by ERIKA SASSEVILLE

If your family is looking to stay cool this summer, look no further than Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical now playing at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis through June 15th. Fans of the 2013 Disney animated film will be familiar with the majority of the show and delighted by the new material only found in the stage version. As usual, Children’s Theatre Company has crafted a spectacular production that is technically jaw-dropping and kid-friendly from top to bottom. Disney fans of all ages will fall in love with this story all over again.

Frozen tells the story of Anna (Julia Ennen with Matea Córdova Stuart and Molly Toutant as Young Anna) and Elsa (Gillian Jackson Han with Chloe Sorensen and Reese Sweeney as Young Elsa) of Arendelle, sisters kept apart for much of their childhood to keep Anna safe from the power of Elsa’s ice magic. After being crowned queen, Elsa accidentally unleashes a winter storm across Arendelle before fleeing to the mountains to make sure she can’t harm anyone else ever again. Anna then goes on a quest to rescue her sister and bring back summer. Along the way, she is assisted by ice-merchant Kristoff (Matthew Hall), his trusty reindeer Sven (Adam Jones), and Olaf (Laura Marie), a snowman brought to life by Elsa’s magic. By the end, Elsa learns that her own power is nothing to fear, Anna finds joy in new friends and a renewed closeness with her sister, and they both discover that true love between sisters is stronger than any magic.

Gillian Jackson Han and Julia Ennen do a lovely job bringing the lead characters to life, and the rest of the cast gets to have an absolute ball playing multiple characters and participate in ensemble numbers. Matthew Hall is adorable, dreamy, and apparently “pungent” just as Kristoff should be. He and Ennen have delightful chemistry, second only to his chemistry with Kristoff’s beloved reindeer, Sven. Laura Marie does a great job bringing Olaf to life through her pupettering and comedic skills, there were many quiet and awed utterances of “it’s Olaf!” echoing throughout the theatre when they first appeared. Dylan Rugh shines as the handsome but ultimately dastardly Hans (of the Southern Isles) and shows off his dance moves frequently throughout the show. Amelia Barr and Janely Rodriguez bring incredible energy as Pabbie and Bulda each time they step on stage as Kristoff’s adoptive parents/Troll leaders (note: Antonisia “Nisi” Collins will take over the role of Bulda/Ensemble starting 5/21-Closing).

There are several moments when the whole ensemble shines, but none as delightful as the original song that opens Act II: “Hygge.” Hygge (HOO-ga) is a Danish/Norwegian word that describes a quality of coziness and comfort that creates a sense of contentment and warmth. Led by Oaken (Reed Sigmund), the film fan favorite of “Yoo-hoo, big summer blowout!” fame, the ensemble shines in this upbeat toe-tapper. Sigmund is hysterical as the shopkeeper and sauna enthusiast as he helps the audience pronounce and describe the Scandinavian concept. Oaken helpfully gives us a few examples: things that ARE Hygge include eating, alcohol, candlelight, and sitting by the fire; things that are NOT Hygge include spiders and dying a painful death.

This show would not be nearly as successful in creating the magic it needs without the incredible work of its technical designers, the entire team must be applauded for creating the magical land of Arendelle to the stage. I was most amazed by the technical work of Michael Salvatore Commendatore (projection design), Eric Van Wyk (puppet design), Scott Davis (scenic design), Ari Fulton (costume design), and Driscoll Otto (lighting design).

Disney’s Frozen was an absolute blast to attend, and I highly recommend it for any young fans or fans young of heart. If you have a child in your life who has never been to a live theatre performance, this is an excellent choice as an introduction to the magical world of the theatre.

April 15-June 15, 2025, UnitedHealth Group Stage. Best for all ages! Tickets may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/frozen or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15. An additional $5-per-ticket fee will be incurred on all purchases. School groups interested in attending Disney’s Frozen can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

Disney’s Frozen has a run time of 135 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. This production is best enjoyed all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.

Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert LopezBook by Jennifer Lee. Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage. Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee. Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions. Music Direction by Denise Prosek. Choreography by Rush Benson. Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene

Creative Team and Production Staff
Associate Music Director / Keyboard 2 | Victor Zupanc, Scenic Designer | Scott Davis, Costume Designer | Ari Fulton, Lighting Designer | Driscoll Otto, Sound Designer | Sten Severson, Puppet Designer | Eric Van Wyk, Projection Designer | Michael Salvatore Commendatore, Stage Manager | Nate Stanger*, Assistant Stage Manager | Z Makila*, Stage Management Fellow | Elijah Virgil Hughes, Associate Director | Lo Williams, Associate Choreographer | Maya Richardson, Assistant Lighting Designer | Samantha Brown, Assistant Sound Designer | Richard Graham, Assistant Projection Designer | Parker Molacek