Frozen is a masterpiece of musical theatre

Frozen has a diehard following of true believer fans but this musical extravaganza from Disney even managed to convinced our toughest critic Phil Brown.

Frozen is nothing short of spectacular.

Just a few months ago I was completely clueless when it came to Frozen. I had never seen the movie (why would a grumpy old bugger like me watch such a thing?) and I actually thought it was a different story altogether. Turns out I had Frozen and Ice Age mixed up. It happens. Doesn’t it?

Then, when I had the privilege of interviewing Frozen’s composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (lovely people and so incredibly talented) I thought I’d better get up to speed so I downloaded Frozen (the first film) and watched it on my phone. And I got it. Kind of.

But now, after attending opening night of the musical Frozen in the Lyric Theatre at QPAC Saturday night, I really get it. I mean that.

Courtney Monsma (Anna) and Thomas McGuane (Hans) before she finds out what a swine he is

Okay I wasn’t frothing at the mouth and swooning like some of the people sitting near me but I was having a good time. A surprisingly good time. My wife was with me, and my son and we spent Sunday morning chatting about the experience. It was quite a buzz, a rich and satisfying theatrical experience and a terrific night. And they brought it in at 2 hours and fifteen minutes and finished right on time as Disney productions always will, so what’s not to like?

I must say I do enjoy a spectacle and Disney knows how to create one. The Lion King was a special show and Aladdin a few years back was dazzling. Everything Disney does is sprinkled with the Walt Disney pixie dust that has enchanted generations.

I grew up with Disney, you grew up with Disney, we all love Disney and they do things with such love and detail and they have the resources to throw everything at a production.

Frozen is Disney at its best.

Obviously no expense was spared when it comes to this show which looks incredible.

The sets, the costumes, the special effects are mind blowing and the creation of Arandelle (inspired by Norway) in 3D is fantastic and the reference to the ancient cultures of the lands of the Northern Lights makes it interesting and you can read more about that in the program.

It’s all just magical and that’s what you want in the theatre … magic.

Being a newcomer to the story wasn’t really wasn’t a hindrance for me because the story is so clearly articulated and that helps a lot. Even if you have never seen the movie you will pick up the story.

Jemma Rix as Elsa and Courtney Monsma as Anna get reacquainted with Olaf the snowman and his handler Matt Lee.

It’s a moving story too with plenty of positive messages about love and there are some more subtle ones too about the environment. Maybe there are even some political lessons to learn from this.

There are lots of the usual tropes about royalty and such and the expected comedy and various stereotypes but it all feels so fresh and there is some real hilarity particularly relating to Olaf, the talking snowman, so brilliantly brought to life by Matt Lee. What a hoot.

Sven the reindeer is another very special character and that’s Jonathan MacMillan and Lochie McIntyre on different nights.

At the heart of it are the orphaned princesses Anna (Courtney Monsma) and Elsa (Jemma Rix) who goes on to become the Queen with powers she cannot fully control, thereby turning her kingdom into a frozen wasteland.

Rix and Monsma are both brilliant. Their performances are faultless and in many ways the show is perfect but not in a mechanical way because there is just so much heart and sisterly love.

Frozen has spectacular sets, a big talented cast and … a reindeer named Sven

Gold Coaster Courtney Monsma is a revelation and without any offence to anyone else she is a standout. A star is born.

I know she’s in awe of her co-star Jemma Rix, as she should be because Rix is masterful, but Monsma brings such warmth and vitality to her role, she has a terrific voice, wonderful timing and you really believe her throughout the show.

Thomas McGuane is excellent as the cad Hans and Sean Sinclair is great as Kristoff and Aljin Abella is simply delightful; and hilarious as the silly Duke Weaselton ...er, I mean Weselton. I first saw Abella in a production of Monkey at Brisbane Powerhouse some years ago and later in Aladdin and it’s great to have him back on stage in Brisbane.

Frozen’s sets are magnificent.

This Broadway production, directed by Michael Grandage with choreography by Rob Ashford is so slick, so spectacular, so warm and funny and inspiring, it deserves to be the hit it already was before it go here. It plays for a few months now and tickets are selling like hot cakes and there is unlikely to be anyone who will ever feel short-changed. Disney, you’ve done it again.

Oh and they sing your favourite song from the film of course. What’s it called again? Let It Go? Yes that’s the one.

Frozen is on in the lyric Theatre at QPAC until April 24 at qpac.com.au