What a delight to unexpectedly see an icy white bridge appear out of nowhere and, later, watch as a female cast member twirls around once and is now wearing an entirely different gown. Toward play’s ending, gigantic flowers suddenly blossom on the walls of Lucy Stern Theater.
And in Act 1, there’s a stage-center merry-go-round turntable used by dancers in the opening number. (Palo Alto Players has used it a number of times in its productions.)
These are only a few of the nifty tricks awaiting theatergoers who go to see the musical “Frozen” presented by PAP through May 10.
“Frozen” was first a Walt Disney Studios animated film (which won two Academy Awards in 2014). Four years later it was turned into a theatrical production by Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and is now a frequently produced musical all over the world.
Technical wizardry aside, PAP’s version of the play would be improved if it had been tightened up a bit. Still, there are a number of exceptional acting performances, fine singing voices, and lots of charming costumes.
Another plus: Several of the songs from “Frozen” are so familiar that it’s difficult not to sing along when “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” or “For the First Time in Forever” and (of course!) “Let It Go” are sung.
A brief recap of the storyline: Two sisters, Elsa and Anna, lose their parents, the King and Queen of the kingdom of Arendelle, at a very early age when the royals are lost at sea. The two princesses are protected inside Arendelle’s castle – and are often distanced from each other as they grow up. But when Elsa is crowned queen, the gates to the castle are opened and the townspeople enthusiastically enter and rejoice that they have a new queen.
But Elsa is keenly aware that she has magical powers that can hurt people, so she runs away into the mountains to hide. That’s when the play really gets interesting as Anna heads off on a journey to find her sister and bring her home.
But the storyline isn’t really the headline here. It’s the fine acting, singing, amazing costumes, moveable sets and magical illusions that hold the audience’s attention.
As Anna, Lauren Berling is so touching and charismatic that it’s easy to see why she has not one, but two suitors, albeit one who’s a fraud. Astraea Brown’s task is somewhat trickier because she’s in flight and distrustful of anyone who comes near.
Kudos to costumer Patricia Tyler who made almost all the costumes as well as collaborating with technical director Kevin Davies to create the costume for Sven (the reindeer). Cayleigh Spikes made the “magic” costume for Elsa.
A rather peculiar staging choice involves Olaf, the snowman. Rather than put Ralph Shehayed into a full Olaf costume, the production dresses him in white and has him carry a puppet snowman. The intent was surely to animate the puppet, but the result just looked like two marshmallows with a head.
Although they are only on stage for a few scenes, Lucy Allen as young Elsa and Lily Sazdanoff as young Anna prove that they are budding young actresses of talent.
Conductor Richard Hall and his 11-member orchestra move the music along quickly, though there are a few occasions when the orchestra drowns out a soloist’s voice.
In short, this production of “Frozen” is only slightly melted. Small imperfections don’t take too much away from a production that will likely enjoy huge success both with the younger set, as well as with their parents and other adults.
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Rating: *** (For an explanation of TheatreStorm’s rating system, click here.)
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“Frozen,” by Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Director: Janie Scott. Creative Director: Patrick Klein. Music Director: Richard Hall. Vocal Director: Rachel Michelberg. Co-Choreographers: Karen Law and Stacey Reed. Scenic Designer, Technical Director and Master Carpenter: Kevin Davies. Costume Designer: Patricia Tyler. Specialty Costuming: Kristin Lundin. Lighting Designer: Edward Hunter. Sound Designer: Jeff Grafton. Projections Designer: Alanna Bardell. Special Effects Designer: Chris Beer. Hair/Wig & Makeup Designer: Karen Althoff. Properties Designer: Gillian Ortega. Stage Manager: Cayleigh Spikes. Master Electrician: Darbus Oldham. Sound Board Operator: Alex Orr. Assistant Stage Manager: Hannah Ly.
Cast
Young Anna: Lily Sazdanoff. Young Elsa: Lucy Allen. Queen Iduna: Ayanna Brewer. King Agnarr: AJ Jaffari. Pabbie: Josh Michaelberg. Bulda: Aishy Panwar. Anna: Lauren Berling. Elsa: Astraea Brown. Weselton: Adam Strauss. Hans: Justin Kerekes. Kristoff: Sadat Hossain. Sven: Peter Bullen. Olaf: Ralph Shehayed. Oaken: David Mister. Dance Captain: Bridgette Martin. Adult Ensemble: Emily Acosta, Karen Althoff, Ayanna Brewer, AJ Jaffari, Kennedy Johnson, Bridgette Martin, Josh Michelberg, David Mister, Gillian Ortega, Hannah Oviatt, Aishy Panwar, Skyler Riordan, Lex Rosenberg, Arjun Sheth, Adam Strauss, Jackson Velez. Kids Ensemble: Lucy Allen, Emmy Rancatore, Lily Sazdanoff.
Musicians
Conductor: Richard Hall; Keyboard 1: Kevin Dong; Keyboard 2: Gary Dominguez; Keyboard 3: Eric X. Dong; Reed 1: D. Asa Stern; Reed 2: Kathy Switky; Trumpet: Ricardo Martinez; Horn: Jeanette Levinson; Trombone: Zachariah Friesen; Guitar: Dylan Escudero; Bass (split): Thomas Calamia/Kyle Wong; Drums: Christine Lovejoy.
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