Frozen Jr

PRODUCTION TEAM: Alison Gurney, Amy Neal, Emily Minkov, Hannah Peacock, Jacqui Farthing, John Mills, Penni Simpson, Ryan Sheppard-Hughes & Sue Juggins

"Frozen JR," is the abridged adaptation of the Broadway and West End Musical which in turn is based on Disney's animated blockbuster film. The show features all of the well-known songs with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and is adapted for young performers.

We were welcomed into the foyer and surrounded by some very excited children looking lovely in their Elsa and Anna costumes, taking the opportunity to have their photos taken with Elsa. I believe this production was sold out for all performances demonstrating that the popularity of this story is still going strong 10 years on from the original film being released.

The set was simple but effective and consisted of some panel flats along the back and a raised area of rostra, allowing some levels. The scene changes were indicated mainly by the changes in lighting effects and this lighting design worked well, allowing the scenes to flow quickly and the moves from warm to cold/frozen was particularly effective. The sound was all well cued and the balance of vocals/dialogue with the band worked well. Elsa’s powerful magic was cleverly done and worked very well.

Young Elsa and Young Anna set the scene and clearly established their powerful bond and different temperaments with some lovely vocals and strong characterisation. Older Elsa was beautifully portrayed, very self-contained and dignified, expressing her conflicts well. Taking on that big song is a massive challenge that you managed beautifully. Older Anna showed a nice contrast in character to Elsa, with strong vocals. Hans showed both sides of this character well. Kristoff moved between his voice and Sven’s very well, not an easy thing to maintain. Sven - though you had no lines you expressed extremely well with some nice playful movements. Olaf your character - was a highlight for me, some fabulous comic timing and some lovely physicality, strong vocals, and characterisation. A great performer in the making and one to watch, I think. King Agnarr and Queen Iduna expressed their characters as dignified and concerned parents. The Duke of Weselton  made me laugh out loud, a great characterisation. Pabbie and Bulda led “Fixer Upper” strongly. Another highlight was “Hygge” led with confidence by Oaken.

Using the Snow Chorus to depict some of Elsa’s magic worked really well, and there were some very accomplished dancers in this group, with some really effective choreography. The ensemble all performed well, they all seemed to be enjoying themselves while supporting the principle cast with some very nice singing and good movement.

Congratulations on a great production, I had a lovely afternoon.

                                                                                                          PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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