While the COVID storm rages on, the importance and effectiveness of live theatre as a form of escapism can't be overlooked. Disney's 'Frozen The Musical' is an example of this – pure magic, pure joy, and enough love to thaw even the most frozen of hearts.
While 'Frozen The Musical' remains, for the most part, completely faithful to the iconic 2013 film, there's even more of an emphasis on the sisterhood between Anna and Elsa, as well as a few new songs which take the story to alpine-level heights.
'Frozen' was heavily praised for its subtle criticism on unrealistic romantic expectations (“You can't marry a man you just met”), which was a bold and self-deprecating move on the studio's part and, thankfully, has been carried through to the stage show. Its reminder that true love can come in forms outside of just romance is also reiterated here. These themes on their own give 'Frozen' a really excellent, realistic edge. . . And then, by adding magic and setting the story in a larger-than-life fictional kingdom, the balance between genuinely important messaging and snow-flecked fantasy is struck beautifully.
Lead actresses Jemma Rix and Courtney Monsma deliver performances fit for the world stage – they really are the magic of Disney personified.
Jemma nails Elsa's transformation from quiet, considered and royal into someone larger-than-life who has finally come to terms with her abilities and her potential. Elsa's journey is a roller-coaster, it's one of mourning, shame, realisation, acceptance and passion – and if there's one thing Australian theatre audiences have learned of Jemma Rix, it's that she's very much capable (and then some) of slipping into the shoes of someone who has been through all of this. Though there's very little if anything to be distracted by in the theatre, no moment in 'Frozen' is more important to witness with unwavering attention than 'Let It Go'. WOW. The vocal performance from Jemma is one thing, and then there's. . . That moment. It’s cliche to say, but you truly do need to see it to believe it.
Image © Lisa Tomasetti
Matt Lee as Olaf – talent, an excellent ability to multitask under a hot spotlight and the perfect voice. . . There's not much else to say. A complete delight and so very clearly loved by audiences young and old. The translation of an animated snowman from screen to stage couldn't have been executed more endearingly. This is proof that puppeteers don't need to wear black or disappear into the background for a puppet to be effective – it's as fun to watch Matt as it is to watch Olaf – in fact it might even be essential. There's only so much emotion the puppet can display, and Matt acts as a human extension of this.
Hans and Kristoff, played by Thomas McGuane and Sean Sinclair respectively, match their animated counterparts fabulously too. Thomas is easily detestable as Hans which is, of course, important for the role. . . While Sean Sinclair's Kristoff is charming, believably approachable and a joy to watch.
Aljin Abella's Weselton is a crowd favourite. The character is the perfect love-to-hate comedic relief, and each time he appears on stage is completely camp and hilarious.
A huge round of applause is much-needed (and was certainly given on Opening Night) for Young Anna and Elsa, on this Opening Night played by Mila Hourmouzis and Samara Wheeler. What remarkable talent – I recall thinking, as I watched the two of them in their scenes at the beginning of the show, that I'd not be surprised to see their names pop up in central roles in years to come.
It is Courtney Monsma as Anna however, who – for me – paints a picture of Disney and 'Frozen' the most effectively out of the entire cast. It is as if the animated character crafted for the film stepped through the television and on to a stage. . . Truly phenomenal. Her mannerisms, her huge personality, the signature quirkiness of the character, they're all here, not to mention her voice. Courtney is magnetic – Anna's joy is infectious, her sadness is heartbreaking, and there's a depth to this character that is really special. Rarely have I seen someone disappear into a role as effortlessly as Courtney into Anna.
Image © Lisa Tomasetti
'Frozen''s stage and lighting design, from Christopher Oram and Natasha Katz, transports audiences to stoney castle bedrooms, icy mountain tops, low-lit gardens and echoey hallowed halls spectacularly. Elsa's ice castle in particular, adorned with hanging icicles and a regal staircase, is one to look forward to.
It goes without saying that the music here is wonderful. 'Love Is An Open Door' and 'For The First Time In Forever' are favourites, while added moments of theatricality (wait till you hear the end of 'Let It Go') as well as brand-new tracks like 'Monster' and 'What Do You Know About Love?' breathe even more life, personality and depth into the characters as we know them.
The story of 'Frozen' is a modern classic with important messaging weaved throughout it. Give it some extra songs, that trademark, heightened sense of campness and 'oomph' only a stage show can bring, and a cast in which there are no conceivable faults, only extraordinary performances, and you've got something gorgeous.
'Frozen The Musical' is real life lessons draped in divine staging, sprinkled with unbridled joy, and topped with world-class talent. In a time where the noise of reality can be so overpowering, what a gift it is to have a place as special as the theatre to escape, and a musical as optimistic as this one to really help us let it go.
★★★★★
‘Frozen The Musical’ is on now at Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
