Meet the Broadway musical Frozen in your city: North American Tour!
The hit Disney movie Frozen has been adapted into an exciting new Broadway musical called Frozen. The musical brings the magical kingdom of Arendelle and its beloved characters to life on stage through elaborate sets, costumes, and music. Let’s explore some key details about this musical’s storyline and characters.
Witness the magic of Frozen come to life!
Release yourself! Disney’s latest Broadway sensation is embarking on a nationwide tour! After conquering Broadway with three Tony nominations, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff are hitting the road across North America to share the enchantment of Frozen with audiences like you!
Crafted by the Oscar-winning composer and lyricist duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the production earned acclaim on Broadway for its soaring score and stunning stagecraft. Recognized with a Tony nomination for Best Musical in 2018, the stage adaptation captures the whimsy, love, and awe-inspiring moments of the 2013 film in all its splendor, and then some!
What is the musical Frozen about?
Loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” the narrative unfolds in the Scandinavian setting of Arendelle. Two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, find themselves growing up in isolation after the tragic loss of their parents in a sea accident.
Elsa, the older sibling, grapples with a secret ability—she can conjure ice and snow with her bare hands. This power must remain hidden, even from her sister, as a childhood incident nearly claimed Anna’s life. In contrast, Anna is a cheerful yet somewhat naive young woman who longs for the outside world, having been separated from Elsa since the accident.
As Elsa reaches the age to ascend to the throne as Queen, the kingdom opens its doors for her coronation, albeit just for one day. Anna encounters a charming Prince named Hans, whom she desires to marry, much to Elsa’s dismay. A heated argument unintentionally exposes Elsa’s powers, prompting her to flee to the wild North Mountain, seeking a life of solitude and freedom. Anna, accompanied by an ice-seller, his reindeer, and a talking snowman, embarks on a quest to find her sister and bring her back. Failure to do so would result in Arendelle being forever frozen, at the mercy of a formidable and uncontrollable force.
Storyline
The musical follows the basic storyline of the movie, focusing on the relationship between sisters Elsa and Anna. Elsa has icy powers she struggles to control, leading her to accidentally freeze the kingdom. Anna goes on a journey to find Elsa and restore order in Arendelle.
Characters
Key characters like Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Hans are included. Their personalities and relationships generally stay true to the movie. For example, Olaf provides comic relief, Kristoff assists Anna, and Hans betrays Anna. The musical expands on their backstories and motivations through new songs.
Your Beloved Music
Featuring the beloved original movie tunes such as “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?,” “In Summer,” “For the First Time In Forever,” and the iconic “Let It Go,” alongside fresh compositions crafted specifically for the musical, it’s guaranteed that Frozen enthusiasts will be thoroughly pleased. Yet, there’s even more to anticipate—while experiencing the enchanting musical on its tour, audiences will be delighted with an exclusive, never-before-heard duet titled “I Can’t Lose You,” performed by Anna and Elsa!
Music and Songs
The stage musical of Frozen features many of the iconic songs from the hit Disney film, as well as several new numbers added specifically for the Broadway adaptation. Songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” have proven just as popular with musical theater audiences as they were with moviegoers.
“Let It Go”
“Let It Go” remains the showstopper song that audiences eagerly await. The powerful ballad sung by Elsa as she embraces her magical icy powers has become an anthem of empowerment for people around the world. Hearing it performed live on stage by a talented Broadway singer brings new life and emotion to the song. It is a highlight of the musical for many.
New Additions
Several new musical numbers have been introduced in the stage version of Frozen. Notable additions include Elsa’s act one closer “Dangerous to Dream,” as well as Anna’s heartfelt solo “True Love.” These new songs help to expand on the characters and story in compelling ways for the live theatrical production.
While the classic Frozen songs undoubtedly remain audience favorites, the new numbers written for the Broadway adaptation have been praised by critics and audiences alike. Songs like “True Love” have been hailed as creative expansions that still feel faithful to the characters and world of the iconic animated film. The musical numbers are among the highlights of Frozen’s successful transition from screen to stage.
