Review Roundup: FROZEN National Tour Returns to the Stage; What Are The Critics Saying?

The national tour of Frozen is back on the road! The production returned officially resumed performances at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Friday, September 10.

Frozen stars Caroline Bowman as "Elsa" and Caroline Innerbichler as "Anna," the sisters at the heart of the joy-filled musical. Joining them are principal cast members Austin Colby as "Hans," F. Michael Haynie as "Olaf," Mason Reeves as "Kristoff," Robert Creighton as "Weselton," Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as "Sven," as well as Natalia Artigas ("Young Elsa"), Olivia Jones ("Young Anna") and real-life sisters Natalie Grace Chan ("Young Elsa") and Victoria Hope Chan ("Young Anna"). .

Frozen also features Caelan Creasr, Jeremy Davis, Colby Dezelick, Michael Everett, Berklea Going, Michael Allan Haggerty, Tyler Jimenez, Hannah Jewel Kohn, Marina Kondo, Dustin Layton, Nika Lindsay, Tatyana Lubov, Adrianna Rose Lyons, Michael Milkanin, Kyle Lamar Mitchell, Jessie Peltier, Naomi Rodgers, Brian Steven Shaw, Daniel Switzer, Zach Trimmer, Brit West, and Natalie Wisdom.

To view the Frozen North American tour's 2021-22 season engagements, click here.

Find out what the critics thought of the stops so far...

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Buffalo Reviews

Michael Rabice, BroadwayWorld: Caroline Bowman perfectly hit all the high notes that everyone has come to expect as the icy Queen Elsa, and capped the first act with the hit tune of the show, "Let it Go." Bowman's statueque bearing and powerful voice was captivating. But the meat of the story revolved around her sister, Princess Anna. The role is full of spunk and goofiness, which Caroline Innerbichler attacked with abandon. Innerbichler is petite and a ball of awkward energy, a true stage clown, that you can't take your eyes off of.

Anthony Chase, The Buffalo News: I first saw "Frozen" during its pre-Broadway run in Denver back in 2017. I admired it then, but must say, it is a notably tighter and more emotionally powerful show now, and it looks beautiful on the Shea's stage.

Minneapolis Reviews

Dominic P. Papatola, Twin Cities: Audiences who might have seen Innerbichler in leading roles in the Ordway's "Mamma Mia" or Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' "The Little Mermaid" understand she has one of those ineffable senses of stage presence that effortlessly draws the eye. Her Anna is a classic Disney princess by way of "Oklahoma's" Ado Annie - gawky, a little rough around the edges and ready for all sorts of adventure. I'd argue that the role of Elsa - the magical princess who becomes a snow queen - is written with less range and less dimension. That's not to dis Caroline Bowman. Hers is a strong, grounded performance, and her pulse-pounding take on the ubiquitous "Let It Go" (one of the few genuinely gee-whiz technical moments of the show) is everything a fan of the song could want.

Rohan Preston, Star Tribune: Standouts include Austin Colby, who plays the charming prince Hans, and Mason Reeves as the smelly but genuine ice merchant Kristoff, who falls into Anna's eyes. Investing Hans with oodles of charm and a regret about being the 13th son of a king, Colby does very little foreshadowing about this mysterious prince.

Basil Considine, Twin Cities Arts Reader: This stage adaptation of the Disney animated megamusical hit is a top-notch musical extravaganza. Its 140 minutes with a 20-minute intermission are filled with moving songs, truly spectacular special effects, and a story of sibling affection to melt the most frigid critic's heart. The cast is excellent and the performances figuratively and literally sparkle.

Salt Lake City Reviews

Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld: Some touring productions are a cut above the others, and Frozen is as high quality as they come. Everything about it, from design and production values to performances is every bit as good as its Broadway counterpart was, and the show as a whole is actually better.

Ben Watson, Front Row Reviewers: Musically, the performance reaches astounding heights, in large part due to the efforts of the Faith Seetoo conducting Frozen Touring Orchestra. Vocal standouts include Hans (Austin Colby) and Oaken/Bishop (Michael Milkanin). Olaf (F. Michael Haynie) works beautifully as both comic foil, and as Jiminy Cricket-esque collective conscience. Haynieis skilled at both being present in the character and also disappearing in plain sight. Kristoff (Mason Reeves) and Sven (Colin Baja) are outstanding as the unsung heroes in the narrative. The choreography from Rob Ashford shines like winter sunlight in the adept hands of the whole cast.

