Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s high standards for assembling top-notch casts glow red-hot in its enthralling presentation of “Disney’s Frozen,” playing through January at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Directed with finesse by Patrick Fitzwater, this rendition clicks all the boxes with superb singing and acting; sharp dancing choreographed by Cat Pagano; excellent stagecraft including lighting, set design and projections; and magnificent costumes. Fitzwater, Slow Burn’s artistic director and co-founder, seamlessly manages his cast of 32 with precision.
The musical features a book by Jennifer Lee (who also wrote the 2013 Disney film) and original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Surely by now, most people — at least those who see movies, attend theater or don’t live under a rock — have heard of “Disney’s Frozen,” or at least its most famous song, “Let It Go.” As with many Disney works, “Frozen” can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
At its heart, “Disney’s Frozen” is about family bonds, especially those between sisters, as well as finding and accepting your identity, embracing kindness and positiveness, and letting go of negativity. These are timeless themes. And the song “Let It Go” adds another level — it’s a showstopper that’s an anthem about the future, about growing up and taking responsibility.
“Disney’s Frozen” revolves around two sisters and princesses: Elsa and the younger Anna. Elsa’s magical powers can create ice and snow, which entertain Anna (“Do You Want To Build a Snowman?”). But after Elsa accidentally harms Anna, nearly killing her, their parents separate the sisters and close the castle to the community to keep the princesses safe. (In addition to healing Anna, the leaders of a nearby troll community also erase her memory.)
Then the king and queen of Arendelle die in a storm at sea, but the sisters’ separation continues until Elsa is crowned queen when she is 21. At the coronation, Anna meets dishy Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. It’s love at first sight. He proposes. She accepts. But Elsa refuses to give her permission, urging her not to marry someone she just met.
The sisters quarrel, causing Elsa’s powers to erupt, which puts Arendelle in permanent winter. Elsa flees to the mountains, planning to live alone. Anna follows with the help of ice harvester Kristoff, his reindeer, Sven, and Olaf the snowman.
Lea Marinelli’s powerful voice commands the stage, as she performs the role of Elsa in Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s rendition of “Disney’s Frozen.” (Larry Marano/Courtesy)
Lea Marinelli as Elsa and Kristi Rose Mills as Anna exude chemistry, making the audience believe they truly are sisters and best friends with a deep love for each other. Marinelli’s powerful voice commands the stage. She also is steely and, of course, icy in order to protect Anna, her community and herself. Mills’ strong voice is the definition of exuberance as she is both playful and determined. Marinelli’s rendition of “Let It Go” is indeed a showstopper — in several ways. (No spoilers!)
They receive terrific support from Jason Ivan Rodriguez as Kristoff, Milo Alosi as the charismatic Hans, and Aaron Atkinson as the puppeteer maneuvering reindeer Sven. Comic relief and constant smiles shine from Kalen Edean as Olaf and John Luis Mazuelos as Weselton (a dignitary from a neighboring kingdom). The trolls, Bulda (Kareema Khouri) and Pabbie (Jarod Bakum), are high energy.
The large ensemble is on point, with an extra boost from several performers who have had starring roles in Slow Burn productions, such as Mikayla Cohen and Jerel Brown. The child actors alternate. One night, Blaire DiMisa played a young Elsa and Penelope Martone was young Anna — both were delightful.
Kristi Rose Mills, seen at center playing Anna alongside the company, is the definition of exuberance as she is both playful and determined. (Larry Marano/Courtesy)
The production staff deserve many kudos, visualizing the constant swirling snowfall, flashes of a storm through the sky, Elsa’s ice palace and the mountains. These are brought to life by scenic designer Nikolas Serrano, with lighting by Eric Norbury, projections by André Russell, sound by Dan Donato, and Timothy Shaun Dickey as technical director. Wilhelm Peters as production stage manager and Jolie Rubinchik as assistant stage manager keep the production running smoothly.
Rick Peña’s costumes are nothing short of magnificent. He worked more than a year on them, from the beautiful gowns of Elsa and Anna to the outfits worn by the servants, mountain people and others. (This includes a jaw-dropping stunner.) His hard work shows.
Slow Burn again has produced a highly entertaining show. Sing “Let It Go,” but do not let “Disney’s Frozen” go without seeing this musical.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Disney’s Frozen,” presented by Slow Burn Theatre Co.
WHEN: Through Sunday, Jan. 4
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Starts at $91.45, available by calling 954-462-0222, visiting browardcenter.org or going to Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office
INFORMATION: slowburntheatre.org
A version of this review ran in floridatheateronstage.com.