Posts Tagged ‘robert lopez’

“Disney’s Frozen” at the Muny Makes for a Winter Wonderland in a STL Summer

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 8, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Disney’s Frozen
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Directed by John Tartaglia
Choreographed by Patrick O’Neill
The Muny
July 7, 2025

Bobby Conte, Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau
Photo by Emily Santel
The Muny

Frozen is a phenomenon that has turned into a franchise, but it started out as a single animated film in 2013. It has since spawned sequels and a successful Broadway musical that has been produced and toured in various countries around the world.  The Muny is now presenting its first production of the show, and it’s somewhat ironic that it’s  being staged in the middle of a particularly hot St. Louis summer, considering the story features a song about summer sung by a snowman, comically emphasizing the fact that snow and summer heat don’t usually mix. At the Muny, however, these elements prove to be a successful combination, providing an entertaining respite from the heat as well as a dazzling spectacle that makes the most of a somewhat minimalist set and at least one truly jaw-dropping special effect. Add that to a terrific cast and energetic staging, and it becomes a successful recipe for wintry wonder in Forest Park. 

The story will be familiar to many, considering how ubiquitous the franchise has become, as reflected by the many families with small children in Frozen-inspired outfits in the audience at the Muny. It’s a popular story of magic, mystery, secrets hidden and revealed, sisterhood, family, and love in various forms. It also challenges a few familiar “fairy tale” tropes and features a score of memorable songs including the iconic, Oscar-Winning “Let It Go”. The main focus is on the sisters Anna (Patti Murin) and Elsa (Hannah Corneau), who are close as children, but are driven apart as a result of an incident that causes Elsa and her parents (Ann Sanders as Queen Iduna, Jonah D. Winston as King Agnarr) to conceal her magic ice powers from Anna and the rest of the world, and further events cause Elsa to become even more reclusive and fearful.  

Years later, when the sisters are young adults and Elsa is about to be crowned Queen, the gates are opened in both the literal and figurative sense, as Anna becomes enamored with the outside world and with Prince Hans (Bobby Conte), who she just met. Meanwhile, Elsa still struggles to control her powers, which unleashes a sudden winter on the Kingdom of Arendelle and a self-imposed exile for Elsa. As Hans is left in charge of the Kingdom, Anna heads out to find Elsa, with the help of ice-merchant Kristoff (Jelani Remy) and his reindeer, Sven (Andrew A. Cano). They are soon joined by Olaf the snowman (Kennedy Kanagawa), as they race to find Elsa before the townspeople–who are quickly beginning to view Elsa as a monster–get there first. 

It’s a well-done show, for the most part, with a few new songs added to the film score, as well as an expanded story that seems a bit choppy at times, but comes together well in the end. The showcase number “Let It Go” isn’t given quite the setup it needs, but the excellent Corneau as Elsa delivers it with energy and vocal power, and the technical effects are truly stunning, including the most spectacular quick costume change I have ever seen onstage. Even though the set by Tijana Bjelajac is fairly minimal compared to the touring production I saw at the Fox a while back, it works well for the Muny’s stage and in conjunction with some truly spectacular video projections by Kylee Loera, as well as dazzling lighting by Jason Lyons (including lasers), and excellent sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge. The costumes by Robin L. McGee are colorful and eye-catching as well, and the puppet design by Eric Wright and Puppet Kitchen is memorably fantastic, aided by the strong and especially memorable performances of Kanagawa as  Olaf and Cano (accompanied by another performer in the costume) as Sven. There’s also a great Muny Orchestra led by music director Darryl Archibald that brings out all the style and emotion of the memorable score.

The cast is fantastic, including strong performances from Isla Turner and Maliah Strawbridge as Young Anna and Elsa, respectively, who figure into the story quite a bit. Their adult counterparts are also excellent, with the aforementioned Corneau bringing out the right level of emotion and reserve as Elsa, and original Broadway Anna Patti Murin bringing a bouncy, likable energy to the role. Both performers portray a believable sisterly bond, as well, and the chemistry between Murin and both of and her leading men–the awkwardly charismatic Conte as the initially likable but mysterious Hans, and the stubborn-but-charming Remy as Kristoff–is strong and believable. There are also memorable turns from Jared Gertner as the snooty, skeptical Duke of Weselton; Mark Saunders as the enthusiastic trader Oaken, who leads the hilarious Act 2 opening production number “Hygge”; and Chris Stevens and Cecilia Snow as Pabbie and Bulda of the “Hidden Folk”, who figure in the story in various ways. There’s a strong, energetic ensemble as well, including the Muny Teen and Youth Ensemble, plays various roles and adding much enthusiasm to Patrick O’Neill’ clever and vigorous choreography.

