The theatrical juggernaut that is Disney’s Frozen, the Broadway Musical makes its first North Bay appearance with a production by the Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts program. It runs (with mostly matinee performances) in the SRJC Burbank Auditorium through Nov. 22.
If one somehow missed the cultural zeitgeist that was the movie and its song “Let It Go” in 2013, Frozen is the story of sisters Anna (Danielle Schmidt) and Elsa (Reilly Trainor). Elsa has a secret magical ability that’s already threatened her sister’s life.
On the day of Elsa’s coronation, the secret explodes into full-scale disaster, causing Elsa to flee and propelling the impetuous Anna on a rescue mission helped by reindeer herder Kristoff (August Curtis), reindeer Sven (Jathan Reynolds) and sentient snowman Olaf (Callum Alves).
For the most part, this is a fun, colorful show that stays fairly true to the movie. Trainor handles the difficult vocals well, and Schmidt, who seems made for the role of Anna, is the definition of engaging energy. Schmidt’s only outdone by Audrey Caviness, who plays the younger version of the same character. Rubye Posey gives a nicely grounded performance as the young Elsa.
Curtis was almost too likable and polished as Kristoff, but his chemistry with Schmidt was spot-on. Credit also to the actors playing the hidden folk whose comedic timing, clean choreography and slight spookiness were welcome additions to the show.
Choreography by Jolene Johnson is impressive both in architecture and in the endurance required to execute it.
The costumes by Coleen Scott Trivett are simply gorgeous, with one famous costume shift that, even knowing how it’s done, still feels like magic.
In fact, the entire show is beautiful, from the costumes to the lights by Noah Hewitt to the props by Theo Bridant and the sound design by Ryan Butler. Shows like this are designed to display the skills and dedication of all the artists involved.
Which brings me to my biggest concern about this production.
As with many shows these days, a traditional set was replaced with projections, and I hope I’m wrong, but these projections were a little too perfect. In a show about human emotion triumphing over everything, including magic, I sincerely hope it was human artistry that created those images.
That concern notwithstanding, Frozen is an enchanting show suitable for the whole family.
As long as one doesn’t mind getting “Let It Go” stuck in their head again.
‘Disney’s Frozen, the Broadway Musical’ runs through Nov. 22 in the Santa Rosa Junior College Burbank Auditorium, 1501 Mendocino Ave. Various dates and times. $15–$30. 707.527.4307. theatrearts.santarosa.edu.