History and Development of the Musical
The origins of Frozen and its path to Broadway
Frozen first debuted as an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2013. The movie became a massive box office hit, earning over $1.2 billion globally. With characters like Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide, it was clear that Frozen had struck a chord.
In early 2014, Disney announced plans to adapt Frozen for the Broadway stage. Jennifer Lee, who wrote and co-directed the Frozen film, was brought on to write the book for the musical. Acclaimed composer duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who created the songs for the movie, also returned to write the score. Slowly but surely over the next few years, the Frozen musical came together. After a trial run in Denver to refine the production, Frozen officially opened on Broadway in March 2018.
With direction by Michael Grandage and choreography by Rob Ashford, the Broadway musical follows the same story as the film but expands upon it. New songs were written to allow for deeper exploration of the characters. The show features elaborate sets and costumes that bring the magical world of Frozen to life on stage. Critics praised the musical performances, visuals, and retaining of the movie’s charm. The Broadway production of Frozen continues to run successfully today.
The creative team of Frozen and its vision for the production
The creative team behind Frozen on Broadway had the tricky task of reimagining a beloved animated film for the stage. Veteran theater artists were assembled for the job. Director Michael Grandage focused on making the relationships real and raw. Choreographer Rob Ashford used dance to capture the spirits of Anna and Elsa. Christopher Oram’s scenic and costume design balanced realism with wonder. And the songwriters opted for an organic approach, fitting new songs into the story in places they felt needed a deeper emotional beat.
The goal was to honor what fans loved about the film, while also fleshing out the world and characters. Momentum and energy were priorities, keeping a sense of vitality running through the production. For instance, the visual transition from Elsa conjuring up her ice castle to actually standing within the finished castle was described by the creative team as a “theatrical coup.” While staying true to the movie, the show expanded the Frozen universe in creative ways befitting Broadway’s stage.
The plot and characters of the musical Frozen
Frozen is a popular musical based on the 2013 Disney animated film of the same name. The musical tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, princesses of the kingdom of Arendelle.
An in-depth look at the relationship between the two sisters, Elsa and Anna
The heart of Frozen’s story is the relationship between Elsa and Anna. As children, the two sisters were very close, but after Elsa’s magical ice powers accidentally hurt Anna, she shuts Anna out, causing a rift between them. When Elsa becomes queen, her powers are revealed and she flees Arendelle, unintentionally putting the kingdom in eternal winter. Anna embarks on a journey to find Elsa and mend their broken bond. Their sisterly love proves the key to stopping the winter and bringing warmth back to Arendelle. The musical explores the sisters’ complex dynamic through iconic songs like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever.”
Elsa’s magical powers and their role in the plot
Elsa possesses magical powers over ice and snow which are central to Frozen’s plot. She was born with these cryokinetic abilities but forced to conceal them for years out of fear. This suppression causes Elsa great turmoil until she finally “lets it go” and embraces her powers in the musical’s showstopper song. Her lack of control over her powers creates obstacles, like the accidental winter. But eventually Elsa learns to harness them for good, bringing joy to Arendelle with her ice palace and magic. Her journey to self-acceptance provides the musical’s emotional arc.
Other important characters and their contribution to the musical
While Elsa and Anna are the heart of Frozen, other key characters include Kristoff, an iceman and Anna’s eventual love interest; Olaf, a sweet snowman brought to life by Elsa’s powers; and Prince Hans, a scheming royal who hopes to seize control of Arendelle’s throne. Supporting characters like the troll leader Grand Pabbie and the Duke of Weselton also play important roles in the musical’s events. The ensemble brings Frozen’s magical setting of Arendelle to life through rousing numbers like “Frozen Heart” and “Fixer Upper.”
Set and Costume Design
The set and costume design for Frozen on Broadway was instrumental in bringing the magical world of Arendelle to life on stage. The set featured icy backdrops and swirling projections that evoked the freezing atmosphere of the kingdom. Through the use of digital technology, the set was able to transform seamlessly between different locations like Elsa’s icy palace and the rocky peaks where Kristoff lives. The costumes were also critical in realizing the fairytale appeal of Frozen. Elsa’s sparkling blue gown and long, transparent cape created a true Snow Queen aesthetic. Meanwhile, Anna’s costumes transitioned from her iconic green dress to a red-and-black ensemble as her character became more daring and adventurous. Overall, the visual elements established the whimsical tone and stunning scenery that the Frozen story requires.
