FROZEN on Broadway Review: A Flurry or a Total Whiteout?

Cassie Levy as Elsa.

On November 22, 2013, Disney's Frozen was released in the United States. What a impact it made with it's memorable story, characters, and more importantly it's music that left everyone humming after seeing it in the movie theater.

Fast forward five years, and the animated movie is now coming to life onstage every night at the St. James Theater in New York City. You can find many excited fans, some even dressed as the title characters, nearly sprinting into the theater. There's one question on everyone's mind however: will the stage production be able to live up to the iconic film?

Personally, I adored the movie when it first came out. I remember having the soundtrack and even buying the collector's edition of the movie, of course I was thrilled after I heard it was finally coming to Broadway.

Slowly that excitement fizzled out as soon as I started reading reviews from critics, and from audience members online. It seemed like everyone viewed it as not really being enough to match up to the move. Despite this, I went into the theater last weekend with an open mind and ready to be transported into one of my all-time favorite Disney movies.

Twenty minutes in, I was really enjoying the musical until one small thing was really noticeable. The character development with Kristoff was extremely minimal. He comes into the story, and ten minutes later he's saying he's in love with Anna. For a story that's trying to get the point across that you can't fall in love with someone you just met, it was pretty puzzling to see.

Now that I think about it, after that point in the show my interest seemed to drain. The new music added by the Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez duo did not seem to work at all. The songs felt unnecessary, pushed in. Most notably the act two opening number that has been quite controversial, Hygge. The ensemble felt very shoved in, most likely because of how the movie was done with little large ensemble numbers.

Despite the songs that didn't really work and a rather bland book that left you wanting much more, the talent was very there. Cassie Levy was brilliant to watch as Elsa, the one character whom I felt was given just enough development. Her depiction of anxiety was fascinating to watch. Her solo number towards the beginning of the show, "Dangerous to Dream", can make you cry. Her performance was truly something to see and I almost wish she would have had a nod at the Tony's.

Patti Murin as Anna and Cassie Levy as Elsa.

Opposite Levy is Patti Murin as the quirky Princess Anna. She brings the character to life in such a lively, awkward and relatable way that can really bring a smile to your face. Everyone can see themselves in her Anna. Her solo number in act two, "True Love", is acted out so well onstage and it's beautiful to see. I highly enjoyed her performance.

Joining them is John Riddle as the charming Hans and Jelani Alladin as mountain man Kristoff (who's performance is great despite the lack of development. I can only wish he was given much more). Greg Hildreth plays the lovable snowman Olaf, who in this case is a puppet. I felt terrible for Hildreth. The puppet was so unnecessary, and he seemed to be working so hard just to control the darn puppet. He has enough charisma and personality to play the role WITHOUT operating a full body puppet.

The Cast of Frozen.

Now onto what everyone wanted to know the most, how are the effects? It seems impossible to recreate Elsa's magic onstage. While the effects were nice to look at, it was nothing that really blew me away. It wasn't anything I found very innovative, just the same projections. I had seen it all before IN Walt Disney World.

So, is it worth spending hundreds of dollars to take your family to see the hit movie onstage? No, not really. Maybe for the cast, but not really for the show itself. With an eh book, okay songs, little development...it's not the best musical currently out on Broadway. If you're looking for a show with great effects, catch SpongeBob SquarePants before it departs.

So is Frozen a blizzard of a hit? Not exactly. A flurry perhaps.