Considering that the first pro-shot of a stage musical that played on Disney+ was the beautifully filmed Hamilton, it should be no surprise that their latest, Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical, is equally stunning to watch. While the fuller title certainly sets it apart from the animated version, it is a bit of a misnomer; the show wasn't really a Broadway hit, and the version presented here isn't the Broadway cast, but rather the London company. It is true that the West End production was more successful, though.
Featuring the complete Broadway creative team - designers, writers and direction, the film direction by Brett Sullivan has somehow captured a vision of the piece that seems much more vibrant, lavish and exciting than what I saw at the St. James a few years ago. Sure, some of that can be attributed to deft cutting and choice camera angles, but I have to admit there is just something, well, magical about this version. The best part of it all is that he has used the camera to also capture the feel of a live performance. There are fast glimpses of audience reactions, and there are also a few times that the camera is on stage with the actors, and we can see what they see at each performance. But it is also clear that the staging and some of the effects were upgraded for the London production, and I'm glad they were able to get this version on the record. Notably, the Act Two opener, "Hygge" has been revamped and re-choreographed, thank goodness. And Elsa's ice palace seems much more lavish than ever before. That said, the whole thing still comes off as a rather bland version of the film upon which is based. What worked in New York works here, what didn't work still doesn't.
The main cast is also quite good, and I especially enjoyed the care with which the younger versions of Elsa (Elizabeth Lyons) and Anna (Martha Bailey Vine) were directed so as not to be sticky sweet, and to establish physical movements that their later adult counterparts mimicked. It really is the little things when performances are filmed. Sweet reindeer Sven (credited as both Ashley Birchall and Mikayla Jade) is simply adorable and always a welcome presence. I don't think Craig Gallivan's Olaf could be any cuddlier, and he really sells the beloved throw away number, "In Summer."
As a lovable, awkward goofball ice man, Kristoff, Jammy Kalongo shines, but really steps up with a nice bit of swagger as he becomes a hero to Anna. Conversely, watching Oliver Ormson strut around the stage with a suave and endearing bravado as Hans; when he reveals his true intentions is is actually chilling to watch (no pun intended)
Of course, the entire thing wouldn't work without solid acting from Elsa and Anna. Let me say straight away that I am a Samantha Barks fan, and had very high expectations for her as Elsa. And she wasn't bad. But I was kind of disappointed over all. I mean there's cold and distant and then there's icing out any connection to the audience. To be fair, you could see her really working at the inner torture she was feeling, and she was really superb in her 11 o'clock number, "Monster." But - and it's a big one - her big number, "Let It Go" was, well, efficient. Efficient, not spectacular. (She will inevitably be compared unfavorably to both Idina and Caissie.) On the other hand, Laura Dawkes' Anna nearly stole the show. An accomplished physical comedienne, and gorgeous character singer, she managed to evoke her animated counterpart and make the role entirely her own. She never overplayed her hand - no mugging, no exaggeration. She was just pure joy from start to finish, save for a few beautifully rendered dramatic moments. I'd love to see her do something on Broadway - I could always use such a jolt of joy.
For me, Frozen will never be what I dreamed it could have been as a stage musical - a different director and more Disney magic could help. But I am glad it was filmed and distributed so that maybe a new generation of theatergoers may be created.
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