"Disney's Frozen," show #923

Disney’s Frozen is making its Central Valley premiere at Good Company Players, and this production serves as a frozen respite from the Fresno heat in the most family-friendly and heartfelt of fashions. What often happens to films when adapted for the stage is audiences are treated to the notable tunes and familiar story while learning more about the characters they love. Such is the case with Emily Pessano and Robert Sanchez’s direction, which pays deft attention to the sisterly development between Elsa and Anna. With a plethora of additional songs, the book and score get a theatrical boost in its capturing of the relationship and warmth the sisters long to exercise for one another, making for a swell time at the theater. 

In a rare turn in my schedule, I had the pleasure of seeing both principal casts (the roles of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf are split). Kaitlyn Dean (Elsa) Jessica Martin (Anna) and Lex Martin (Olaf) lead the Winter Cast while Kaitlyn Wheeler (Elsa), Haleigh Cook (Anna), and Michael Diaz (Olaf) lead the Summer Cast. Dean and Jessica Martin share a playful chemistry, rooted in Martin’s knack for physical comedy, vocal inflections, and superb timing. Dean brings an earnest Elsa to the stage, one who wants to do right by her family, their legacy, and her kingdom, all while trying to conceal her powers for the greater good. Lex Martin is an affable Olaf, marrying the charm of the enchanted snowman with his own reactions and inflections. Wheeler and Cook deliver a sibling connection that is poignant in its disappointment in their childhood but rooted in love for one another. All four royals put their skillful stamp on their respective roles, triumphing in their turns at “Let it Go” for the Elsas and in leading the expositional bop, “For the First Time in Forever” from the Annas. What made me melt into both sisterly connections is how the quad of leading ladies stunningly deliver the act two duet, “I Can’t Lose You.” It's in this song where I realized the heart in this show has been beating steadily all along and is now reaching an emotional peak. Diaz is a delightful Olaf, delivering an instant camaraderie with Cook and Shawn Williams’ Kristoff, and he and Lex Martin do well in “In Summer.”

Michael Fidalgo and Shawn Williams are excellent as the villainous Hans and unsuspecting hero Kristoff, respectively. Fidalgo’s “Hans of the Southern Isles” sits well in his voice and stature, and he pairs very well with the Annas for a wonderfully whimsical “Love is an Open Door.” Williams has the earnest command of Kristoff down pat, from scene to song, always propelling his slow burn connection with the Annas. Williams’ pairing with the Annas in “What Do You Know About Love?” is an excellent kickoff to getting to know these characters in the context of first-meeting while igniting instant chemistry. Briston Diffey has the puppeteering work as Sven, reindeer sidekick to Kristoff, and utilizes the simplicity of a well-timed take or head nod to garner every laugh possible. 

Other featured standouts come from Greg Grannis’s (Oaken) leading of the delightful ditty, “Hygge”; and Terry Lewis (Pabbie) and Dorie Hamby’s (Bulda) turn at “Fixer Upper,” both songs that feature Jessica Sarkisian’s very fun choreography. Campbell Sloas (Young Anna) and Eliot Quin Karle Bonetto (Young Elsa) are terrific as the younger royals, making the most of “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” to express their love, missing of one another when Young Elsa is secluded, and the childlike desire to enjoy their relationship. 

Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed's costume designs and Emily Pessano’s wig work pair fabulously, especially where the Elsas and Annas are featured and, cast-wide, the company is dressed in pure Disney character form while honoring each character’s quirks and vibe. Lighting designers Joielle Adams, EVan Commins, and Andrea Hendrickson make the cold and romance pop from the first cue through to bows, in complement of Don Thompson Creative Services’ projection design. With this Frozen selling like a block of clean ice in a summer heat wave, you better get your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this frozen treat of a regional musical premiere!