When Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company won the “Outstanding Regional Theater” Tony in 2003, Broadway was gradually becoming a destination for family vacations, where children, parents and grandparents could gather in a theater and enjoy an all-ages show. And Disney had a lot to do with that, adapting its animated features into such Broadway hits as “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.”
Among the 10 tuneful toons Disney’s brought to the stage is “Frozen,” and Children’s Theatre is currently doing an excellent imitation of a Broadway production with its version. If you weren’t aware that the original film is a cultural phenomenon, attend one of CTC’s performances and witness a lobby teeming with little girls attired in princess costumes or carrying stuffed snowmen.
Once inside the theater, those young devotees are unlikely to be disappointed, for this production dazzles with its stagecraft, finely executed full-cast dance numbers and sweet, powerful singing voices.
CTC has proved its versatility with widely varied styles and stories over the years, and “Frozen” makes a convincing case that it can do what modern Broadway does – and very well. Director Tiffany Nichole Greene has marshalled a team of 26 performers into a well-oiled unit that meets this musical’s ample demands with energy, enthusiasm and a sense of joy. And Rush Benson’s choreography is unfailingly exhilarating.
Then there’s the design, which is outstanding in all regards. Set designer Scott Davis has created a fascinating winter wonderland, complemented splendidly by Michael Salvatore Commendatore’s projections and Ari Fulton’s costumes that run from regal to rustic.
“Frozen” is loosely based upon Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” but transforms it into a celebration of sisterhood, in which two siblings are separated for most of their lives because one of them possesses magical powers that can prove harmful. So much so that her exile sends her kingdom into a permanent Arctic state. It’s her sister’s quest to find her and break the spell that drives the action.
Alas, that action is frequently interrupted by pop-rock production numbers that don’t really have much to do with driving the story forward. While songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez have penned some lovely, heart-filling ballads (such as the big hit that closes the first act, “Let It Go,” and the two sisters’ earnest duet, “I Can’t Lose You”), there are multiple uninspired and instantly forgettable up-tempo tunes that burst forth apropos of almost nothing.
Yet this cast, orchestra and technical team do everything in their power to sell this so-so material. As Anna, the sister whose journey drives the tale, Julia Ennen ably carries the musical’s comic and romantic elements with an engaging characterization and a fine voice. Speaking of voices, Gillian Jackson Han displays an excellent one as the sister who becomes queen, Elsa. There’s always been a certain iciness about monarchs and hers is particularly appropriate, yet Han allows you to see the sadness inside it.
When Anna heads into the mountains to find her sister, we’re introduced to another pair of standout performers in the strong-voiced Matthew Hall as her iceman guide and Laura Marie as a clownish snowman.
While “Frozen” isn’t a great stage musical, CTC’s production is quite entertaining. And the fan girls should definitely dig out the princess costumes and go.
‘Frozen’
When: Through June 15
Where: Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.
Tickets: $104-$20, available at 612-874-0400 or childrenstheatre.org
Capsule: A so-so musical gets a production delightful to both eyes and ears.
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