By Ben Watson
After more than a year’s delay, Disney’s Frozen exploded onto the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater main stage, warming up the cool Salt Lake City night. The pre-show excitement was palpable among the fully masked audience, and the collective chills of anticipation turned quickly to rapt wonder as the lights fell. The hefty dose of Disney magic settled over the eager crowd.
Young Anna (Olivia Jones) and Young Elsa (Natalia Artigas) immediately took command of the beautiful Arendelle Castle backdrop designed by Christopher Oram, as the familiar story, directed by Michael Grandage, unfolds. The interplay between Queen Iduna (Marina Kondo), King Agnarr (Kyle Lamar Mitchell), and the young girls is tender and beautiful. The Frozen spell was working its magic on the two young girls seated in front of me, as they stared in wide-eyed amazement at the progression from young to older Anna (Caroline Innerbichler) and older Elsa (Caroline Bowman) happening before them. The bubbly, exuberant Innerbichler starts her show-stealing efforts early, and is wonderfully relentless with her physical and vocal charisma. Bowman’s Elsa builds steadily through the night to the heights of the North Mountain, bringing an appropriately mature restraint to her portrayal.
Musically, the performance reaches astounding heights, in large part due to the efforts of the Faith Seetoo conducting Frozen Touring Orchestra. Vocal standouts include Hans (Austin Colby) and Oaken/Bishop (Michael Milkanin). Olaf (F. Michael Haynie) works beautifully as both comic foil, and as Jiminy Cricket-esque collective conscience. Haynieis skilled at both being present in the character and also disappearing in plain sight. Kristoff (Mason Reeves) and Sven (Colin Baja) are outstanding as the unsung heroes in the narrative. The choreography from Rob Ashford shines like winter sunlight in the adept hands of the whole cast.
Rounding out the main players, Pabbie (Michael Everett), Bulda (Brit West), and head Handmaiden (Caelan Creaser) are captivating in their beautiful costuming, also by Oram. Of particular note, the role of Weselton is played by Robert Creighton, who originated the role in the Broadway debut. Additionally, the extraordinary ensemble players provide context to the magical world.
The first act ends at a soaring high mark, as Bowman raises the roof with “Let It Go“. Beginning the second act, Milkanin warms us up and makes us cozy with “Hygge.” The music spins and swirls like a mountain blizzard, spiraling us along into the drifts of the Finale. Fans of the movie version will not be disappointed by any of the additional songs in this Broadway version.
My daughter, age 16, had this to say: “She’s 16. She loved the “Hygge” song, and she thought Hans was hot! Her quote was “It was magically cozy and beautiful.” So there you have it. Disney’s Frozen appeals to all audiences, from young to not so young.
The overall effect of Disney’s Frozen, presented by Zions Bank/Broadway at the Eccles, seems to be a wonderful gift to both fans of the movie series as well as theater lovers. The patience in waiting for this COVID postponed run, is richly rewarded by the pure theater magic present on stage.
Audience members at Broadway at the Eccles productions are required to wear masks while in the building and while in seats. As conditions and recommendations change, that requirement may change, so check with the theater for updates. As for now, these measures create a comfortable, safe atmosphere and contribute to a wonderful experience.
This show is appropriate and accessible for children as well as adults. Remaining seats are very limited, so hurry to the Eccles for a magical start to your holiday season.
Zions Bank/Broadway at the Eccles presents Disney’s Frozen, Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Book by Jennifer Lee.Delta Hall at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater
131 Main St. Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Oct 26 – Nov 13, 2021, Times Vary
Tickets: $25-$140
Contact: 801-355-5502
Broadway At The Eccles Facebook Page
Frozen – The Musical Facebook Page
Disney FROZEN website
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