Ultimately, Disney’s Frozen works especially well as the Muny’s “family show” for 2025. Although the show itself isn’t quite as tightly plotted as the film, it’s an entertaining spectacle in its own right, and it looks great on that big Muny stage. It’s also a fun wintry change of pace in the midst of another sweltering St. Louis summer. 

Jelani Remy (Center) and Cast
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

The Muny is presenting Disney’s Frozen in Forest Park until July 14, 2025

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Disney’s “Frozen” Wows With Technical Magic, Heartfelt Message at the Fox

Posted in St Louis Theatre, USA Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 4, 2022| 1 Comment »

Frozen
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Directed by Michael Grandage
Choreographed by Rob Ashford
The Fox Theatre
November 3, 2022

Caroline Bowman, Lauren Nicole Chapman, and cast of Frozen
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Frozen North American Tour

Frozen has become a household name these days, starting with the hit Disney film, which spawned a sequel, and a Broadway musical that’s enjoyed a popular North American tour. The modern classic tale of magic, the love of family (both biological and found), and overcoming fear has now landed at the Fox, in a production that’s technically stunning to the point that I haven’t seen in a touring production, as well as boasting a strong cast and a memorable score. 

If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know the plot, although there are a few additions and expansions to the story for the stage version. Still, it’s a fairly faithful translation from screen to stage, centering on a pair of royal sisters. Elsa (Caroline Bowman), the heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, has magical ice-creation powers that she’s hidden since childhood when she (played as a child by Sydney Elise Russell at the performance I saw) accidentally lost control of her power and injured her younger, non-magical sister, Anna (Aria Kane as a child at my performance, Lauren Nicole Chapman as an adult). The princesses’ parents, King Agnarr (Kyle Lamar Mitchell) and Queen Iduna (Belinda Allyn), are concerned, and after summoning the “hidden folk” led by Pabbie (Tyler Jimenez) to heal Anna and remove her memories of Elsa’s magic, they swear Elsa to secrecy and encourage her to hide her power. Upon their parents’ unexpected death in a shipwreck, the princesses live a reclusive life in the palace until the day arrives for Elsa’s coronation as Queen. The fearful Elsa, who has shunned her sister to protect her, welcomes the public to the palace for the first time in years, which leads to a series of events that changes everyone’s lives and threatens the survival of the kingdom. Along the way, Elsa has to learn what to do with her great power, and she and Anna learn about the power of love–familial for the sisters, but also of the romantic variety for Anna, as she falls quickly for the newly arrived Prince Hans (Will Savarese), while later finding herself drawn to mountain-dwelling ice-seller Kristoff (Dominic Dorset), who helps her look for Elsa after a catastrophic mishap sends the Queen fleeing to the mountains. 

This is a fairly well-structured show, although perhaps a little too much time is given to the prologue, and the finale seems a little bit rushed. Still, it’s a thrilling adventure for the most part, and sure to please fans of the movie. All the well-known characters are here, from the sisters to the mysterious Prince Hans, to the brave and loyal Kristoff and his reindeer friend, Sven (Collin Baja at the performance I saw, aided by a magnificent costume/puppet), and the lovable snowman Olaf (Jeremy Davis, operating a well-realized puppet). The music is familiar as well, with favorites like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and the iconic “Let It Go” joined by a few new songs for the stage. 

The cast is excellent across the board, with memorable performances and an excellent sisterly bond from Bowman as the conflicted, secretive Elsa and Chapman as the energetic, adventurous Anna. While Elsa is prominent in the show, and Bowman shines in her scenes, showing off her powerful vocals on “Let It Go”, in the stage version especially, this comes across more as Anna’s story primarily, and Chapman does a commendable job holding the audience’s attention with her excellent vocals, comic timing, dramatic ability, and dance skills. The young Russell and Kane are also strong as the sisters in the prologue scenes. There are also standout performances from the engaging Dorset as Kristoff, whose scenes with Chapman are a highlight; and Savarese, whose Hans is suitably charming upon his introduction. Davis as Olaf is also a delight, providing comic relief as well as some heartwarming moments without ever going over-the-top. The puppetry, designed by Michael Curry, is stunning here, as well, also lending realism and wonder to the role of Sven, who is acted beautifully by Baja in a fully articulated reindeer outfit. Michael Milkanen also has a notable moment here as shopkeeper Oaken, who leads the bright and hilarious Act 2 opening number “Hygge”. There’s great work from all the players here, and striking, energetic choreography by Rob Ashford that helps move the story along well. 