Heather Hurd, Utah Theatre Bloggers: Elsa is portrayed by Caroline Bowman, who exceeds all expectations. You will not be thinking of Idina Menzel when watching Bowman's thrilling performance. I was impressed by the vocal range that the new songs required as well as the power belting Bowman shows when she brings down the house at the end of Act I with, "Let It Go."

Kevin Rolfe, Utah Concert Review: The ensemble as a whole brought life to this production. Transitioning from guests at Elsa's coronation to townspeople to the Hidden People, they made me forget they were the same actors in each scene. It's not easy to switch from scene to scene and have people not think, "Oh weren't they just the bishop?" The choreography and dancing in this show were delightful as well. Going from Ballroom to Folk to even throwing in hints of Hip-Hop, and even a throwback to old burlesque scene with the feather fans (No there was no nudity. It's Disney, folks. Behind the leafy fans were bodysuits. Come on!) there was never a misstep and the lines were perfect.

Chicago Reviews

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune: Caroline Bowman, the actress playing Elsa on this tour, did her best to embrace the demands of a character who has repressed all feeling, but her joy at being able to finally drop all that at the curtain call and drink in the presence of these young fans beat out her "Let it Go" for me, although she certainly nailed that epic ballad, sparkly costume change and all. Caroline Innerbichler, who makes a charming Anna, seemed to be compensating from the stage for the COVID-induced ban on stage-door encounters, as well she should. Everybody was just happy to be back together again, it seemed, and giving some kids a really good time.

Sheri Flanders, Sun Times: Elsa, played by Caroline Bowman, is an imposing force with a show-stopper voice that is able to breathe new life and zest into the overplayed "Let It Go." Elsa's character, the queen who flees after accidentally freezing her kingdom with powers she can't control, is less broad than her sister Ana's, but Bowman makes the most of the one-note brooding she's been assigned. "Frozen's" success is partially due to its feminist messaging, which centers the two women for the majority of the musical, and passes the Bechdel test in a way that most other works of art on stage or screen don't. The sisters aren't bickering mean girls; they support each other and show genuine concern. While this choice may be only for the benefit of the kids, a story where the women aren't catty sadly seems revolutionary.

Rachel Weinberg, BroadwayWorld: At the end of it all, FROZEN is, of course, a story about the love between two sisters. Innerbichler and Bowman communicate that in spades as Anna and Elsa, and their equally loveable castmates succeed in making the movie's iconic and sweet characters come to life on stage and shine there.

Chicago Theatre Review: There's no denying that this musical is very entertaining, especially with whimsical songs, like "Do You Want to Build a Snowman," "Reindeer Are Better Than People," "In Summer" and "Hygge;" and so many powerful ballads, like "For the First Time in Forever," "I Can't Lose You," "Monster" and, of course, the mega hit, "Let It Go." The story is truly heartwarming, especially in depicting the deep relationship between the two sisters. It also features the sometimes humorous bond that develops into a true love between Kristoff and Anna.

Wharton Center [Cobb Great Hall] - East Lansing, MI

Stefani Chudnow, BroadwayWorld: Though the scenic design is just about standard fare with some intimidating giant icicles thrown in when necessary, particular highlights of Frozen include the elaborate costuming, lighting design, and special effects. The costumes are quite similar to what was in the movie. That said, whether you're looking at one of the vintage looking dresses or Elsa's sparkly ice dress, they move and sparkle spectacularly on stage under the alternating warm and cool hues.

Liz Nass, State News: As was to be expected from a Disney show, the technical side of the show was purposeful and seamless. Not only did the show have effects on the snow and ice coming from Elsa's hands, they had insane quick changes, including when Elsa sang the infamous "Let it Go." One of the memorable moments of the show was when the hidden folk - the mysterious magical tribe around Arendelle - appeared for the first time with glowing eyes as part of their costume, effectively pulling off the mystical vibe that follows the lore of the show. The set design was also a technical standout. The show featured constantly changing sets with the story, using dropdowns and large pieces throughout, which seemed to always be new and different in each scene.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Orlando, FL

Aaron Wallace, BroadwayWorld: F. Michael Haynie is a hilarious, scene-stealing, spot-on Olaf. The latter appears on stage as a puppet animated by the always-visible Haynie, who has that Muppet-y knack for making his character focal and alive - buoyed by some truly how'd-they-do-it illusions. The company's other puppeteer, Mason Reeves, is neither seen nor heard but his Sven the reindeer is a wowing plea to put Rudolph on Broadway. As in the movie, Sven's only dialogue is liberally interpreted by his handler, Kristoff the ice peddler, who is unpretentious, authentic, and effortlessly charming as played by Mason Reeves.

