Did you know that the seeds for Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical began to germinate back in the fall of 2013 even before the animated Frozen played to its first audience? Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, who was at the screening had the foresight to know that the megahit movie would make a gripping Broadway musical and was eager to know when they could start.
Now, ten years later, it has all come alive for us here in Singapore and we experienced pure magic flung across Marina Bay Sands Theatre on the night of the Gala Premiere on 8 February 2023. Dazzling shifting lights, thrilling iconic music, an outstanding cast of captivating characters, beautiful costumes and an amazing set showcasing the Nordic winterscape plus royal pizazz made it truly an enchanting spectacle to behold.
The magic of theatre and magic itself unfolded scene after scene, hitting a high note for a more than appreciative audience. We were wowed off our feet when Elsa, played by Jemma Rix, unleashed the signature “Let It Go” in her shimmering ice dress at the end of the first act. Jemma’s nuanced portrayal of Elsa made the character more independent, yet vulnerable and real than the powerful screen version.
That could well have been the finale, except that the musical brought us so much more. The back story weaved in by well-developed characters, 12 more songs than from the Oscar-winning animated film itself and new mysterious trolls from Norwegian folklore upped the ante entirely in the spectacular musical extravaganza.
Sweet, goofy and fun Anna, brought to life by Sarah O’Connor as an adult, was absolutely endearing and carried a large part of the musical along. The child actresses playing little Anna and Elsa in the opening act reeled us in with cuteness overload.
And when it comes to Frozen, who can forget the charming Olaf? Matt Lee was outstanding as both the puppeteer and actor, and we could hardly take our eyes off both of them for they were delightfully one and the same.
Another memorable character was Sven, Kristoff’s loyal reindeer with its intricately designed textured costume. How the actor (alternatingly played by Yvan Karlsson and Evan Strand) managed to stay planked with his special boots/hoofs on stilts and become so lifelike got us all mesmerised and astounded throughout.
Beyond the pomp and pageantry, Frozen The Musical brings home the important message of how life is a fine balance between holding back and trusting enough to let it go. It is an inspirational tale of strong sisterhood and deep friendship, and how the beauty of love triumphs over fear.
Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical is making Singapore its only stop in Southeast Asia. Don’t let this heartwarming gem go. Catch the glory of Frozen at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre before it ends on 19 March 2023.
On 25 February and 19 March 2023, you can also marvel at a repeat of the Frozen Themed Fountain and Sound Display at Waterfront Promenade along The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The light and water show will display music and images from Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical.
Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: Until 19 March 2023, Tuesdays to Fridays, 8 pm; Saturdays, 2 and 8 pm; Sundays 1 and 6.30 pm
Tickets: $88 to $268 via Marina Bay Sands and Sistic
Do note that the show is for little Elsa wannabes aged at least four and above and is suitably enjoyed by adults and the whole family.
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Directed by Michael Grandage
Choreographed by Rob Ashford
Music Supervision and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions Australia
#FrozenSG #LetItGoSingapore
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