As good as the cast is, however, the biggest star in this production is the technical wizardry that provides many “ooh” and “ahh” moments in the show. The glorious set and costumes by Christopher Oram and the special effects by Jeremy Chernick are probably the most elaborate and impressive that I have seen in a touring production of any show. Along with the dazzling lighting by Natasha Katz and video design by Finn Ross, these technical elements truly draw the audience into the world of Arendelle, first in the richly appointed castle and then into the awe-inspiring, wintery mountain landscape. It’s a magnificent technical achievement that serves the story well and inspired applause in at least one notable moment later in the show.

Frozen is certainly a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a heartfelt, occasionally thrilling story with a clear message about overcoming fear and the importance of love–not just romantic, but also (and especially) love of family. It’s appealing for all ages, as well.  It’s been a while since I had seen the movie, but the stage version strikes me as an especially fine, successful adaptation. 

Dominic Dorset, Colln Baja
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Frozen North American Tour

The North American Tour of Frozen is running at the Fox Theatre until November 13, 2022

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“Avenue Q” Brings Raunchy Charm to the Westport Playhouse

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , on February 2, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Avenue Q
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty
Based on an Original Concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Directed by Lee Anne Mathews
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza
January 31, 2019

Jennifer Theby-Quinn, Andrew Keeler Photo by John Flack The Playhouse at Westport Plaza

Avenue Q is a show that advertises its shock value and irreverence. Still, as a sort of adult-oriented (not for kids) riff on Sesame Street, this Tony-winning Best Musical has a surprising amount of heart amidst all that crassness. Now onstage at the Playhouse at Westport in a locally-produced production, this latest iteration boasts a strong cast featuring a few notable local performers.

As fantastical as the setup may be–humans and puppets interacting in a grown-up version of a children’s TV show–a lot of situations are relatable, which is, I think, where Avenue Q gets a lot of its appeal. I mean, for English majors everywhere (such as yours truly), it’s easy to relate to a song called “What Can You Do With a B.A. in English?” The struggle to make one’s way in the adult world is an experience a lot of viewers can imagine, because to one degree or another, we’ve experienced that struggle, as well as the disconnect between childhood dreams and adult realities. Here, the story follows the optimistic puppet Princeton (Andrew Keeler) as he makes his way in the “real world” after college, settling in on Avenue Q and making new friends, including the idealistic Kate Monster (Jennifer Theby-Quinn), bickering roommates Nicky (Kevin O’Brien) and the fastidious Rod (also Keeler), the porn-obsessed Trekkie Monster (also O’Brien), and also human friends, aspiring comic Brian (Brett Ambler) and his fiancée, the clientless therapist Christmas Eve (Tori Manisco at the performance I saw, standing in for principal Grace Langford), as well as jaded former child-star Gary Coleman (Ileana Kirven), who is now the neighborhood superintendent. Amid struggles to succeed and form new relationships, there are also obstacles and temptations, represented primarily in the form of the Bad Idea Bears (O’Brien and April Strelinger) and local lounge performer Lucy the Slut (also Theby-Quinn). It’s a funny, frequently crass, occasionally surprisingly poignant show with some memorable songs, a catchy premise, and a message that manages to be both cynical and hopeful at the same time.

The staging, as usual, is colorful and whimsical, with a brightly colored set by Dunsi Dai that is somewhat reminiscent of Sesame Street, aided by some fun projections by Val Kozlenko. The intimate setting at Westport is a good setting for such a small show, as well. There are also appropriate costumes by Rissa Crozier and excellent lighting by Michael Sullivan. The puppets, conceived and designed by Rick Lyon, are in the recognized Avenue Q style, and the cast members do a good job with bringing them to life onstage.

The small ensemble is well cast, led by the always excellent Theby-Quinn in a winning performance as the determined but unlucky-in-love Kate Monster, and also as the temptress Lucy. It’s especially impressive when both characters are talking to each other, and Theby-Quinn effortlessly transitions between the two different voices. She also displays a strong singing voice on numbers like “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” (as Kate) and “Special” (as Lucy). Keeler is also convincing as the optimistic Princeton and the conflicted Rod, also showing off strong vocals in both roles. O’Brien brings a lot of energy and comic timing to his roles as Nicky, Trekkie, one of the Bad Idea Bears, and more, and Strelinger is impressive in a variety of roles. The human characters are well-portrayed, also, with Manisco (the understudy) impressive as Christmas Eve, who ends up counseling a lot of the characters despite not having any formal clients. Ambler is funny as Brian, and Kirven shows excellent stage presence and a great voice as Gary.

This is a fun show, even if some of the songs have dated a little in the last decade or so, and some of the raunchiness seems to be there for the sake of shock rather than really serving the story. Still, for the most part it holds up well since the last time I saw a production 10 years ago. This edition highlights the comedy but also the heart, and it makes for an entertaining evening of theatre.

Cast of Avenue Q Photo by John Flack The Playhouse at Westport

Avenue Q is running at the Playhouse at Westport until March 3, 2019

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