Let It Go!

Frozen

All over the world there are scores of little girls who know the 2013 animated Disney film by heart, having watched the DVD over and over again. From their repeated viewings these children know every word to the movie’s powerhouse ballad, “Let It Go.” There’s also thousands of young ladies who own an Elsa or Anna costume and they don’t save these dresses just for Halloween. The opening night audience was a runway of fairy tale princess gowns. This blockbuster Disney favorite has inspired several spinoff films, like “Frozen Forever” and “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.” And just when you thought Disney had finished spinning the adventures of Elsa and Anna, they already released a “Frozen 2” seven years ago, and a “Frozen 3” is due in movie theaters this Fall. And, guess what? A “Frozen 4” film is currently in development. So the lovable characters from “Frozen” are bound to be part of every child’s life for decades to come.

The great news is that the original film was adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Productions. The musical, with a book by Jennifer Lee and a full 20-song score by the team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, opened on Broadway in 2018. Ticket sales were outstanding, but the Pandemic closed the musical in 2020. A National Tour was later developed, and FROZEN eventually played Chicago, just in time for the holidays. Professional theaters all over the country have finally been granted the rights to the Disney musical and Marriott’s much-anticipated production is only the second Chicagoland presentation by a local theatre company. But what makes this particular version of FROZEN so unique and especially magical is that, like all of the Marriott’s Lincolnshire productions, it’s wonderful because it’s presented arena style. 

This bewitching musical fairy tale is enjoyed by audiences in the round. There are no bad seats or “obstructed views.” Sitting on every side of the playing area, FROZEN becomes an intimate and spellbinding spectacle for every patron. On a typical proscenium stage, most of the special effects necessary for this story of sisterly love remain hidden until they’re suddenly revealed to the audience. But in talented director Ashley Rodbro’s glorious, up close and personal production, every moment of magic happens in full view of theatergoers. The audience is never more that a few feet from all the action, making Marriott’s miraculously staged and gloriously performed production even more magical than ever!   

The story behind both the movie and the stage version isn’t too complicated. The plot is a moving story of girl power. It’s a tale of female friendship and empowerment in a world that’s largely run by men. Two sisters grow up as princesses in a lush Scandinavian palace. As a child, Elsa, the eldest sister, learns that she possesses the magical power to freeze people and objects, creating mountains of ice and snow in her wake. Anna, her lovingly devoted younger sister, is delighted by Elsa’s powers, but the magic proves to be dangerous when left uncontrolled. The King and Queen try to protect their two children by keeping this magic power a secret and making Elsa promise to always wear gloves. In this way, they hope to prevent Elsa’s magical powers from accidentally causing harm to anyone.

After the King and Queen are tragically lost at sea, Elsa inherits the throne. At her coronation, after her gloves are removed, Elsa unintentionally causes their homeland to become frozen. The castle turns into an ice palace and eternal winter suddenly descends upon the entire kingdom. Elsa almost accidentally kills her adored younger sister and so she’s banished and runs off into the snowy wilderness.

The rest of the musical focuses on Anna trying to rescue and reunite with Elsa. Kristoff a handsome, adventurous young peasant, and his lovable pet reindeer, Sven, find Anna and endeavor to help her. She also comes across Olaf, a lovable talking snowman, who loves warm hugs and wants to lend his assistance. Together the trio sets off to find Elsa and convince her that, despite everything that’s happened, she’s still loved and supported her younger sister. Complications arise but, by the final scene, the villains have been vanquished and true love has conquered all.

This enchanting musical, which is entertaining for both young and old alike, sparkles with wintery special effects and a large cast of gifted triple-threats. It sports whimsical songs, like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” “Reindeer Are Better Than People,” “In Summer” and “Hygge;” and many power ballads, like “For the First Time in Forever,” “I Can’t Lose You,” “Monster” and, of course, the super mega hit that every little girl has memorized, “Let It Go!” The story is truly heartwarming, especially in the way it portrays the deep relationship between the two sisters. It also features the humorous bond that develops into true love between Kristoff and Anna.

Talented director Ashley Rodbro and choreographer Katie Spelman keep this sprawling tale in continual motion, while never losing focus of the two main characters. Everyone has come to see the two princesses and they’re truly the stars. Morgan Anita Wood as Elsa (HAMILTON, Broadway; KINKY BOOTS, the Hollywood Bowl) and, especially, Chloe Nadon-Enriquez as Anna (CHESS; CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB, Broadway) are equally outstanding vocalists and captivating actors in these star-turning roles. The chemistry between the two sisters is honest, unmistakable and absolutely heartwarming. Both of these actresses have clear, colorful voices that fill the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. Each actress is successful in creating truthful, believable characters who are so likable. That’s important in any Disney show, because the children in the audience want and need to relate to these two characters. And they do.

The supporting cast is marvelous. David Moreland  (JEKYLL & HYDE, Kokandy; THE FULL MONTY, Paramount) is boyishly good-looking, dashing and charming as Kristoff. He’s a real leading man able to hold his own in the midst of so much girl power. The role of Sven the reindeer is shared by one of my favorite Chicago actors. Garrett Lutz (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; TITANIC; DAMN YANKEES, Marriott) plays Kristoff’s sidekick while operating a life-size puppet created by Jesse Mooney-Bullock. Nick Berninger (SHREK, Timber Lake; SWEENEY TODD, the Muny) is sweet, cuddly and so lovable as Olaf the Snowman (puppet design by The Rock Shop). Olaf’s production number about Summer is especially fun. Justin Albinder (COME FROM AWAY; CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Marriott) makes a handsome Prince Hans. His character is quite charming and funny when we first meet him, but he turns on a dime in the second half of the musical, showing his true colors. The young actresses who play the two princesses as children are very good. They include Tessa Mae Pundsack (WHITE CHRISTMAS, Paramount; FUN HOME, Porchlight) as young Elsa; and especially Evelyn Dorough (SOUTH PACIFIC, Paramount; PIPPIN, Brightside Theatre), who’s a bundle of unstoppable energy and delight, as Young Anna.

In addition to the lovely music and the terrific characterizations, this musical truly sparkles in its technical achievements. The extraordinary scenic design by Collette Pollard are creative and jaw dropping, particularly as they’ve been adapted for the arena stage. Mara Blumenfeld’s extraordinary costume design is over-the-top glittering and grandiose. There’s one particular fast change for Elsa that’s simply magical and produces an audible gasp and applause by every theatergoer. Miguel A. Armstrong’s lovely wigs and makeup design elevates the look for each character. Pollard’s impressive sets are especially enhanced by Jesse Klug’s unbelievable lighting design and Anthony Churchill’s spectacular video design. Watch in wonder at all the incredible, enchanted and entrancing elements of this show, such as the lovely hanging flowers that magically become icicles. The blizzard of snow that blows everywhere and falls both onstage and in the audience are just a few more of the uncanny wonders that dazzle the eye in this production.

FROZEN is a magnificent and colorful feather in the Marriott Theatre’s hat. It’s a big, splashy musical fairy tale for all ages, with much to recommend it. A heartwarming story, told by an excellent and large talented and hard-working company of smiling actor/singer/dancers, directed by the talented Ashley Rodbro and choreographed with professional polish by Katie Spelman, make this Equity production a gem. The show, with all its special effects, sparkles as shiny as polished ice. Throughout the glitter, glitz and girl power, this lavish show, with its charming characters and unbelievable magical special effects, is a warm confection for the holidays that will Let It Go for audiences of all ages.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 4-January 3 by the Marriott Theatre, 

10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling the Marriott at 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos by Justin Barbin