Although the official start of winter may be another month away, it has already begun on the Neptune Theatre stage as the Halifax theatre company presents Disney’s Frozen.
With everything going on in the world right now, people need this joy. The comedy, the characters, the music – Frozen brings as much joy as possible. – Jeremy Webb
Faithfully adapted from the Disney animated movie that captured the imaginations of kids (and not a few adults) since it first appeared on screen in 2013, it is the magical story of sisters Anna and Elsa, who overcome adversity to find their way back to each other after being separated at a young age. “It’s about being true to yourself, about love,” says director Jeremy Webb.
Staying true to the film, the musical features iconic songs like Let It Go plus a few new numbers written especially for it. “It’s got all the big songs in there that you know and love,” says Webb.
A highlight of the production is the work done by Neptune’s creative team, led by puppet designer Cassie Seaboyer and puppetry director Dayna Tietzen, to bring to life two of the show’s most memorable characters, Sven the reindeer and Olaf the snowman.
“Our team has created two amazing puppets for those two characters and the puppeteers [Adam Francis Proulx & Darren Burkett] do a stunning job representing those characters,” says Webb.
Now in previews, with the show officially opening on November 15, Webb says the audience’s reaction to the show and the two puppets has been incredible.
“To hear the kids over the last couple of nights gasping and cheering when Sven comes in and moves his head three-dimensionally over the audience to sniff them or when Olaf appears for the first time is sheer magic,” says Webb. “It reminds me of why we do what we do.”
Helping to bring the animated characters to life on stage are actors Julius Sermonia (Bishop/Pabbie/Ensemble) and Katrina Phillip (Bulda/Ensemble).
“Anytime you have a chance to bring a Disney musical to life on stage is very special, and we’re putting together a really amazing theatrical experience for the whole family,” says Sermonia.
“I think it’s so cool with this musical that it takes the animation of Frozen one and two and mixes it together to tell the story,” adds Phillip, who also points to choreographer Genny Sermonia for helping to realize Webb’s vision for the show. “She does an incredible job with all the movement and bringing the animation to life with dance.
Recommended for children ages six and up, Webb says it is the perfect show to introduce kids to live theatre. “We’re talking about this being a wonderful first experience at the theatre,” he says. “There are darker moments, but nothing that would scare kids.”
“I have a four-year-old niece who absolutely loved the movie and sings the songs everywhere she goes,” adds Sermonia. “And so, knowing that children her age can revisit and love the characters all over again is really exciting.”
Being part of the production brings back fond memories for Phillip. “When I think of why I do this, I think of the first time I saw a live production, and to think that we’re doing that for all of these children is just magical,” she says. “This cast, crew and creatives have poured so much love into all of this, and it emanates from the stage.”
The final word goes to Webb, who reflects on why a show like Disney’s Frozen matters today. “With everything going on in the world right now, people need this,” he says. “The comedy, the characters, the music – Frozen brings as much joy as possible.”
Neptune Theatre presents Disney’s Frozen at its Fountain Hall Stage (1593 Argyle St, Halifax) until January 5, 2025. Visit neptunetheatre.com for tickets and information.