with Callum Bird as Kristoff – I enjoyed their partnership, and was very impressed with Callum’s overall improvement in all areas.

Isabelle Georgescu covered three roles King Agnarr, Weselton and Mrs. Oaken, giving them all different personas, well done.  I also enjoyed Angel Baylis as Oaken, very expressive, and a good partnership with Isabelle.

Esmae Jempson, Vito Kidman, Joshua Marsberg, Lottie Corcoran, Emily O’Mara, Caitlin Greaves and Faye Shearer all performed ensemble and other roles extremely well.

I loved the Snow Chorus – Angel Bayliss, Keira Halfpenny, Esmae Jempson, Lottie Corcoran and Faye Shearer – their costumes were lovely and really gave the impression of snowflakes, nicely accomplished.

I loved the whole production, it was colourful, had pace, and the cast were enthusiastic and paid good attention to detail.  A charming and creative production.  Very impressive.

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