Disney’s “Frozen” became a global phenomenon after its 2013 release, earning more than $1.3 billion worldwide and spawning a 2019 sequel. A third film is scheduled for 2027.
The story also inspired a stage musical that opened on Broadway in 2018 and ran in London for three years before closing in 2024.
Now available to regional theaters, the stage adaptation opens Nov. 6 at Burbank Auditorium on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus, with a cast of 30 bringing the kingdom of Arendelle to life.
The story follows Elsa, a princess with secret powers over ice and snow who accidentally plunges her kingdom into an eternal winter during her coronation. Her fearless younger sister, Anna, sets out to find Elsa and save Arendelle, joined by ice harvester Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and Olaf, a cheerful snowman created by Elsa’s magic.
Sven and Olaf are brought to life through puppetry designed for the Broadway production by Michael Curry, known for his work on “The Lion King.” In both shows, puppeteers remain visible onstage, making their movements part of the performance.
Jason Reynolds, who plays Sven in the SRJC production, operates the reindeer puppet with a chest harness and backpack. As Olaf, Callum Alves coordinates a 25-pound snowman puppet strapped to his body while performing the character’s dialogue and songs.
“I incorporate a lot of my own facial expressions, because the puppet only has one,” Alves said. “The character of Olaf meant a lot to me growing up.”
Callum Alves is both performer and puppeteer, presenting the character of Olaf in the Santa Rosa Junior College production of Disney’s “Frozen.” (Owen Kahn)
Other cast members also have personal connections to the story.
“Since I was 9 years old, Elsa has been a symbol of power and individuality in my life. I am beyond excited to feel her power in myself as I step into this role,” Reilly Trainor, who plays Elsa, said in a news release.
“I am exceedingly excited to be a part of such a wonderful cast and team,” said August Curtis, who plays Kristoff.
Music and vocal director Gordon Pyle leads the ensemble in a rehearsal for the Santa Rosa Junior College production of “Frozen.” (Sarah Wintermeyer)
Coleen Scott Trivett’s costume rendering for the puppet character Olaf in the Santa Rosa Junior College production of “Frozen.” (Courtesy of Santa Rosa Junior College Theater Department)
The stage adaptation builds on the film’s musical score, with original composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez adding songs that offer a deeper look at the characters and their relationships.
“There are some added songs in the Broadway stage musical version of the film, but all of the favorites are there,” said Sarah Wintermeyer, the production’s director.
Familiar numbers include “Let It Go,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love Is an Open Door,” “In Summer,” “Fixer Upper,” “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
The stage musical also includes songs written specifically for the production, including “Monster” and “Dangerous to Dream.” Later revisions introduced “I Can’t Lose You,” which replaced “True Love” on tour and subsequently on Broadway.
Sarah Wintermeyer, associate professor of acting and directing in the theater arts department at SRJC, is the director of the school’s production of “Frozen.” (Sylvia P. Photography)
Though designed as family entertainment, the stage musical explores some of the story’s darker themes more fully than the animated film, including emotional isolation, fear and the burden of concealing one’s identity. The production is recommended for children ages 5 and older.
Projections and large-scale scenery help transform the auditorium into the icy world of Arendelle, Wintermeyer explained.
“They climb a mountain. Elsa builds an ice castle,” she said. “We’re using a lot of projections and some huge pieces of scenery. We have surround sound. Our technology is state-of-the-art. ”
The production features musical and vocal direction by Gordon Pyle, choreography by Jolene Johnson, costume design by Coleen Scott Trivett, scenic design by Austin Mueck and Kyle McHarris, hair and makeup by Roxie Johnson, lighting design by Noah Hewitt, sound design by Laurynn Malilay and puppet design by CB Goodman.
IF YOU GO
What: Disney’s “Frozen,” the Broadway stage musical
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 12; 10 a.m. Nov. 14 (singalong) and Nov. 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 7-8, Nov. 15 and 22; and 3 p.m. Nov. 14
Where: Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa
Tickets: $15-$30, available online, by phone or in person at the Burbank Auditorium box office one hour before showtime
Information: 707-527-4307; theatrearts.santarosa.edu