Frozen Jr

Frozen Jr, based on the 2018 Broadway adaptation of the smash hit 2013 movie, was only released (as a cut-down version) for amateur performance by youth groups earlier this year.  So Dynamik were very quick out of the blocks to mount this production – the first of several I have lined up to visit this winter!  And it is fair to say that they have set a high standard for others to follow, with a performance full of energy and character, with some eye-catching performances by members of its young cast.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last ten years, you will know that Frozen tells the story of sister Princesses Elsa and Anna.  Whilst still a child, Elsa discovers that she magical powers to freeze objects and people, but she is unable to control them, resulting in the two children being separated.  Later, Elsa inherits the throne, but after Anna seeks her blessing to marry the gallant Prince Hans, she accidentally unleashes her powers before the Court.  Elsa flees to the mountains, where she inadvertently causes the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter.  It is left to Anna to seek out her reclusive sister, and for a show of true love between the pair to save the day.

As the two sisters at the centre of the story, Annie Barnes and Lili Bennett both gave excellent performances as Elsa and Anna respectively.  Their acting and singing was impeccable, and really impressive, regardless of their age.  Annie grabbed her ‘Let it Go’ moment with both hands, and Lili shouldered the burden of forwarding the plot effortlessly.  A pair of young stars in the making. 

As Prince Hans, Dylan Foster-Agg sang a sweet duet with Anna early on, but really came into his own when the character turned nasty!  He managed to give the character a real edge, without descending into panto-style villainy (it was good to see him get his come-uppance, though!)  There were good performances too from Mitch Brown, as ice-harvester and all-round good guy Kristoff and Jake Miles as his reindeer Sven.  Marianna Samara also injected plenty of energy as Olaf, the magical snowman come to life, particularly during the song ‘In Summer’ which concluded the first half. 

The principals were supported by some talented performers in the ensemble, who filled roles such as the younger versions of Elsa and Anna, and a variety of dignitaries, soldiers and hidden folk (showcasing some very impressive tumbling skills!) There were some wonderfully animated performances within the ensemble, with many of the performers really engaging with the audience.  It was particularly good to see so many of the cast keeping up their concentration at all times when on stage. 

Director Jamie Poxon and his assistant Steph Westwood conjured some really nice tableaux on stage which were very pleasing and showed the fruits of the work that had clearly gone into staging this show.  All those hours spent in rehearsal really paid off!  On the whole the show flowed well and the pace was kept up throughout.  Although perhaps the ending could have been slowed down a little, to make Elsa’s ‘act of true love’ a little clearer? 

There was some great choreography across the show, which was executed in style by the whole cast, whose enjoyment really came through in the group numbers.  Highlights included the entertaining ‘Hygge’ song that started act two, and ‘Fixer Upper’, where Kristoff’s family try to pair him off with Anna.  In the first half, ‘For the First Time in Forever’ also saw Elsa and Anna well supported by the wider ensemble.

High quality scenery seems to be a hallmark of Dynamik productions, and this one was no exception, and the various locations were very clearly evoked, with good use of well selected scenery.  The mountain range backdrop and continuous smoke effect also worked well to help generate and maintain the atmosphere.  The lighting was well managed to enhance the atmosphere further, and sound was nicely balanced between the recorded music and the actors’ voices.  Costume was also impeccable, clearly reflecting the designs of the original film.  It was nice to see the reveal of Elsa’s frosty blue outfit gathering appreciative applause from the audience!

My thanks to all at Dynamik for a fun filled visit to Arendelle.  Congratulations to the entire cast and crew, whose efforts were so clearly appreciated by the audience, who treated the cast to a well-deserved standing ovation at the end.  I look forward to seeing you again in 2024.

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