In comparison to the animated film, the Broadway production relied more heavily on physical set pieces and elaborate costumes rather than animation and effects. While the movie used CGI to portray things like Olaf the snowman and Elsa’s magic, the play had to bring these elements to life through creative stagecraft and design. With its dazzling sets and costumes, the stage musical succeeded in matching the eye-catching appeal of the Frozen film while finding new ways to immerse the audience in Arendelle’s world.
Critical and audience reception of the musical Frozen
When the musical adaptation of Disney’s Frozen opened on Broadway in March 2018, it received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences. Many praised the spectacular visual effects and set designs that brought the magic of the animated film to life on stage. While the score kept most of the iconic songs from the movie, including “Let It Go,” critics had mixed opinions on the new songs added for the musical. Overall, the musical was deemed a worthy and impressive adaptation.
Audiences, especially families and kids, flocked to see Frozen on Broadway. Thanks to strong word of mouth, advance ticket sales broke records for the St. James Theatre. Polls of audience members showed high satisfaction rates. Many reported that the musical stayed true to the much-loved film while also adding surprises. The visual spectacle was a major draw, with the special effects earning rave reviews. Frozen proved to have strong and enduring appeal, with over 1,500 performances to date.
Comparison with the original animated film
While the musical Frozen naturally made some changes in adapting the animated film for a live stage production, it largely stayed faithful to the original. The storyline, characters, and most beloved songs remained intact. Critics noted that the musical smartly expanded some supporting characters, like Kristoff and the trolls. The few new songs blended seamlessly with the classic soundtrack. The biggest change was the amplified visual spectacle made possible in a Broadway production. All the magical elements like Elsa’s ice powers could be dramatized on stage through magnificent set pieces, lighting, and projections. While the musical made wise creative choices in adaptation, the core spirit and appeal of the film shone through.
The most important critical reviews and their impact on the success of Frozen
Many of the top theater critics from major outlets praised Frozen, fueling its critical and commercial success. Ben Brantley of the New York Times applauded the visual design and effects, writing “Some of the big numbers…are simply rapturous stage pictures.” Peter Marks of the Washington Post called it an “often highly entertaining extravaganza,” saying it “turns animated film into exuberant showbiz fun.” Entertainment Weekly’s Kristen Baldwin said it retains the “emotional warmth” of the movie. Reviews highlighted the musical’s feats in adapting the magical qualities of the film for the stage. The positive reviews validated Frozen as a worthy, exhilarating Broadway production for audiences of all ages. The box office success and longevity of its run showed that critics helped set it on the path of becoming an iconic, long-running hit musical.
The cast of the musical Frozen during the North American tour in 2024
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Main Cast
The impact and legacy of the musical Frozen
The impact of the musical Frozen on the theater industry
The Disney musical Frozen, based on the hit animated film, has had a major impact on the theater industry since its Broadway debut in 2018. With advanced ticket sales over $25 million, Frozen set a record for a new Broadway musical. Its huge success proved that movie-to-musical adaptations could still draw large mainstream audiences. Frozen pioneered the use of projected animated backgrounds to simulate the fantasy settings and special effects of the film. This technological innovation has influenced other stage productions to incorporate multimedia visual elements. The popularity of Frozen also showed the lasting power of the Disney brand and Disney Princesses to attract audiences. Overall, Frozen made a big splash on Broadway and ushered in new aesthetics and marketing strategies for modern musical theater productions.
The cultural impact and significance of Frozen for the Disney Company
Frozen has been hugely significant for Disney in cementing its cultural relevance in the 21st century. The wild popularity of the 2013 film reinvigorated Disney Animation Studios. The subsequent mania for the Frozen franchise, especially among young girls, showed Disney’s continued ability to produce content that captures the cultural zeitgeist. The songs, characters, and themes of sisterhood and empowerment resonated strongly with audiences. Frozen’s success reflects Disney’s strategy of telling more progressive stories featuring confident, independent female leads. The broad cultural imprint of Frozen demonstrates Disney’s unmatched position as a producer of iconic family entertainment brands.
