From the producers of Aladdin and The Lion King, Disney’s newest hit musical, Frozen, has stormed Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

Adapted from the 2013 Oscar-winning film, Frozen the Musical has been expertly brought to the stage by acclaimed director Michael Grandage, giving life to this beloved story in an all-new, unforgettable theatrical experience.

An inspiring tale of sisterhood and true love, it features the hit songs you know and love (or for some parents, now despise) from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers. With intricate sets and gorgeous costumes as well as sensational special effects, Frozen the Musical is everything a Broadway production should be – moving, spectacular and pure joy.

Thankfully, we were lucky enough to sit back, relax and melt into the fantastical kingdom of Arendelle – the only real sense of international travel we’d be experiencing this year.  Surrounding us in the stalls were five-year-old Elsas, dressed head to toe in glittering ice-blue gowns, plaited hair, wide eyes and gleaming smiles as the word ‘FROZEN’ danced upon the Aurora Borealis-inspired printed curtain. The angst and anticipation for their favourite royal duo only heightened the experience for the adults in the room. It allowed you to relive what pure excitement truly felt like, what live performance brought to its audience and how something creative can bring such joy. It felt like Christmas Eve threefold, and you couldn’t help but smile (albeit from behind a mask – Capitol Theatre’s new COVID-safe plan).

Jemma Rix (Elsa), Matt Lee (Olaf) and Courtney Monsma (Anna). Photo by Lisa Tomasetti. Image supplied

The sensationally talented Jemma Rix, who was also magnificent as Elphaba in Wicked, takes on the all-important role of magically cursed Elsa, doomed to leave her beloved sister and kingdom behind for a life in her icy palace. Six the Musical star, Courtney Monsma, plays and shines as her estranged sister Anna. A relatively new lead performer, Courtney brings to life the energetic and positive princess.

If you weren’t familiar with the original story (I admit, I had only seen Frozen once back in 2013) it didn’t matter. Not only did the incredibly crafted sets, whizz-bang special effects and intricate costumes transport you to the fantastical dimension, but the hordes of eager Elsas around you let you know when something good was coming. Popping up like meerkats, excited miniature hands clapped, laughter roared and fingers pointed, indicating that “this was it“, this was what they were waiting for.

And never did a shriek cry, a gasp echo or a child propped up as much as the intro into the critically acclaimed score Let It Go. For me, it was a moment of stress. I immediately felt for the talented lead as all eyes were fixated on her. The suspense of the performance was a lot to handle – would Jemma’s take be as powerful as Idina Menzel’s? We knew it was on every adults’ mind.

But, that tension was short-lived, and the stress dissolved into awe. Jemma Rix shone, her voice, incredible. Everyone in the audience sat up a little taller, confronted by the talented. And, when you didn’t think it couldn’t get any better, it did. Thanks to an unexplainable awe-inducing costume change, from regular royal regalia to the iconic ice-queen gown.

Jemma Rix as Elsa. Photo by Lisa Tomasetti. Image supplied

So, the question I was asked as soon as I left Capitol Theatre from countless friends and family with little tikes (and, admittingly, those without) – is Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical worth it?

The answer is pretty simple. Yes. If you’ve got Frozen-obsessed children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, or friends’ children, the answer is yes. Watching little sets of eyes gleam, smiles ever-so wide and mini-gasps of awe indicated that it was a real winner. From an adults’ perspective, it’s still great. It’s fun, it’s light-hearted, there are some fabulous injections of humour and the cast exude talent.

If anything, Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical couldn’t have hit Sydney at a better time. If you want to end the year on a positive note, or kick-off the new year with fun, be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible. Plus, what better way to help the Australian creative arts industry than by injecting the much-needed boost to its economy?

When: Until Sunday 21 March 2021
Where: Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, NSW 2000
Cost: From $100pp.
For more information: visit the Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical website.

Run Time: Approximately 2 hours & 20 minutes (includes one 20 minute intermission).
Age Recommendation: Frozen is not recommended for anyone under the age of 4.
Production Reminder: Please be advised that Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical contains smoke, haze, and strobes lights.
Official FROZEN merchandise: Now available for click & collect at the Capitol Theatre here.

Sydney’s Capitol Theatre will operate in accordance with its COVID Safety Plan with the goal of ensuring that your experience at the theatre is made as safe as reasonably possible. The COVID Safety Plan applicable at the time of your visit will be made available here. Please note, anyone aged over 12 must wear a mask throughout their entire time at the venue. You will be seated next to other patrons, hence why you must continue to wear a mask.

Feature image: Company of Frozen – Australian Production. Photo by Lisa Tomasetti. Image supplied