A Magical Summer Blizzard Takes Denver by Storm
The Broadway touring musical production of Disney’s Frozen is a delightful rendition of the beloved children’s classic animated movie. The family-friendly show opened in Denver on June 19, and will be playing at the Buell Theatre until July 3.
This “Magical Summer Blizzard,” is a must-see, with a stunningly diverse cast of talented professionals, a cherished storyline and uplifting messages about sisterhood, mental health, love and happiness.
What to Expect
“Frozen” audiences are in for a wintry treat, with breathtaking special effects and an opulent stage design set in the fictional land of Arendelle in 1843. Era-appropriate costuming and formal ball dance scenes, led by a harmonizing ensemble, welcome guests into the lives of two young sisters: Elsa (played by Avelyn Lena Choi, alternating with Savannah Lumar), and Ana (played by Norah Nunes, alternating with Emma Origenes).
The familiar story of Arendelle’s royal sisters entails the innocent childhood discovery of Elsa’s magical abilities and subsequent concealment. Choi and Nunes display masterful vocal ability, and immediately capture the attention of young audience members as they sing along to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
After Elsa is hidden away from Ana and the rest of the Arendelle kingdom to keep her magical gifts secret, Ana’s anguish and longing are apparent through Nunes, who skillfully navigates the stage before transforming into the older version of the singing sibling, played by Lauren Nicole Chapman. The production picks up with the impending coronation of the older Elsa, played by Caroline Bowman, and a lovely presentation of “For the First Time in Forever.”
Several other “Frozen” characters are introduced during the elegant coronation scene, including the ill-intentioned “Hans of the Southern Isles,” played by Preston Perez; and the endearing Kristoff, played by Nicholas Edwards. Two “Frozen” favorites, Kristoff’s temperamental reindeer, Sven, and a charismatic talking snowman named Olaf, are superbly executed by costumed handlers Dan Plehal (alternating with Collin Baja), and Jeremy Davis, who brings Olaf’s voice and antics to life through pleasantly coordinated ventriloquy and a sweet rendition of “In Summer.”
The Duke of Weselton (or Weasel Town, as he is comically announced), is played by Evan Duff, and a magical troupe of ensemble members is led by the shaman-esque pair, Pabbie (played by Brian Martin) and Bulda (played by Renée Reid).
Before the 20-minute intermission, the most magical scene in the show is performed by Bowman, who belts out the famed “Let it Go,” with an awe-inspiring lightshow transforming the stage into a beautiful ice castle.
Following intermission, the show’s energy is immediately revived by Oaken (played by Jack Brewer), and the lively “Hygge” song featuring a hilarious party line of ensemble cast members.
As expected, the production follows the “Frozen” storyline closely, offering messages about the bond between sisters, the meaning of love and the importance of sharing gifts and talents instead of hiding behind the fear and shame of being different.
A Magical Start
“Frozen” is an original story, based loosely on Danish storyteller Hans Christian Anderson’s 1845 seven-story anthology of “The Snow Queen.”
Released in 2013, the animated Disney film quickly rose in popularity and acclaim, winning Academy, Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Animated Feature, and cementing itself into the hearts of children (and parents) around the world. The worldwide box office brought in over $1.2 billion upon its theatrical release, while the domestic DVD and Blu-Ray sales from 2014 to 2020 earned over $400 million.
The Frozen soundtrack was memorized and recited throughout the year – even being featured at the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – while licensed merchandising of the movie’s iconic characters topped $5.2 billion in the two years after its release, creating a “Frozen effect” on the movie merchandising industry, and accounting for nearly 25% of Disney merchandise sales.
Needless to say, the musical production had big shoes to fill.
Back in 2017, “Frozen” made a pre-Broadway engagement at the Buell Theatre, where the original cast and creative team rehearsed and perfected the show before making their big Broadway debut on March 22, 2018 at St. James Theatre. There are currently five productions of the award-winning musical playing around the world including in Tokyo, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Early rehearsals paid off, and the “Frozen” musical is everything a Broadway show should be with remarkable stage design and a sumptuous set, expertly curated choreography and a beautifully expanded score, perfectly executed under the direction of music coordinators Michael Keller and Michael Aarons, and conducted by Faith Seetoo.
Show Notes
“Frozen: The Musical” is over two hours long, though with the fast pace and familiar storyline, audience members ages 6 and up are easily entertained for the duration of the show.
There are minimal light flashes at certain points that may briefly startle young children; and despite a few mentions of kissing and one instance of perceived (but not actual) nudity, there are no parental warnings regarding inappropriate content.
The only official source of ticketing for “Frozen: The Musical” is the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ website, where additional information about the production is available, including details about the upcoming Kids’ Night on Broadway.
On Thursday, June 27, kids can receive the star treatment with buy-one-get-one-free ticketing (with the code “KNOB”) and family activities beginning one hour before showtime at 6:30pm. Tickets come with a complimentary kids-size cheese or pepperoni pizza with any purchase at Eat’Ya Pizza on the 16th Street Mall, and a free kids’ dessert at The Corner Office on 14th and Curtis Street.
“Frozen” is a feel-good production featuring a hearty dose of on-stage representation, heartwarming elements, melodious songs and reminders to be and embrace who you are.
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