The legacy of Frozen in terms of its enduring appeal and continued productions
Years after its release, Frozen still retains a devoted, multi-generational fanbase. Its storyline continues to resonate; its songs remain ubiquitous. Disney has nurtured this lasting appeal through lucrative merchandising, sequels, and live entertainment. The Frozen franchise now includes books, toys, video games, ice shows, theme park attractions, and even a standalone land at Disney Parks. A Frozen musical continues to run on Broadway and tour nationally. A Frozen sequel film was released in 2019. Frozen’s unique legacy lies in its rare mix of critical and commercial success, combined with a timeless magic that has cemented it as a contemporary Disney classic.
Interesting facts about the creation of Frozen
Disney Theatrical Productions spent years developing the musical, going through multiple scripts and song revisions. Elaborate costumes and sets were crafted to bring Arendelle and Elsa’s ice palace to life on stage. While staying faithful to the movie, the musical also expanded parts of the story and added depth to characters like Anna and Kristoff. The crew described the challenge of pulling off Elsa’s magical transformations and Olaf the snowman on stage through creative costuming and puppetry. After a successful out-of-town tryout, Frozen finally opened on Broadway in 2018 to much fanfare from audiences.
FAQs about Frozen musical
Is there a minimum age to watch Frozen?
Absolutely! Frozen, The Musical is suitable for children aged 5 and above. Delight in your beloved music, songs, characters, and more. The sets and scenery are truly spectacular, leaving you captivated by the enchanting moments throughout the performance.
How long is the Frozen show?
Frozen The Musical has a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, including the intermission. If you attend the 7:00 PM performance, expect the show to conclude around 9:15 PM. Matinee performances at 2:00 PM will finish approximately at 4:15 PM. Please be aware that on Sundays, the matinee starts at 1:00 PM, and the evening performance begins at 5:30 PM.
How early should I arrive at the theater for Frozen?
It is usually recommended to arrive at the theater at least 15-30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the musical. This will allow you time to get settled in without any fuss before the show starts.
Can I take pictures in the theater during Frozen?
Capturing photographs during a theater play is typically prohibited as it can cause disruptions for both performers and the audience. The use of flash photography or the audible click of a camera shutter has the potential to distract both the actors on stage and the individuals enjoying the performance.
Do you use special effects in Frozen?
Liquid nitrogen and clouds of carbon dioxide are employed for particular effects. Numerous scenic elements operate on battery power and are controlled wirelessly. Kristoff’s sleigh is positioned on a motion-based platform resembling a flight simulator, creating the illusion of descending down a mountain.
What is the cost of tickets for Frozen musical?
Frozen musical tickets are available for as little as $42, with an average price of $257.
Will Frozen – The Musical be touring North America in 2024?
Certainly! Here is a schedule of dates, cities, and theaters where the production will take place:
- Dec 20 – Jan 21 (2024) Washington, DC – Opera House
- Jan 24 – Feb 4 (2024) Louisville, KY – Kentucky Center
- Feb 8 – Feb 18 (2024) Hartford, CT – Bushnell
- Feb 22 – Mar 3 (2024) Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre
- Mar 7 – Mar 17 (2024) Providence, RI – Performing Arts Center
- Mar 21 – Apr 7 (2024) Philadelphia, PA – Academy of Music
- Apr 10 – Apr 20 (2024) Toledo, OH – Stranahan Theater
- Apr 24 – May 4 (2024) Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theatre
- May 7 – May 18 (2024) Nashville, TN – Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- May 22 – Jun 2 (2024) San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
- Jun 5 – Jun 16 (2024) Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
- Jun 19 – Jul 3 (2024) Denver, CO – Buell Theatre
- Jul 9 – Jul 21 (2024) Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Jul 24 – Aug 4 (2024) Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center
- Aug 7 – Aug 18 (2024) Boise, ID – Morrison Center
- Aug 21 – Sep 1 (2024) San Jose, CA – Performing Arts Center
- Oct 25 – Nov 12 (2024) Boston, MA – Opera House