Cristine Struble, Fansided: Innerbichler (Anna) plays the humorous side quite well. Since Anna has the biggest heart, those quiet moments are the ones that have people on the edge of their seats. She might not have the big belting number, this performance is the one that the audience will reflect on the day after the show. Of course, Bowman (Elsa) steals the show. Listening to her voice, the power and conviction in each song are clear. Still, there are moments of vulnerability that make Elsa real. Behind the stoic façade is a character who longs to be part of the community. Being the protector is a tough burden to shoulder.

Straz Center - Tampa, FL

Drew Eberhard, BroadwayWorld: Caroline Bowman as Queen Elsa is hands down exceptional here. No stranger to tackling some of Broadway's most demanding roles (Elphaba in Wicked), and (Eva Peron in Evita) in the National Tour, she is everything we needed Elsa to be. Strong, powerful, encompassing she lives and breathes Elsa. Her vocals are unmatched here and gave me chills from the first moment in "Do You Want to Build a Snowman." Her presence onstage is commanding and she is truly breathtaking in the role. Her version of "Let it Go," one of the most difficult songs to tackle seems effortless and is the best version I have heard to date, going toe to toe with Caissie Levy.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI

Kelli Arseneau, Post Crescent: Fans of the movie going to the musical will not be disappointed. "Frozen" the musical has all the same songs and iconic lines from the show, with added new music that give a deeper dive into the characters. The musical also feels more adult than the animated film, with weightier songs and some jokes aimed at an older audience.

Warren Gerds, WeAreGreenBay.com: "Let It Go" is more than a sung song in this production. As Elsa, Caroline Bowman certainly unleashes its loft and drama. But much more is happening in those few minutes as lighting and staging and special effects and other trickery unfold like an animated movie happening right in front of viewers. On a movie screen, the fantasy is expected and "normal." Happening right in front of you, live, it's seemingly out of this world. AHHH.

Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA

Emma, FanBolt: The cast does a beautiful job at capturing the personality of the characters, specifically Berklea Going. Berklea delivered such a charming and vibrant performance as Anna that if I had been sitting further back, I would have thought it was actually Kristen Bell on stage. She had the mannerisms down to a T. Caelan Creaser also wow'ed as Elsa. She brought the vocal power needed to send chills through the audience as she beautifully belted out "Let It Go." Two days later, I'm still singing the song as I write this review.

Hobby Center - Houston, TX

D.L. Groover, Houston Press: The show was in development for years as the Disney team lost directors, songwriters, set designers, until a suitable script was found. Why it took so long is a mystery, since the original movie is compact and highly entertaining. You'd think it would be the special effects that would baffle the Broadway wizards - all those magical ice formations and snow storms - but the technical problems were easily solved and are quite handsome in execution. There are projections upon projections, a constantly active Aurora Borealis on the upstage scrim, and ice crystals that grow up and over the proscenium whenever Elsa goes on a tirade, loses her temper, and turns Arendelle into an ice hotel on steroids.

Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX

Emily Short, BroadwayWorld: This production uniquely uses a screen throughout the show, which is what I first noticed when I found my seat, and I have to say, I was ecstatic. All I could think about was how the screen would undoubtedly be used in the iconic ice castle scene. I was right, but I was also pleasantly surprised by how Finn Ross's video design was intentionally intertwined with the physical aspects of the set, allowing the magic to come to life all throughout the musical. Some productions include various projections to add layers to the set, but FROZEN does this in a way that allows fictitious magic to become real.

KeyBank State Theatre - Cleveland, OH

Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld: The visual effects are astounding. Anna's costumes are breathtaking. The lighting effects, which help create Elsa's magic, are confounding. The full-body costume to represent the reindeer, Sven, (Colin Baja inside holding stilts in his hands and walking on tiptoe) is impressive, as is the puppet of Olaf (F. Michael Haynie) the snowman. They are much in the realm of the compelling horses in WARHORSE.

