I’ll admit it. I’ve never watched Disney’s animated “Frozen” from start to finish. I’ve seen parts but never the whole thing. And, of course, I’ve heard the soundtrack over and over again.
So, I looked forward to seeing the live version of “Frozen” at the Providence Performing Arts Center. And I was not disappointed.
The story: Anna and Elsa are princesses, daughters of the king and queen of Arendelle. Elsa has the power to create snow and ice. After an accidental discharge of her power hurts Anna, Elsa is advised to keep her power secret. Her parents keep her separated from Anna, and after their parents are lost at sea, Elsa withdraws from most social contact.
When she comes of age, Elsa is crowned Queen of Arendelle, and their castle is opened to the public for the first time since the death of her parents. Anna meets Hans of the Seven Isles, developing an instant rapport. They decide to marry, and Anna asks Elsa’s permission. Elsa denies the request, telling Anna she can’t marry someone she just met.
In the process, Elsa is angered, and her icy magic is released. Townspeople call her a monster, and she runs off to the North Mountain. Unfortunately, the release of her magic plunges Arendelle into a permanent winter.
Anna chases after Elsa, meeting up with Kristoff the Ice Man and Sven, his reindeer buddy. Together, they find Elsa’s Ice Palace, but so do Hans and a posse of townspeople who want to capture and kill the “monster.” While fighting the posse off, Elsa unleashes more ice magic, again accidentally injuring Anna.
This time, Anna’s heart is frozen, and the only thing that can save her is an act of true love. I’ll leave the story there. I will not spoil the ending.
The touring live version of “Frozen” features several songs that originated in the animated version. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” “Love is an Open Door” and of course, “Let It Go.” It was very cute to hear the young lady behind me – she was perhaps five years old – singing along to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.” There are new songs, but nothing (in my opinion) that’s particularly catchy.
The sets are stunning, as are the costumes. And the performances are so good.
Let’s start with Jack Brewer, who plays Oaken and opens the second act with the “Hygge” song. Think of that as a Scandinavian version of “Hakuna Matata.” Brewer’s performance is remarkably funny. The whole scene is made funnier by the clown-car sauna where most of the ensemble comes out of and returns to the sauna, clad in towels. In ends in a kick line that would make Gypsy Rose Lee blush. Okay, maybe not. It’s a family show after all, and the dancers stay within the bounds of decency.
Let’s talk about Sven, the reindeer. We never see the actor inside the reindeer. It happened to be Collin Baja last night. When you see what the reindeer has to do, you’ll understand why two actors alternate the performance. The costume is amazing. Or as one young man a few seats away from me put it, “That’s neat.”
Then there’s Olaf the Snowman, played by Jeremy Davis. Olaf is a puppet, attached to Davis’s feet. While Davis is completely visible behind Olaf, your attention is drawn to the puppet and not the puppeteer. Davis handles the comedy and songs perfectly.
Kristoff (Dominic Dorset) is particularly good. He’s great playing with Sven and singing “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People.”
Lauren Nicole Chapman is fantastic as the grown-up Anna. She’s got the comic chops necessary for the role, and a wonderful voice as well.
Last but not least is Caroline Bowman as Elsa. At times, she sounds like Idina Menzel, who originated the role in the animated version. But mostly, Bowman has made this role her own, and she has an amazing voice.
At the first notes of “Let It Go,” there was a hum of anticipation in the audience. Ending the first act, it’s a huge, beautiful production number. Elsa’s costume change – from a purple gown to a glittering white gown – is show stopping and remarkable.
“Frozen” is a fun and satisfying show. If you’ve got tickets, you’re going to have a blast. If you don’t, get some.
[“Frozen” plays at the Providence Performing Arts Center through March 17. For ticket and information, log on to www.ppacri.org or call the Box Office at 401.421.ARTS.]