The Midwest Regional Premiere of Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical at Paramount Theatre is a glittering triumph. From the moment they enter, the audience is captivated by a meticulously designed wintry wonderland that immerses all ages in the magical Nordic kingdom of Arendelle. Scenic designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec crafts a visually arresting set, combining grand castle interiors with sweeping icy landscapes that embody both elegance and magical realism. His work serves as the perfect canvas for Elsa’s journey of self-discovery and Anna’s spirited quest to reconnect with her sister.
Emily Kristen Morris, debuting as Elsa, brings a mythic presence to the role, capturing Elsa’s inner turmoil with a mix of strength and vulnerability. Morris’s powerful vocal performance, especially in “Let It Go,” is a show-stopping moment, resonating with the character’s journey toward self-acceptance, but she’s an absolute powerhouse throughout. Beth Stafford Laird, returning to Paramount after a memorable performance as Belle in the 2019 production of Beauty and the Beast, shines as Anna. Her portrayal of the exuberant, brave younger sister is heartfelt and adds warmth to the story, balancing Elsa’s emotional arc with her own joyful and courageous spirit. The child versions of each character are equally compelling with Avelyn Choi as Young Anna showing you she’s a dynamic superstar in the making, and Genevieve Jane portraying Young Elsa’s fear and inhibition with great pathos. They’re also both delightful when they show up again as members of the Hidden Folk.
The production’s design team truly deserves praise for bringing the magic of Disney to life. Costume designer Mara Blumenfeld has infused the characters’ outfits with rich details that blend medieval influences with a hint of Disney’s signature flair. Elsa’s shimmering ice-blue dress is a marvel, as is Anna’s colorful winter wear, which complements her personality and contrasts beautifully with the kingdom’s snowy landscapes. The costumes feel both timeless and magical, fitting the fairy-tale setting perfectly. The wigs continue to be tragic, as are most wigs in Chicagoland. I don’t understand why no one can seem to fit one properly or buy one that looks real.
Lighting by Greg Hofmann and projections by Paul Deziel work in harmony to underscore the themes of ice and transformation. There is not enough praise to heap on the effects in this show. Hofmann’s lighting design gives Arendelle an ethereal glow and perfectly shows the transition from summer to magical winter, while Deziel’s projections add dynamic visuals that help illustrate Elsa’s powers. These effects are nothing short of mesmerizing, with each flash of icy magic elevating Elsa’s journey from within. The snow machine occasionally blasting the audience also adds to the effects. You can FEEL this production as well as see it. As Elsa unleashes her powers, the stage pulses with energy, immersing the audience in her struggles and triumphs.
Choreographer Tiffany Krause adds a sense of fluidity and movement to the show, especially in the ensemble numbers. The choreography captures the emotional highs and lows of the characters while creating captivating visual patterns that mimic the natural flow of ice and snow. This careful attention to detail complements the production’s wintry themes, making each dance a seamless part of the story.
Music Director Kory Danielson, along with his orchestra, brings the iconic score to life with both precision and passion. Beloved songs like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever” maintain the familiarity of the animated film while feeling fresh and immediate in the live setting. Danielson’s direction ensures that each note resonates, creating moments of both delight and poignancy that are memorable for audiences.
The supporting cast members bring their own magic to the production, with a special shout-out to the puppeteers. Ryan Stajmiger as Olaf brings humor and charm to the role, endearing himself to the audience with his wide-eyed optimism and hilarious delivery all the while standing behind a puppet version of the character. Adam Fane as Sven captures the endearing, loyal nature of the reindeer character through impressive physicality. Together, these characters provide comic relief and reinforce the show’s themes of friendship and loyalty.
You couldn’t find a more charming or engaging Kristoff than Christian Andrews, who more than fills Jonathan Groff’s shoes in the role. He’s funny, heartwarming and the perfect working-class hero. Corey Barlow as Pabbie and Marta Bady as Bulda are exceptional as leaders of the Hidden Folk. Jake DiMaggio Lopez does a wonderful job playing both heroic prince and evil heel, Hans. He has a terrific voice and presence. Jason Richards is fantastic as the slimy Duke of Weaselton in all his pompous glory, while David Blakeman brings the comedy and the accent as Oaken. The supporting cast is just as good as the leads and every one is a standout performer.
Director Trent Stork’s vision truly shines throughout the production, balancing spectacle with emotional depth. Stork’s nuanced direction ensures that the characters’ relationships are at the forefront, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the characters even amidst the spectacular visuals. This balance of intimacy and grandiosity is a testament to Stork’s skill in bringing Disney’s vision to the Paramount stage.
In all, Paramount Theatre’s Frozen delivers an enchanting experience that’s as visually striking as it is emotionally resonant. The combination of awe-inspiring design, heartfelt performances, and high-caliber direction make this production a must-see. Families and theater lovers alike will leave the theater spellbound, making this Frozen a delightful and truly magical part of the season’s festivities.
All photos by Liz Lauren.
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