Frozen the Broadway Musical still remains the perfect remedy to a frosty February day one year after its premiere. Based on the 2013 film, the infectious musical draws from an all-star leading cast to bring a beloved family classic to life onstage.
The St. James Theater was full of anticipation from toddlers and parents alike as the lights flickered for the show to begin. A special welcome was extended to those who were first-time Broadway attendees, and the commentator encouraged children in the audience to remain fans of theater for years to come. Ushers walked throughout the aisles selling stuffed Olafs and Svens, even ornate Elsa dolls. It’s no wonder Frozen is among the top-grossing shows each week; film fans, theater lovers, and Disney diehards could all appreciate the pure magic that seemed to flow from the stage into the smiles of the audience.
The “Frozen” Playbill
The story begins with King Agnarr (Nicholas Ward) and Queen Iduna (Ann Sanders) realizing young Elsa’s (Jenna Weir) gift of ice, later deemed a curse after harming little sister Anna (Leila Rose Gross). The sisters are separated, and following their parents’ death, Elsa (Caissie Levy) is crowned Queen. Anna (Patti Murin) seeks to find love with charming Hans (Joe Carroll) at the coronation ceremony as Elsa struggles to control her power. After Elsa sets a frozen spell over their city, Anna and ice merchant Kristoff (Noah Ricketts) set out to bring Elsa home as adventures ensue.
The two child actresses, Weir and Gross, are phenomenal. Their innate talent, particularly newcomer Gross’ comedic timing, is impressive not only for their age but for any Broadway actor. This is coupled beautifully with stars Levy and Murin’s takes on Elsa and Anna, respectively. Murin adds a remarkable element to Anna that fans of the Frozen film didn’t know they needed; her physical comedy and expressive acting is on par with leading comedians, adding both a playfulness and depth to the character of Anna, comically self-referred to as “the spare, not the heir.” Murin’s duet with Carroll for “Love Is An Open Door” is a jazzy rendition, adding a hilarious dance routine to emphasize the dynamic.
Actress Caissie Levy portrays Elsa.
Similarly, Levy powerfully portrays the inner battle Elsa is fighting, and Elsa’s eventual release culminates in the iconic “Let It Go.” Her voice swells perfectly to exude the emotional realization and self-acceptance that the song embodies. The set decorations for “Let It Go” add to the magical moment as hanging crystal snowflakes frame Elsa’s dress change into the famed blue sparkling gown.
This February, Frozen not only marks its first year on Broadway but also commemorates Black History Month with its stars partaking in a special photoshoot with fellow theater members. Photographer Darnell Bennett created a portrait of Ricketts (Kristoff), Aisha Jackson (stand-by for Anna), and Donald Jones Jr. (ensemble) to honor Broadway’s diversity.
“Frozen” stars Noah Ricketts, Aisha Jackson, and Donald Jones Jr. pose for Darnell Bennett’s portrait.
“To celebrate Black History Month on Broadway is beautiful,” Jackson told Playbill. “I think that representation matters.” Cast members from The Lion King and Aladdin also participated, with over 50 actors photographed by Bennett.
Actress Ryann Redmond also made her debut as Olaf this month, marking the first female actress to portray the beloved puppet character.
As Frozen looks towards the future with a North American tour set to launch in Los Angeles this fall, the cast on Broadway continues to bring warmth and joy, even through these winter months.
