Frozen JR

Thank you for your invitation to watch your production of Disney’s Frozen JR, it was lovely to see the entrance decorated and lots of excited little people many dressed in costumes all to watch one of the now well-known modern children’s magical winter tales. The story is based loosely on Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Snow Queen’. It is set in Arendelle and tells the tale of the estrangement of Elsa and Anna and how through a series of events their powerful bond of sisterly love and affection saves them both.

It is always great to see how your company encourage the younger members of the group to develop their skills and progress onto the older sections. I checked with your producer and the children were aged between 5 and 14 with two of the leads being 6 and 13.  What a wonderful opportunity.

Your director obviously had a clear vision of what she wanted to create and did so with aplomb. All the cast were on point and it was lovely to see how the older members look after the younger ones, at one point at the end of a song one little one went to leave the stage and a gentle tap on the shoulder made her stop. The choreography was also excellent she seems to have the knack of developing their skills and showing your members in their best light. There were a variety of different dance numbers set at levels those performing could deliver with confidence.

The upper stage was set with raised platform and steps either side up to it. These were joined with arched shaped doors which were both used for the entrance to Arendelle and to Elsa’s palace with banks of show. There were glittered and abstract painted stripes decorating the edges of the front flats. The inside of the palace was decorated with four flats. Two with panelling on and two with portraits of the children’s parents. A door was added centre stage which the sisters used to communicate through and removed for the other scenes. The banks of snow flats, sandcastles, sledge and Wandering Oaken trading post trolley added details to the various scenes. It was great to see the cast moving many items and the stage crew when they were needed worked efficiently. The personal props the cast used were well managed.

The music track was set at a good level so all the words to the songs could be heard. The radio mics the cast wore ensured their dialogue was clear. I know the cost of these items therefore it might be an idea to make sure that members of your team that are given lines, which is a wonderful opportunity, are nearby a cast member. The sound effects used certainly added detail to the show.

The lighting plot was well planned with various lights on and both sides of the stage. The blue and pink spots moving around before the show added to the anticipation of what was to come. The changes in the seasons were well shown. The star cloth backdrop was effectively used throughout the performance using a variety of colours to create mood. The dry ice and snow machines added a chill to scenes and it was lovely to see all the little ones trying to grab their own flakes.

To costume a cast of 17 principles and 22 ensemble is a feat and a half and I should imagine many dressers were required back stage.  All the numerous groups were attired in carefully designed sets of colourful, well-fitting outfits and all looked the part. It was great to see Anna and Elsa in their iconic dresses, like many of the audience, and I thought the quick change for Elsa was well managed. I especially liked Olaf’s, he did look like the one the sisters created when playing. The costume designed for Sven was brilliant. I also liked the fact that your company had taken the time to ensure all on stage had the correct footwear and time had been taken with the hair design, well done. 

The two central characters in the show were shown at three different stages of their lives therefore six performers had been given the roles.  The girls had very different personalities which the chosen cast were able to demonstrate. Anna was a spirited character who longs for companionship especially from her sister and Elsa although initially doting on Anna becomes isolated from her because she fears her powers after hurting her accidently when she was six. Her mantra given to her by her father was heard throughout the show ‘Conceal it don’t feel it’. Firstly, we met young Anna and Elsa with their parents. Anna gave a brilliant, energetic performance, she sang with feeling and moved around the stage with confidence. Elsa was as her character required more reserved but just as engaging on stage, she interacted well with Anna and ‘Do You want to Build a Snowman’ was lovely. They were followed by middle Anna and Elsa just as their parents are leaving to try and find something to control Elsa’s power. Anna kept up the energy in her delivery and Elsa created a quieter character much of the dialogue was through the door. Finally, we are introduced to the grown-up  Anna, now in her iconic dress she was bouncing around the stage so looking forward to the gates being opened. She gave a strong, confident performance completely on point and had an outstanding singing voice. She was full of spirit and determined to make the most of the opportunity to meet new people but central to her being was the love she had for her sister.  Grown up Elsa was able to show the fear, sadness and ultimate love for her sister in her excellent characterisation and used her beautiful singing voice to perform ‘Let it Go’.  All six of them looked like they enjoyed created the well-loved characters.

Kristoff the ice harvester was a loveable character and well played by your actor he delivered his lines clearly and had a great connection with his loyal reindeer best friend, who only he can understand, Sven.  Your player created a believable sidekick with brilliant facial expressions and great moves when dancing. They have some great comic moments and ‘Reindeers are Better Than People’ was well sung.

Prince Hans is one of the first people Anna meets and immediately falls in love with him. He appears to be a charming character but his true self appears in latter stages. It is quite difficult to portray the contrast between a loveable Prince and a villain but your player did well. He showed a connection with Anna, spoke clearly and their duet ‘Love is an Open Door’ was presented thoughtfully.

Every Frozen JR needs a good Olaf a magical snowman created initially by Anna and Elsa and yours did a grand job. He looked great and I wondered if he had support to hold his arms up either way he did exceptionally well. Good visual acting, one liners and well sung ‘In Summer’.

The actor depicting Oaken was absolutely brilliant. He was confident, owned the stage, moved with conviction and had an expressive singing voice. ‘Hygge’ was a highlight of the show and elicited extra laughs and cheers.

Your Bishop may have only had a few words but spoke them clearly and the wily Duke of Weselton was portrayed as the judgemental, opinionated character he was. The King and Queen led the opening song successfully and showed their love and protective sides for their daughters.  Lastly the Hidden Folks mystical leaders Pabbie and Bulda spoke with clarity and gave a great rendition of ‘Fixer Upper’.

Your director was able to put on this excellent production because of the commitment of all your team both on and off stage.  I expect to see many of the players on stage using their talents to perform again. It was great to hear the audience leaving the theatre singing their own favourite Frozen songs. 

Disclaimer 

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 affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  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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