Theater Review: 'Disney's Frozen' at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle Member Nancy Sasso Janis

A.C.T. of Connecticut marks a milestone with its current production of “Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical.” This show is their first truly family-friendly production and the first Disney musical. The theater is hoping to open their doors to brand new audiences including very young patrons and perhaps inspiring young people to begin a lifelong relationship with the arts, either onstage or off.

Daniel C. Levine, the artistic director of the theater, sincerely hopes that this will be true. “Perhaps they will become a performer, a designer, a director, a musician–or simply a passionate audience member, who carries a love of theater with them forever,” he notes in the program.

Levine also describes the appeal of this Disney classic. “At its heart, Frozen is a story about love in its many forms: sisterhood, belonging, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be your authentic self. It reminds us that strength doesn’t come from shutting people out, but from opening ourselves up, even when it feels risky.”

Robert W. Schneider directs the Equity-heavy cast and mostly succeeds in making this rather big, splashy Disney work fit upon the smallish stage at A.C.T. From the colorful opening number “Vuelie/Let the Sun Shine On” through the fun “In Summer,” to the silly “Hygge” and the more somber second act, most of the elements from the animated film are present.

“Frozen” has a book written by Jennifer Lee and includes music and lyrics by the team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Music Director Jenna Mee Dosch, who previously played keyboard 1 on the North American tour of “Frozen,” leads the live musicians seated behind the set in a loft that make this familiar score sound glorious. It is always appreciated when live musicians are employed for a musical, especially the eleven talented ones in the band for this show. Jesse Warkentin, who was part of the US tours of “Wicked” and “Cinderella,” conducts from behind keyboard 1 and Dennis J. Arcano again works as music coordinator/synth programmer. Bryan Perri is music supervisor.

The big voice of Kyrie Courter is perfect for the role of Elsa, complete with the magical costume change for “Let It Go.” Courtier is a multidisciplinary artist based in NYC who has appeared in “Sweeney Todd” on Broadway and in her first solo show at 54 Below in New York.

Leigh Ellen Jones is a delight in the role of Anna in her A.C.T. debut. Jones earned her BFA in Musical Theatre at Florida State. Another delight is ensemble member Katelyn Lauria (Deb in the national tour of “Elf the Musical”) in the puppet role of Olaf the snowman.

Jalon Matthews makes his A.C.T. debut in the role of Kristoff and makes a charming version of the ice dealer who falls for Anna. Brody Redman, who has played various princes and villains for Disney, does both in the role of Hans and shows off a wonderful singing voice.

It was a privilege for me to watch Mark Sumner make his professional theatrical debut in the ensemble of this show. Sumner is a 2020 graduate of WestConn and Richard Maltby Jr. Award winner. He gets to play the Bishop and Oaken and does very well with both roles. Sumner’s credits while at WCSU include “Evita,” “Company” and “Wild Party.” He teaches at Summit Studios in Manchester and fronts the rock band Zephyr.

Ensemble member Patrick Brady takes on the role of the squirrely Weseltonaff and Niko Charney from the ensemble works as the reindeer Sven puppeteer. Charney was part of the wonderful “Something Rotten!” at Sharon Playhouse.

Frankie Lou Lauderdale puts plenty of personality in the role of Young Anna (“Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”) The ten-year-old makes her A.C.T. debut. Ellie Lila, a Ridgefield sixth grade student who appeared in the ensemble of A.C.T. 's “Jesus Christ Superstar,” takes on the part of Young Elsa. The young actress recently performed in “Fun Home” at Sacred Heart University as Small Alison.

The ensemble includes Max Boone, Ruby Calamia (Dance Captain,) WCSU grad Aisha Collins (Bulda,) Katelin Coursey, Brett Hennessey (Pabbie,) MK McDonald, Kassi McMillan (Queen,) Noah Rodriguez, Noah Ruebeck, Collins Rush (King,) Emily Hughes, with Sawyer Pollock and Hayley Sutton as Swings.

Scenic Designer Matthew Imhoff has done his best to fit the kingdom on the A.C.T. stage. It is a bit underwhelming for those who have seen the Broadway tour with “frozen fractals all around,” but it works.

In her A.C.T. debut, Caitlin Belcik designed the charming choreography that is woven into the larger scenes and Jack Mehler designed the (often chilly) lighting that illuminates the various settings. Shannon Slaton did well with designing the sound for the production.

Chris Palmieri worked as the puppet designer and trainer and the costumes, props and puppets were provided by North Shore Music Theatre. Wigs provided by Alabama Shakespeare Festival work well for all of the characters, especially Anna, are designed by Angie Wright.

That my press ticket for opening night was for one of the coldest evenings of the year made for an extra-intensive experience. “Frozen” will continue to “Let It Go” at A.C.T. of Connecticut, now in its eighth year, through March 15. The performance runs two hours and twenty minutes with one intermission. Be forewarned that the actors use the aisle throughout the performance, so audience members should stay in their seats until intermission. Arrive early to take advantage of photo opportunities in the lobby.

Visit the website at actofct.org or call the Box Office at 475-215-5497 for last minute seat availability.