By Kristen Weyer.
Sure to thrill every little Elsa and Anna lover is the John W. Engeman’s newest childrens’ production, Frozen Jr., directed and choreographed by Steven Dean Moore. Based on the movie Frozen with book by Jennifer Lee and music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Frozen Jr. script was adapted by Sara Wordsworth while the music was adapted by Madeline Smith.
The plot is mostly the same as the movie with a few adaptations to account for film to stage translation. For example: Elsa uses magic to throw Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven from her ice palace in lieu of Marshmallow the giant snow monster; and there are no trolls, but rather a mysterious mountain people who substitute for them, thankfully we still get the “Fixer Upper” song. There are a few extra songs as well, but none memorable enough to replace the originals, so you’ll still be listening to “Let It Go” on repeat on the car ride home.
With a cast completely comprised of young people, some characters are played alternately by two different people: Elsa (Olivia Freiberger/Lizzie Dolce), Anna (Rachel Zulawski/Katie Dolce), Kristoff (Justin Frank/Ryan McInnes) & Weselton (Amelia Freiberger/Caprice McGuckin). The entire cast of talented kids is sure to impress. With great voices, wonderful dancing skills and excellent characterization, they made the show entertaining and exciting. A few standout moments are the charming and precocious antics of AnnaBelle Deaner as Young Anna, and the hilarious antics of Casey Beltrani as Oaken.
An ever-changing backdrop of scenic projections moves the action from one location to another, and displays Elsa’s ‘magic’. Sound and Lighting Design is by Ethan Carleton and Leila Scandar. Also, many little Annas and Elsas populated the audience in sparkly and colorful costumes adding to the charm of the event. So if your little princess wants to wear one don’t worry, it’s fine, she’ll be in good company. Don’t forget to line up after the show for autographs from the characters! Your playbill comes complete with an autograph page in the back!