Frozen the Musical: A Must See!
For the first time in forever, the Disney’s Frozen the Musical comes to the West End for an amazing theatrical performance.
Over the weekend, we took Lady Yeya to see Frozen the Musical to celebrate her 4th birthday. I recall seeing all the big promotional campaigns to market Disney on Stage over the summer. From pop-up events, billboards and Christmas displays, no doubt Frozen the Musical was going to be a major success. After some several delays, Theatre Royal Drury Lane “finally opened up the gates” for Frozen fans in September 2021.
At the time, I never considered taking Lady Yeya to see a musical thinking that it just wasn’t age appropriate. It was until my friend who took her four year old daughter and reassured me that Lady Yeya will love it. Seeing how much Lady Yeya enjoyed all the Julia Donaldon’s live theatre shows, my view was she was ready for a West End production. Plus, we couldn’t miss seeing the West End adaptation of his beloved Disney movie.
For the First Time in Forever
It was certainly the “first time in forever” that us parents went to a West End show. The last time was to see Hamilton: The American Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which is based on the remarkable life of Alexander Hamiliton. Miranda is the musical genius behind Disney’s Moana and Encanto. I wouldn’t be surprised if a musical adaptation of the both movie is forthcoming. Needless to say, we were absolutely thrilled to be attending the theatre again after a very long time. And of course, share this special experience with our sweet daughter. So off we go to the West End for a memorable afternoon!
Love is an Open Door
“Okay, can I just, say something crazy?” Well not crazy. Just WOW.
If there is only one word to describe Frozen the Musical, it would be WOW. It was an amazing theatrical production that exceeded every expectation. Definitely worth every penny we spent for aisle seats in the Royal Circle. The various backdrops from the palace halls of Arendelle, to the mountain scenes with Anna and Kirstoff, to Elsa’s ice castle, it was all utterly gorgeous. The costume designs were amazing, especially Elsa’s stunning icy blue dress.
Frozen the Musical was probably by far the best visual and lighting effects I have seen for a West End production. The scenes when Elsa’s power first strikes at her coronation, making the stage and columns light up with flashes of ice were spectacular. Elsa’s solo “Let it Go” was set against a dazzling snow scene with stunning visual effects to add drama. The final climactic scene where Anna freezes was utterly brilliant, incorporating the entire ensemble wearing white and silver to depict ice was truly stunning. It was all breathing-taking with a major WOW factor.
Beyond Just “Let It Go”
For the West End adaptation of Frozen, the musical incorporated over a dozen original songs and music produced specifically for the theatrical production. Whilst the songs are new for the audience, it did not distract from the main plotline. Rather, the beautiful songs enhanced the overall storytelling. For example, “A Little Bit of You” shows young Anna and young Elsa during their play session before Elsa accidentally strikes Anna with her powers. Or “Hans of the Southern Isles” gives background about about Prince Hans, the 13th in line to the family throne . A beautiful solo “Dangerous to Dream” is about Elsa’s self-sacrifice of her happiness before is crowned Queen of Arendelle.
Some new songs and scenes were also included for some pure entertainment. “Hygge” was the opening song for the second act led by the character Oaken, together with the entire ensemble. The song of course was a nod to Scandinavian heritage where fictional Arendelle is located deep in the scenic Norwegian fjords.
Colder by the Minute
On what feels like an eternal winter in London, getting “colder by the minute,” the entire theatrical production is highly entertaining for the whole family with a few comical Easter eggs for the parents. It was an excellent way to introduce Lady Yeya to the magical world of live theatre. Frozen the Musical, a story about the love and bond of sisterhood, is heartwarming giving us the ultimate “hygge” feeling. We all left the theatre memorised and dazzled by a truly amazing adaption and production of Disney’s beloved Frozen.
