Disney's Frozen takes to the stage at Roger Rocka's for a live Broadway Musical performance
At Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater, located at 1226 N. Wishon Ave. at Olive Ave., the Good Company Players are enchanting audiences with their production of Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical. This adaptation, based on the 2013 animated film, has been delighting audiences for 825 performances on Broadway and now graces the stage of Fresno.
The production employs double-casting for several key roles, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and King Agnarr. This means there are two separate casts (a Winter cast and a Summer cast) that alternate performances. For example, Kaitlin Wheeler plays Elsa and Haleigh Cook plays Anna in the Winter cast, while another set of actors perform those roles in the alternate cast.
Regarding character reviews from the Winter cast, Kaitlin Wheeler delivers a regal performance as Elsa, with a showstopping rendition of “Let It Go”. Her lower singing register is somewhat tentative but overall impactful. Jessica Martin brings scrappy energy, warmth, and optimistic naïveté to Anna, capturing her coming-of-age journey with resilience and determination. Her chemistry with both Kristoff and Hans enriches scenes. Olaf, portrayed using puppetry, is a lovable, charming character in this production, adding charm and sweetness.
Kristoff, played by Shawn Williams, sings well, romances nicely, and keeps a straight face when he snuggles with a puppet reindeer. Hans, portrayed by Michael Fidalgo, has a memorable comic number, “Hans of the Southern Isles”.
The ensemble numbers are energetic and humorous, supporting the leads with great musical comedy moments. Duet performances such as “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love Is an Open Door,” and “What Do You Know About Love?” are highlights that showcase the cast’s strong interplay.
The Junior Company pre-show features classic pop songs and tunes from Broadway shows like Newsies and Godspell. Jessica Sarkesian choreographed the production, with Kailyn Sanders as assistant and Pessano contributing additional dances.
Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed and her costume shop recreated and adapted some of the film's designs, dressing the cast in Nordic glory. Briston Diffey is hidden inside the puppet reindeer, Sven.
When the royal couple dies, the princesses live lonely years until Elsa's coronation as Queen. Campbell Sloas and Eliot Quin Karle Bonetto play Young Anna and Young Elsa, respectively. Aubree Facio plays a motherly and stately Queen.
Anna goes after her sister, aided by Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. In the argument, Elsa's snow-causing powers are revealed, she is declared a monster, and flees to the North Mountain. Daniel Sutherland plays the Duke of Weselton, sliding from a powerful character to a figure of ridicule in a strange wig.
Terry Lewis plays Pobbie of the Hidden Folk, alternating between a wise shaman of great power and a goofy matchmaker. Dorie Hamby plays Bulda of the Hidden Folk, presenting as the yenta of all yentas.
Khari Somerville plays a towering and stately Bishop. Laurie Bridges managed to turn a group of San Joaquin Valley singers into a Scandinavian choir. Michael Diaz played Olaf and had impeccable timing, especially with the added responsibility of operating the puppet.
Emily Pessano and Robert Sanchez worked together as directors for the production of Frozen. The production's projection operator juggled multi-leveled images to build storms and beauty. David Pierce's scenic designs created a neutral canvas for a world of color and texture.
For tickets and further information, visit gcplayers.com or call (559) 266-9494. Ashley Leyva and John Sloas deserve recognition for their work as the Backstage Crew. Greg Grannis presides over a silly scene with a song called "Hygge". Lex Martin, playing the King, brings a kind and gentle presence to the role, with a gentleness that could turn stern.
In short, the double-casting approach allows alternating actors to bring their own nuances to these iconic roles, while critical reviews highlight solid vocal performances and engaging character interpretations, especially in the Winter cast. Don't miss this magical journey at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater!
Entertainment abounds at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater, with the Good Company Players' enchanting production of Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical providing a magical journey for audiences. This double-casted adaptation, based on the 2013 animated film, offers two separate casts (a Winter cast and a Summer cast) that alternate performances, as seen with Kaitlin Wheeler playing Elsa in the Winter cast.