Joey Morona, Cleveland.com: Broadway veteran Caroline Bowman and original cast member Lauren Nicole Chapman take over the roles of Elsa and Anna, respectively, on the familiar songs "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "For the First Time in Forever." It's a one-two punch full of impressive vocals, lush orchestrations, cool effects and creative staging. Yet the real beauty of the sequence is seeing the faces of the children in the audience as they watch their favorite Disney princesses come to life before their eyes.

Christine Howey, Scene: There are certainly flashes of inspiration in Frozen. The scenic and costume designs by Christopher Oram are sumptuous, and cleverly-engineered Olaf is manipulated and voiced with elan by F. Michael Haynie. Most important, all the sisters, both young and grown, are played and sung with sleek professionalism. Caroline Bowman as older Elsa knocks the aforementioned "Let It Go" out of the park, as her Elsa embraces her power. Lauren Nicole Chapman's older Anna is consistently amusing, employing her feisty spirit to both charm others and overcome challenges. Their duet, "I Can't Lose You," is quite sublime.

Durham Performing Arts Center - Durham, NC

Jeffrey Kare, BroadwayWorld: Under the direction of Michael Grandage, the stage craft on display is very top notch. Rob Ashford provides some lively choreography, most of which is performed by the ensemble. The lighting designed by Natasha Katz is colorful, successfully highlighting different moods throughout. Christopher Oram recreates the costumes from the movie while also making them look appealing in real life as well as providing some new outfits. The puppets designed by Michael Curry (specifically for Olaf and the reindeer, Sven) are very impressive. Finn Ross has created such dazzling video projections that help fill out the physical scenery (also designed by Christopher Oram). All of that put together makes for some breathtaking moments at certain points.

Garrett Southerland, Talkin' Broadway: The real strengths of the show lie in its technical achievements. Christopher Oram's beautiful scenic and costume design evoke the film at every turn, while Natasha Katz's lighting design and Finn Ross' video design transform the stage from the halls of Arendelle's castle to Elsa's frozen palace with magical ease. A more modest but equally magical element is Michael Curry's puppet design. He brings fan favorite Olaf the snowman to vibrant life (with the skillful aid of Jeremy Davis there on stage), and Sven the reindeer is a marvel of theatrical creation. Both will delight young and old alike. But all of these technical marvels don't quite elevate the show to a Broadway feel; at many points I was reminded more of stage shows I've seen at Disneyworld.

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts - Pittsburgh, PA

Sue (and he nibling, Elijah), PGH Lesbian: A stellar moment in his review was something unexpected - the casting of a Black girl to play a young Elsa. Elijah is Black and he mentioned that as something he appreciated about the show. Given the magical responses to the casting of a Black actor to plan Ariel in the forthcoming live version of The Little Mermaid, this decision by the Frozen team is a low key to show how many Disney stories - even Nordic - have universal themes that should reflect the lived experiences of all children.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center [Chapman Music Hall] - Tulsa, OK

James D. Watts, Jr., Tulsa World: What "Frozen" lacks, however, is a truly compelling story, one that even cynical grown-ups can enjoy and appreciate time and again. I understand the comfort young people can take from experiencing the same story over and over; for me, I've seen "Frozen" once, and I can easily let it go.

Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO

Mark Bretz, Ladue News: Christopher Oram's whimsical set and costume design contribute to the impressive wintry landscape, both with shards of ice brilliantly illuminated by Natasha Katz's magical lighting and with Oram's lavish costumes working off the icy motif. It's all enhanced with a video design created by Finn Ross, which further underscores the frigid locale. Also integral to the visual splendor of the staged "Frozen" are Jeremy Chernick's beguiling special effects, especially notable on the immediate changes from greenery to an icy, barren Arendelle.

Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA

Lily Janiak, Datebook: For those of us who grew up on Disney princesses, whose teloi drove unswervingly toward heterosexual marriage, "Frozen," which has a book by Jennifer Lee, opens refreshing possibilities in mass-market fairy tale storytelling. The life-defining true love here isn't between a man and a woman but between sisters. Elsa (Caroline Bowman as an adult), who has magical powers she doesn't understand and struggles to control, and Anna might be opposites, but their contrasting qualities are both virtues. Elsa pursues cool, rational deliberation and self-sacrifice, the better to keep her powers at bay; while Anna is all openhearted candor. Elsa solves problems by isolating herself in her bedroom or an ice palace of her own sorcerous making, while Anna knows the sisters could figure everything out if they could just be together and talk.

