For those who have not quite “Let it Go” just yet, they will be happy to know that Disney’s 2013 animated extravaganza “Frozen” has not completely lost steam yet. This coming November the next Pixar animated film “Coco” will be preceded by a short feature, “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” which is the second short film to come out from the producers of the original movie. Barring any complications, an actual full-length sequel in “Frozen 2” might grace cinemas by 2019. But while fans wait, Broadway is busy with its exciting work of turning the feature into a musical.
In fact, progress is well underway, with the trailer and sneak peeks of the performers in costume are any indication.
Costumes and trailer
Entertainment Weekly scored yet another coup in managing to acquire images of the costume work that has already gone into the Broadway stage adaptation of Disney’s “Frozen.” This latest musical conversion, starring Patti Murin, Caissie Levy, Jelani Alladin, and John Riddle as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Hans respectively, is being realized by Disney Theatrical Productions. The photos of the primary stars of the show in animation-accurate costumes are a real visual treat and speak highly positive things for the still-in-development stage production, currently being done at Denver.
But that is not all. Disney on Broadway has also released a trailer showing the initial steps taken towards a full-steam production for the “Frozen” musical. It features interviews with the driving forces of this major theatrical work. Among them are director and Tony awardee Michael Grandage, choreographer Rob Ashford, and scenic/costume designer Christopher Oram (who created the costumes now previewed by Entertainment Weekly).
The film’s musical lyricists and composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez are also involved in the production. And that is no surprise considering that the songs of “Frozen” are mostly of a Broadway style, especially the popular and infamous “Let it Go.”
Powerhouse production
It can certainly be left to Disney to bring only major powerhouse names towards turning one of their animated films into a theatre musical.
“Frozen” is being helmed by Michael Grandage of the Michael Grandage Company, with its book being written by one of the 2013 movie’s co-directors, Jennifer Lee. Disney’s “Frozen” musical will have its trial run in the Buell Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts from August 17 to October 1. If the reception is significantly positive then the production will gear up to make its debut on the Great White Way next year, on February at the St. James Theatre.
