Frozen Jr

FROZEN JR is a musical based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Set in the fictional land of Arendelle, it tells the story of love between two sisters, Elsa and Anna. When one unintentionally harms the other (with her magical powers) they are torn apart and events lead to Arendelle being transformed into permanent winter. 

The set, as we entered the auditorium, was dressed for the summer festival with pole, ribbons and baskets of flowers all very colourful and inviting. As the action moved on there were projected scenes of a snow-covered landscape, an elegant royal palace with family portraits. A free-standing door symbolised the inside and outside of the palace. Props were very good and included a cart, Olaf’s parasol, feather dusters and rolling pins!

The costumes were amazing; blues, silvers, greys and white emphasising the frozen theme. The prince was regally dressed and townswomen were brightly coloured. There was clever
use of lights in headdresses and sunflowers hats and sunglasses. The reindeer costume, including moveable head was charming and humorous which went down warmly with the audience. This was a great piece of costume/prop and deserve a special mention. Elsa’s transformation from coloured dress with bodice to Ice gown was surprising and slick. The all-white gowns of the dancers with white fans were very effective. 

The songs were delivered with exuberance and voices were clear and in time with the music and one another. The lighting was well controlled and changed with the mood of the action
and theme of the story such as warm yellow for the sunflower dance. There was a great variety to the lighting with use of top lights, sidelights and downlights. This ensured that the relevant performers were visible and enriched the production. Atmospheric sound effects were used to signify the descent into the eternal winter.

Adam Bayjou directed this young cast and brought out their fabulous energy. Every single person produced magical performances in this feel-good show. There were many memorable
and humorous moments such as Olaf and his sun umbrella and the journey of the reindeer. Emotions were high when the lies of Prince Hans were revealed. Highlights for me included "Reindeer are better than people” and the transformation of Elsa to her ‘Frozen’ outfit, the summer festival and the Snow Chorus dance. Choreography was precise, inventive and well-rehearsed and executed with great detail, timing and energy. This production of Frozen Jr was impressive and the dedication of all involved – Creatives, Cast and Production, was evident in this story of love, courage and friendship.

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