Civic Theatre - San Diego, CA

The San Diego Union-Tribune

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

Michael Quintos, BroadwayWorld: Well, I'm happy to report back that the stage musical adaptation---featuring an expanded songbook from the film's original Academy Award-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by eventual Disney Animation Studios' Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee---is, in its current state, still as enchanting as ever.

Maverick Bohn, SoCal Thrills: Frozen is an absolute winner, earning its rightful place as one of Disney Theatrical's greatest productions, rivaling that of Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and the classic hit, The Lion King. Not a single detail is taken for granted and audiences of all ages will reap the rewards as Frozen brings the best that Broadway has to offer right into the heart of Orange County.

Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

Adrienne Proctor, BroadwayWorld: Caroline Bowman is majestic and graceful as Queen Elsa. She's a powerhouse, yes, but without the ego. Elsa is a loving, nurturing queen and she's beautifully personified by Bowman. Bowman has big Broadway shoes to fill. The movie Elsa is voiced by Broadway alum Idina Menzel. However, Bowman isn't swayed, and she hits every note, smiling all the way. Bowman has a royal swagger and a glimmer in her eye, and when she performs the infamous "Let It Go", she pulls out all the stops. Thank goodness there's a 20-minute intermission immediately following this number. Patrons need the extra few minutes to catch their breath and dry their eyes.

Marcus Center For The Performing Arts - Milwaukee, WI

Cathy Jakicic, BroadwayWorld: Caroline Bowman as Elsa and Lauren Nicole Chapman as Anna, brought heart, humor and powerful voices to their roles. Chapman in particular brought some welcome sass.

Aly Prouty, Spectrum News 1: Bowman's vocals are powerful, clear and outright gorgeous. I was hesitant to get overly excited for "Let It Go" when I have the Idina Menzel version on many of my playlists; it's iconic. But Bowman does the song justice, and there is truly no way you could be "too excited" to hear this song. Bowman's vocals are a perfect fit for "Let It Go" and no one will be anything short of thrilled to hear her perform. While "Let It Go" is certainly a showstopper, Bowman gets to show off her talent over and over again throughout the show. A few notable tracks include "Monster," Dangerous to Dream" and "For the First Time in Forever."

Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE

Alyssa Johnson, Omaha World Herald: But opening performances aside, if you are an avid "Frozen" movie fan, you will notice that there are stark differences between the stage musical and the film. As someone who has seen the movie more times than I would like to admit, it was startling to hear the lyrics of original songs such as "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" and "For the First Time in Forever" change from the movie's soundtrack.

Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN

AniKatrina Fageol, BroadwayWorld: I know "Let It Go" is the favorite but I have to say my personal favorite of the evening was "Monster". Bowman's vocal range and emotions combined make the song a chilling yet beautiful piece. Accompanied by Prince Hans (Will Savarese) and the men, Elsa is dismayed that she might really be the thing that everyone has been calling her: a monster. 

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids, MI

John Kissane, Revue: As I watched, I tried to watch through my daughter’s eyes. Often, it worked. The set was no longer a set but a world. Elsa was both a beautiful princess and a superhero. Anna was goofy but huge-hearted (“she’s kind of crazy,” Heidi told me afterward). Olaf was fine; it was cute when he started to melt. I liked the reindeer. But the most important thing was the sisters. Only the sisters really mattered.

Ohio Theatre - Columbus, OH

Paul Batterson, BroadwayWorld: This is the dilemma the cast of DISNEY’S FROZEN faces when it performs at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State Street in downtown Columbus) July 26- Aug 6. How do they keep that sense of incredulity alive in the second act?  Utilizing dynamic performances, a new cache of songs, and some of that good ol’ Mouse-powered magic, DISNEY’S FROZEN keeps the audience, both young and old, engaged with the two-act musical.

Bass Performance Hall - Fort Worth, TX

Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram:  As the adult Anna, Lauren Nicole Chapman is nothing short of enchanting, albeit with a zesty wit that takes full advantage of the show’s snappy dialogue. She cleverly fires off lines, such as when she meets Prince Hans (Will Savarese) and tells him she’s not inheriting the throne and says, “I’m not the heir, just a spare.” And when she sings, it’s angelic, especially when she’s joining forces with adult Elsa (Caroline Bowman). Their duet of “I Can’t Lose You” is one of the show’s most powerful and moving moments.

