Frozen Jr

MCYT were back on stage with their production of the Disney classic, ‘Frozen Jr’, directed and choreographed by Jenna Finnigan. The production utilised projections for the set, which were good and transported the audience to the land of Arendelle. On the whole, direction was good. The cast were confident and secure in their actions and what they were doing. There were a few moments where blocking and stage positioning could have been looked at and improved; especially when the whole cast was on stage. The relationships between the characters were well developed and totally believable. The choreography was good, with lots of different styles on display. The fluidity and power of the balletic movements of the Snow Chorus were well delivered. The entire cast looked like they were enjoying every single moment on that stage, which is a testament to Jenna’s work and the work of the entire team at MCYT.

Costumes deserve a special mention for this production. Designed by Lauren Jones and produced by Lynn Standish-Dixon, the costuming was fresh and inventive. There were familiar costuming touches from the film, but they were all totally original.

The musical director was Beatrice Dorsch. The cast performed to backing tracks and did very well with this aspect. They all appeared confident in the songs, and there were some lovely harmonies throughout. Great work Beatrice!

Lighting and sound was good throughout and well integrated into the production. The sound balance between the backing tracks and the cast was good – everything could be heard.

There were three performers who played Elsa. Mia James performed well as Young Elsa, with a lovely singing voice. She was confident in everything she was doing, joining the ensemble for the rest of the production. Evie James drew the audience in as Middle Elsa. She was able to get across the pain of loss in a matter of moments. It was a lovely, controlled performance. Sidney Causer was very good as Elsa. She had the poise of the newly anointed Queen, as well as appearing frightened of her powers. ‘Dangerous to Dream’ was very well performed, as was ‘Let it Go’. The costume reveal was appreciated by the audience. Sidney created a great sisterly relationship with Lizzie.

There were another three performers playing Anna. Alice Owen played Young Anna. She worked well with Mia, forming a good sisterly bond. She delivered her songs well. Alice McCall performed well. Similarly to Evie, Alice played the emotion of her section well. Lizzie Edwards was a delight as Anna, really putting across the quirkiness of the character. Lizzie impressed with her acting, singing and dancing – all three disciplines being very good. ‘Love is an Open Door’ was performed very well by both Lizzie and Beatrice. Lizzie was also able to demonstrate some great comic timing in her performance.

Ellie Bennett was good as Kristoff. Ellie used her voice and physicality to really embody the character of Kristoff. Ellie created believable relationships with everyone on stage, and worked well with Lizzie.

Emma Parkhill was funny as Sven, with a dry and sarcastic delivery to her lines. She worked well with the cast, and formed a good duo with Ellie. The costuming for Sven was good also – great use of crutches for the front legs!

Emma Baylis played everyone’s favourite snowman, Olaf! This was a confident and funny performance, with a unique costume. If anything, Emma just needs to slow down her delivery to ensure the audience can hear every word. Her performance of ‘In Summer’ was particularly entertaining.

As well as taking the reins as musical director, Beatrice Dorsch took on the role of the antagonist, Hans. This was a strong performance from Beatrice, who really inhabited the role of Hans. The revelation of Hans’s true intentions drew audible gasps from the audience – exactly what you want!

Zach Fairhurst (King Agnarr) and Poppy Chapman (Queen Iduna) worked well together. The played the protective parents well, and were both confident in what they were doing.

Louis McManus (Pabbie) and Emily Murison (Bulda) did well as the leaders of the mysterious hidden folk. The characterisation from both was good, and they both sustained the Scottish accent well. They led ‘Fixer Upper’ very well, which was a well performed number.

Caleb Graham was suitably funny as Duke of Weselton. There were a few moments where Caleb was lost on stage through blocking and stage positioning. Make sure that the audience can see you!

Lilah Makin totally embodied the character of Oaken. She was suitably funny and over-the-top. She led ‘Hygge’ very well, which was a great ensemble number.

Jess Congleton appeared in the cameo role of Bishop. Jess delivered her lines well, helping to move the story on.

The Snow Chorus (Emily Murison, Jess Carter, Izzy Pope, Ahira Ellis, Charlotte Frizelle and Rosie May Ollier) were Elsa’s powers personified. They performed some lovely dance sequences and were use well throughout.

The ensemble performed well throughout, with each having clear and defined characters. A note to some of the ensemble: be careful as not to draw attention away from the main action of the story. There were some great, expressive performances, but they drew the audience’s attention to them and not to the story.

Overall, this was a good production. It was a show full of heart, some very good performances, and inventive costumes.

Thank you to MCYT for your warm welcome and kind hospitality. All the best for your next production.

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