Musical Joy for Families and Disney Lovers of All Ages
Reviewed by Sandi Laird
Walking into the Grand Theatre on opening night was a visual pleasure with children (and even some adults) decked out in gowns and capes and tiaras and septors. The excitement was contagious as kids of all ages anticipated the magical Kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen, The Broadway Musical. The musical did not disappoint with its huge sets, sweeping cast, big wigs, excellent voices, and enough humour to please the adults while always appealing to children.
Frozen was a phenomenon that caught the attention of the world in 2013 when Disney introduced the animated musical starring the engaging sisters Elsa and Anna. In a summary from the Grand’s own playbook, Frozen “tells the story of two sisters, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, torn apart by a magical secret and racing against time to find their way back to each other and to the power of true love. Elsa is the serious older sister, who harbours secret powers she cannot control while Anna is fun, playful, and keen to reunite with Elsa and break the winter spell threatening the Kingdom of Arendelle.”
The cast is terrific, but a few voices stand out. Kelly Holiff as Queen Elsa is a singer-actress of exceptionally astonishing range and power. The audience cheered her on and she never disappointed. Her rendition of Frozen’s signature “Let It Go” defies description in the absolute best way. Queen Elsa’s wigs and gowns were textbook Disney but when she stands in the frozen castle and throws off her regal dress in favour of a glamourous icy teal gown, the audience went wild. The other standouts include young Anna, played with absolute joy by Harmony Holder; Izad Etemadi, puppeteering and voicing Olaf with confidence, panache and a wink to the audience; and Lee Siegel, as Oaken, a relatively minor character, as the hilarious shop keeper who sells winter clothing to Anna and Kristoff as they search the mountain for Elsa.
Grand Theatre Artistic Director and Frozen, The Broadway Musical, director Rachel Peake observed she was not part of the first wave of Frozen but can recall the amazement of watching her young daughter belt out “Let It Go” for the first time. She used this as her inspiration when mounting this production. My granddaughters absolutely loved Frozen, and I have cherished memories of experiencing their excitement alongside them—every detail of the film, from the music to the animation–is embedded in my mind. I am also a sister to two and the complexities and profound connection of the sisterly bond is one I treasure.
Kudos to the Grand Theatre for their appreciation of the community that supports them. Actors Kelly Holiff (Elsa) and Chariz Faulmino (Anna) announced the continuing partnership with London Food Bank Business Cares program to help support those facing food insecurity in the city. Since launching in 2017, the campaign has raised an eight-year cumulative total of $529,964 through donations made by Grand Theatre audiences, artists, volunteers, and staff at the annual holiday show.
Frozen, The Broadway Musical continues at the Grand Theatre, London until January 4, 2026. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com
Photos: 1. Chariz Faulmino as Princess Anna and Kelly Holiff as Queen Elsa have found each other in the ice castle. 2. Lee Siegel, as shopkeeper Oaken, along with ensemble members, dance and sing. Photography by Dahlia Katz.
Frozen, The Broadway Musical
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage
Based on the Disney Film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions
Produced in association with the Citadel Theatre
Directed by Rachel Peake, Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre
Music Director Alexandra Kane
Choreographer Ainsley Hillyard
Music Supervisor Steven Greenfield
Performed by Kelly Holiff, Chariz Faulmino, Vance Avery, Crystal Casera, Andrew Cownden, Izad Etemadi, Jennifer Harding, Richard Lee His, Lee Siegel, Mark Sinongco, Adam Stevenson, Tahirih Vejdani, Chris Vergara, Aran Wilson-McAnally and Stephanie Wolfe. The parts of young Elsa and Anna switch between two pairs – Oakan Oyafuso and Alba Evora Weiler, and Harmony Holder and Kylie Prouty.
Set & Costume Designer Cory Sincennes
Lighting Designer Jareth Li
Projection Designer Amelia Scott
Sound Designer Owen Hutchinson
Stage Manager Kelly Luft
Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, 471 Richmond Street, London
November 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Reviewed by Sandi Laird