Boston Opera House - Boston, MA

Elise Coelho, The Suffolk Journal: Caroline Bowman and Lauren Nicole Chapman are the leading sisters of this story of love, family and power. While Bowman flawlessly portrays a recluse and helpless but powerful Queen Elsa, Chapman perfectly acts as Elsa’s younger and witty sister Anna who doesn’t know anything about love yet will do everything to discover what it is.

Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN

The Marriage Matinee, BroadwayWorld: Of course, portraying Elsa is a huge ask, but Caroline Bowman took on the challenge with grace. She stood out during her duet with Anna, “I Can’t Lose You,” but the clear test is “Let It Go.” She nailed it. I would gladly watch her perform that song on a loop because she brought everything about Elsa to life. She’s graceful and shy but also edgy and confident, and that came through in every note. 

Scott L. Miley, The Herald Bulletin: The first act is visually and emotionally alive. The second act slows with a diversion into a trading post and some kind of hidden folks in a colony (my 10-year-old told me to watch the movie to figure it out). 

Detroit Opera House - Detroit, MI

Carmichael Cruz, Click On Detroit: Following much of the storyline from the original 2013 film of the same name, the musical expands on the source material with brand new songs from Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the married duo who wrote the movie’s iconic songs, that allows audiences to delve even deeper into the characters they know and love.

Kennedy Center - Washington, DC

Roger Catlin, BroadwayWorld: The memory of the animated original is what audiences crave, and in addition to thunderous reception for the Oscar-winning song, there is a cheer when each of the favorite characters appear, from the lovable snowman Olaf — presented here as a puppet operated by a comic actor behind him all the way, Jeremy Davis — to Sven the reindeer (Collin Haja, who alternates with Dan Plehal, because the role is so physically demanding to be prancing around on all fours for the duration — after a while it looks painful). 

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts - Louisville, KY

Taylor Clemons, BroadwayWorld:  The cast on opening night was lead by Gretel Scarlett (a cover in the role) as Elsa and Lauren Nicole Chapman as Anna. The two are vocal powerhouses, and their chemistry with one another was quite sweet and touching. Scarlett’s Elsa was properly regal and reserved, while Chapman’s Anna was the brassy, sassy, and lovably clumsy underdog we all love. Other cast standouts included Dominic Dorset as Kristoff and Jack Brewer’s short but memorable turn as Oaken, everyone’s favorite small business owner. Dorset’s Kristoff was sweet and scrappy, a perfect match to Chapman’s Anna. Brewer’s Oaken was the perfect jolt of energy the audience needed after intermission to get us all reinvested.

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts - Hartford, CT

Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch.com:  It was then that Caroline Bowman took on the role of Elsa and slayed both her vocals and the look of the Ice Queen in beautiful gowns and pants. I was not surprised to learn that Bowman played Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway and Nicola in the opening and closing casts of “Kinky Boots.”  Lauren Nicole Chapman is a delight in her portrayal of the sheltered Anna, making the most of the comedic elements of her character that you can’t help but love. Chapman has been part of the “Frozen” family since the pre-Broadway development in 2017 through the Broadway shutdown in 2020.

National Arts Centre - Ottawa, ON

Courtney Castellino, BroadwayWorld: This production is extremely well cast, from the young princesses (Annie Piper Braverman and Emma Origenes, alternating as Young Anna, and Erin Choi and Savannah Lumar, alternating as Young Elsa) to their adult counterparts (Lauren Nicole Chapman as Anna and Caroline Bowman as Elsa), as well as Kristoff (Dominic Dorset), Hans (Jack Brewer on opening night) and, perhaps especially, Olaf (Jeremy Davis). Davis is so in tune with his character, that after performing Olaf’s signature song, “In Summer”, as he recovered his breath, so did Olaf, with perfectly synchronized intakes of air. 

Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen: Although my companion and I felt like the only people in the room who had not seen the 2013 movie, we thoroughly enjoyed the show and its mind-blowing special effects. Like everyone else, we were gobsmacked by another pivotal moment, when Elsa owns her magic. Mid-song and in the blink of an eye, her drab royal garb transforms into a stunning gown glittering with crystals. How the producers accomplished that trick, we have no idea – but we loved it! 

Stranahan Theater - Toledo, OH

David DuPont, BG Independent News: After more technical wizardry in which we watch as Anna and a crowd of citizenry gradually freeze before our eyes, the truth is revealed. The eternal winter is lifted. Elsa assumes her role as queen. Anna gets her charming ice merchant. And a lot of youngsters have experienced the magic of live theater.

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