Magical!
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
Disney’s Frozen, now on the Main Stage of Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend, is a musical that will dazzle the whole family. To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie, but witnessing the wonder on stage is a completely different experience. I would recommend that you bring the kids, splurge on some of the fun merchandise and immerse them in the whole experience.
The story revolves around two sisters from the kingdom of Arendelle: the eldest, and heir to the throne, Elsa, and her dear sister Anna. Upon her coronation, Elsa’s secret power is exposed as she unwittingly covers Arendelle in ice. Anna, who falls for Prince Hans at first sight, sets out on a quest to find her sister, teaming up with charming Kristoff and his reindeer Sven. Thinking that an act of true love will save Anna and Elsa, this modern fairy tale proves that you don’t need a prince’s kiss to solve the problems of a princess.
The casting is perfect. AJ Bridel brings authenticity to Anna, an insecure, quirky, loving and open-hearted princess, a redhead who doesn’t seem to mind being the spare to the throne. Bridel has perfect comedic timing and a clear, strong singing voice. If you saw the Cinderella Panto, you will remember that she played Buttons, a character beloved by the kids.
Melanie Paiement plays Elsa, a very different character from her sister Anna. She’s fearful of her magical powers and the responsibility of the throne, bottling up her emotions but ultimately summoning up her strength to secure her role as Queen of Arendelle. Paiement perfectly conveys the tenderness and protectiveness toward her sister, expressing her frustration, loss and loneliness. The quick change into the iconic blue dress and the performance of “Let It Go” at the end of Act I allow for sleepy young kiddos to leave early yet satisfied, if need be.
Addison Wagman and Naomi McIntyre shine as the young Anna and Elsa. They have all the confidence of older professionals. Sayer Roberts and Seth Johnson are perfect as Hans and Kristoff.
“Hygge” is a little off the track, appealing more to the adults in the audience than the kids, but this brief side story of Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna allows Eddie Glen to shine. Darren Burkett is terrific as Sven, a marvel of a reindeer, and Powell Nobert has the perfect puppetry skills and voicing for the warm-hearted snowman, Olaf.
If you are comparing the movie to the musical, you’ll notice the trolls are now hidden folk, which I imagine works better for the stage.
Oversized set pieces such as an icy staircase and scenic projections allow magic to happen onstage. In a warm summer night’s theatre, blizzards with blowing snow and jags of ice are created, transforming the atmosphere. And the costumes are stunning. Kudos to the entire creative team for creating a Broadway-level experience for this little part of the world.
Disney’s Frozen continues until August 30th at Huron Country Playhouse, Main Stage. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.
Photos: AJ Bridel as Anna, Melanie Paiement as Elsa. Photos by Drayton Entertainment.
Disney’s Frozen
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Directed by Jeremy Webb
Choreographed by Robin Calvert
Performed by AJ Bridel, Melanie Paiement, Seth Johnson, Sayer Roberts, Powell Nobert, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Main Stage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend – August 5 to 30, 2026
Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge – November 18 to December 27, 2026
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes