Don't Let It Go!

Since 1992 or so, The Disney Corporation has produced, with splendid success, a series of stage musicals based on their film properties. Animated hits such as “Beauty & The Beast”, “The Lion King”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin” and “Frozen” have subsequently been reimagined as superb live theater. Plus, don’t forget the legendary musical film “Mary Poppins”, or the more recent hit “Newsies”, which became huge successes for Disney on Broadway and on tour.

Are these shows among the greatest of all time as stage musicals? I would argue no; but, they are dazzling special-effect filled productions that feature splendid performers telling warm-hearted stories of friendship and family. I would argue Disney musicals are the most reliably entertaining in history. They deliver pure magic for audiences of all ages!

Last evening, thespian15 and I attended a performance of the National Touring company of “Frozen” at The Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. Jon once again made the trek up from Rochester for the show. He outdid himself as we were seated on the aisle, third row, Center Orchestra. Our tickets were part of a VIP package. Upon arrival, we both received a gift bag of “Frozen” swag. (Love me some swag)! I will especially enjoy hanging the beautiful glass snowflake ornament on my Christmas tree this year! Thanks, Jon, for the generous surprise !

Prior to the performance, I was able to introduce Jon to my friend Faith Seetoo who is musical director and conductor for the "Frozen" tour. Due to Covid regulations, Faith could not take us backstage, so we visited in the parking lot. Faith and I go back 27 years to our time on “The Phantom of the Opera”. (Thankfully, my musician friends continue to tour as I’m now old enough to be a grandfather to the cast of most touring musicals.)

Faith provided a very interesting fact about life on tour during the pandemic. Disney goes beyond union requirements for Covid testing. The cast, orchestra and crew are tested daily, tests shipped to Washington, DC and results arrive back the next day. It’s the new reality, the price to pay, I suppose, to be gainfully employed again! Thank you Disney for setting the standard for shows returning to the road!

As to last night ... the amazing Caroline Bowman portrays the adult Elsa. The understudy for the role of Anna, Berklea Going, was on (her first time since the cast reassembled after 17 months); she did a fine job, filling in admirably with a warm, lovable comedic performance. It was a strong, very diverse, very attractive cast of triple threat performers.

For me, the real star of "Frozen" was the technical production ... the superb lighting, sound, sets, costumes and orchestra. All of the elements mesh to allow the unfailingly pleasing cast to paint vivid pictures of a special world that will live on in our memories.

Faith was an inspired presence on the podium, firmly in control of the excellent orchestra! Judging by the shrieks of the little girls and gay couples seated around us, “Frozen” is ... and will remain ... an unforgettable experience for audiences everywhere!

“Frozen”! Don’t Let It Go! Minneapolitans, see the show before it heads to Salt Lake City!