Ensemble (U/S Olaf/Oaken)
Pictured: The company of Disney’s Frozen at Palo Alto Players.
Photo: Scott Lasky
For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s FROZEN includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. In the beautiful kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.
This production was directed by Janie Scott, choreographed by Karen Law and Stacy Reed, vocal directed by Rachel Michaelberg, and musical directed by Richard Hall.
Pictured: The company of Disney’s Frozen at Palo Alto Players.
Photo: Scott Lasky
Reviews
“In their production of Disney’s Frozen, Palo Alto Players has a hit that is sure to be deemed “hygge” by anyone of any age who is lucky enough to attain a ticket. Even that Nordic term for anything that is good and cozy is not superlative enough to describe the wonderland of snow, mountains, fjords, caves, and castles of stone and ice that audiences will delightfully discover in PA Players’ Lucie Stern Theatre. In every castle room, in the crags and peaks of Scandinavian mountains, and in the midst of icy lakes and peaks, there is an enchanting story unfolding as a corking cast of twenty-five sing, dance, and perform with humor and heart, pizzazz and passion, talent and tour de force”
“The ensemble deserves special recognition for their contribution to the overall impact of the show. With intricate harmonies and constant stage presence, they help bring each setting vividly to life.”
“Palo Alto Players’ production of the musical “Frozen” seemingly has something for everyone, especially the younger set.
Under the direction of Janie Scott, the 25 members of the Palo Alto Players’ production imbue it with fine singing, acting and dancing sure to delight people of all ages.”
Olaf Debut
Being an understudy can be a whirlwind of an experience. You learn the show multiple times. You learn the cover parts on the side during rehearsals. You split your focus so you can hear the notes they get while working on your own.
I never expected to swing in for any tracks during Frozen, but when illness struck in the second week of our run, I swung in for Olaf with 2.5 hours of notice.
Typically, understudies get a put-in so they get a chance to run the show. I didn’t get that. I had two trial runs with the puppet. The third time I used it was onstage in a real show.
Quite the roller coaster, but once the fear passed, I was able to have fun.
I did three shows as Olaf during Frozen, and I’m very proud of the things I got to do while in the role.
