Theater Thursday - Frozen

What: Frozen

Where: St. James Theatre
             246 W. 44th St.
             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for  Ages 8 and Up

Me - Frozen was a good show. I did not expect to like it when I heard they were making it into a Broadway show.  The movie had been all over the place for so long that I was really over it. I didn't see how a show could improve on the movie or how they would even do it as a show. However, when I saw the show I was pleasantly surprised. It was amazing! It was even better than the movie. I really liked the added songs especially Monster. However, I did not like the way they changed the lyrics in the songs that already existed in the movie. The changes in the story were interesting and it kept the show more entertaining even for people who had seen the movie many times before. The acting was good. Even though Idina Menzel is so identified with the song Let It Go and it was hard to get used to anyone else singing it, Caissie Levy did a good job with it. When I had previously seen Patti Murin performing songs from the show on TV, I didn't think she was right for the role of Anna. However, she did  a good job with it in person. We actually had the extra added bonus of being there the night Jimmy Fallon arranged for Jack Whitehall, who had been cut from the movie Frozen, to make his debut in the show. At the time, it seemed strange because his line didn't seem to make sense, and it was odd that somebody was bowing in the middle of the show. However, now that I know what was going on, it was cool to have been there! I'm happy I saw the show. It was really fun!

Mom - Even if you think you are over Frozen, the Broadway musical Frozen is still worth seeing. There is much more depth to the story, and there is much more character development which makes it more interesting for adults as well as children. Much of this is achieved through the addition of new songs. The new songs are for the most part very appealing catchy songs that will stick in your mind and you will want to listen to again especially if you are tired of hearing the old familiar songs. It is kind of nice to hear the old songs too though.  Although it is hard to think of anyone but Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell in the roles of Elsa and Anna respectively, Caissie Levy and Patti Murin do a nice job with the roles. It is nice that they are each given at least one new song that they can make their own. Caissie Levy's take on the new song Monster is a particular highlight of the show. The character of Olaf, the snow man, is now being played by a woman which seemed strange at first but when you see the show it works. Ryann Redmond really makes the role her own. The character is mostly portrayed through pupperty anyway. Ms. Redmond merely manipulates the puppet and is its voice. It may seem that the movie would have an advantage over the show when it comes to such special effects as the snowstorm. However, that is not true. The special effects are amazingly well done and a highlight of the show.  All in all, Frozen is a really sweet show that will leave you with a smile on your face and a score full of songs in your heart.

And that's our view. Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits: All Frozen production photos by Deen van Meer