I continue to be amazed by how electronics and projections can make “impossible” things that could only happen in a cartoon come to life on stage. It’s a light show tribute to Jack Frost. Maybe Elsa is related?
As the many little girls in the audience wearing Elsa dresses could attest, Frozen is amazing… if maybe a little long/complicated for very young kids. (2 hours) It’s another hit in Disney’s latter-day pantheon of women-empowering fairy tales, this one about the power of sisterhood and love — and figuring out what “true love” is.
Young Anna (Olivia Jones) and Young Elsa (Arwen Monzon-Sanders) establish the exuberant bond between the sisters in the early scenes (played alternate shows by Natalie Grace Chan and Vitoria Hope Chan — real life sisters!) Grown-up Anna (Caroline Innerbichler) retains the childlike energy of her “young self” and evolves it into an utterly charming, awkward, endearing, strong, devoted adult version. Adult Elsa (Caroline Bowman) is powerful, conflicted, magnificent. Her “Let It Go” ends act 1 with thrills and chills.
I was particularly taken by F. Michael Haynie’s Olaf, an adorable puppet with his white-clad operator in full view. Michael somehow manages to disappear in full view as he brings our goofy friend Olaf to life. Likewise. I was charmed by Kristoff (Mason Reeves) and his silent but very expressive reindeer Sven (Collin Baja).
FROZEN continues through February 6. Ticket info and availability at https://www.whartoncenter.com