PRETTY LuKEWARM
Adults may not love ‘Frozen’ like kids
Thanks to Disney, kids have a shiny new Broadway toy. But their parents may have buyer’s remorse.
The family-friendly musical “Frozen” — based on the 2013 animated blockbuster that’s made $1.3 billion worldwide — is bound to enchant young fans.
After all, it’s cool seeing cartoon heroines Elsa, who blasts blizzards with a wrist flick, and Anna, her adoring but awkward sister, in 3-D. Maybe even better is spending time with huggable snowman Olaf and reindeer Sven.
On the other hand, adults, with or without tots, may not be as thrilled by this polished but predictable and wow-free adaptation, which opened Thursday at the St. James Theatre.
Creators Jennifer Lee (book) and husband-and-wife composers and lyricists Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (songs) are the same team from the movie.
Disney powers-that-be, along with director Michael Grandage, have basically plopped the cartoon about two sisters estranged by and bound by magic onto the stage. Playing it so safe is like wearing boots for a spin at a skating rink. You won’t fall down — but you won’t dazzle either.
Of course, there have been a few tweaks to the plot. Instead of a scary chase by wolves there’s a weird, ill-fitting song-and-dance send-up of hygge, the Danish concept of well-being.
And several new tunes have been added, including ones that get into Elsa and Anna’s heads. Still, the Oscar-winning “Let It Go,” which ends the first act, remains the biggest musical moment.
Scenic designs by Christopher Oram — largely made up of flats, drops and crystal curtains — left me cold. The production is as oldfashioned as it is short on surprises — even if huge, jagged icicles arise from nowhere and there’s a flashy costume trick.
Thank goodness for Finn Ross and Natasha Katz, whose projections and lighting, respectively, go a long way to create the illusion of a world trapped in permafrost.
The show’s two bright stars also deserve shoutouts. Caissie Levy brings a regal bearing and soaring voice as outcast Elsa. Patti Murin, as plucky Anna, radiates sweetness and adds goofy good fun.
Lending fine support are Jelani Alladin, as trusty mountain man Kristoff; charismatic (even under fur) Andrew Pirozzi, as Sven; and actor-puppeteer Greg Hildreth adds more warmth than a sun shower as Olaf.
When all is said and sung, “Frozen” ends on just the right note by upending a fairy-tale cliche. Kisses are great, the show reminds, but the test for true love is measured by what’s in one’s heart.
Think that’s corny? Well, let it go.