FROZEN: THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL (2025)

June 20, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. The first FROZEN movie was released in 2013 and the sequel, FROZEN II in 2019. FROZEN III is scheduled for release in 2027, but since the story (adapted from an original Hans Christian Anderson story) remains so popular, fans get a film version of the stage musical to tide them over … and ensure no generation (or even part of one) misses out. Brett Sullivan directs the filming of Michael Grandage’s stage presentation, and I’m still trying to figure out if young kids will embrace this version.

The talented cast is from London’s West End stage production (a three-year run) and includes Samantha Barks (LES MISERABLES, 2012) as Elsa and Laura Dawkes as Anna. We open with young sisters, Elsa and Anna, singing together on “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”. It’s the first mention of Olaf, but of course, results in Elsa’s frigid magic accidentally injuring Anna. The parents, Royalty in Arendelle, freak out and react by separating the sisters … until circumstances are such that the two girls come together again.

While there is no need to re-hash the storyline here, there are a few key points emphasized in the stage production. One of the first things we notice is that both Ms. Barks (Elsa) and Ms. Dawkes (Anna) have wonderful singing voices, although it’s Anna who gets the most one-liners and laughs, and periodically steals the spotlight. Anna’s ‘meet-cute’ with Hans (Oliver Ormson) is handled well, and the effects are spectacular when Elsa ices over the kingdom during her coronation while having a confrontation with Anna. Kristoff (Jammy Kasongo) and Sven are a welcome addition, yet it’s snowman Olaf (Craig Gallivan) who draws in the audience with his love of warm hugs.

The showstopper, “Let it Go”, serves up a stunning moment with both the stage effects and the magical costume change for Elsa. The familiar and catchy tune delivers pure entertainment for all ages. What is not so certain is how the younger fans of the movies will react to a dozen new songs written specifically for the stage presentation. The “Hygge” song is the most elaborate, yet the others seem to mostly blend in … in a good way for seasoned musical lovers (but maybe not so much for young fans). At a minimum, this could very well be a nice transition to live theater for kids, while being extremely entertaining for us old-timers.

Debuts on Disney+ beginning June 20, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Fantasy, Musical | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

LES MISERABLES (2012)

December 30, 2012

les mis Greetings again from the darkness. One of the most anticipated films of the year is the first from director Tom Hooper since his Oscar -winning The King’s Speech. It also happens to be based on one of the true literary classics by Victor Hugo (first published 1862). And yes, it is presented as a true musical … the dialogue is sung and story advanced through forty-something songs. The latter feature gives it more of an opera feel than the stage version I saw more than 20 years ago.

The biggest question and curiosity going in was whether the cast of top notch movie stars could hold their own vocally. Sure, Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) is a Tony winner, Anne Hathaway (Fatine) has some Broadway chops of her own, Amanda Seyfried (Cosette) sang in Mamma Mia, and Russell Crowe (Javert) has toured with his own band. But this is a whole new challenge, as director Hooper decided to have the actors sing “live” during les mis4filming, providing a more intimate feel to the film. Throw in two exceptionally strong vocal performances from Eddie Redmayne (Marius) and Samantha Barks (Eponine) and only the harshest critics will claim the singing disappoints.

“Seinfeld” fans will enjoy the comic relief from thieving innkeepers Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as they take advantage of their customers while belting out “Master of the House“. And it’s pure joy to hear Colin Wilkinson‘s wonderful voice as The Bishop who offers Valjean his chance for redemption. Mr. Wilkinson is legendary as the original Valjean in the London and New York stage versions from the mid-80’s.  The historical les mis3relevance of the material includes the 1832 student-led June Rebellion and it’s adequately staged here.

There were a few things that distracted me at times. The most annoying being the incessant facial close-up on every song. This is typically a device to cover-up weak set design, but here the sets are spectacular and really capture the nastiness of 19th century France. And while I certainly enjoyed Ms. Hathaways’ show-stopping “I Dreamed a Dream“, I found her overall acting to be quite distracting during her few scenes. Russell Crowe’s physical presence perfectly captures the omnipresent Javert, though the lack of punch in his vocals les mis2prevented the boom needed in a couple of songs. Lastly, Mr. Jackman seemed to strain on the high notes in my favorite “Bring him Home“, though again, none of these things ruined the experience for me.

As with most film musicals, the best approach is just to allow the story and songs to wash over you … don’t dwell on the minor issues. Keep in mind that this is a powerful and interesting production thanks to Victor Hugo’s source material. It’s a privilege to enjoy a first rate presentation seen through new eyes and heard through new vocalists.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are a fan of the stage version OR you enjoy well made movie musicals

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are expecting the movie stars to have operatic voices OR nearly three hours of close-ups is more than you can take

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHHHUk8RCw

 

1 Comment | Musical | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson