When Disney’s 2013 film Frozen made its debut, a record breaking Broadway musical was likely unthought of. Its small, initial release grew to a billion dollar franchise that enchanted an entire audience with its lyrical gems from “Let It Go” and “For The First Time In Forever,” as well as its sweet message about the importance of sisterhood.Â
No matter where you turned, little girls in Elsa and Anna costumes would walk hand-in-hand proudly singing Elsa’s famous solo.
Fresh off Broadway, Disney just announced the Australian actresses who are bringing our favourite sisters Elsa and Anna to life at the Capitol Theatre in July. Jemma Rix (pictured, left) and Courtney Monsma (pictured, right) are playing Elsa and Anna, respectively in this theatrical adaption. Rix’s acting credits include the green witch Elphaba in the Australian production of Wicked and the leading roles in Ghost, The Musical, Evita and Jekyll and Hyde. Meanwhile, Monsma will be making her leading lady debut as Anna.
Thomas Schumacher, the President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions gushed that:
“These two artists represent the cream of the crop of Australian talent. Jemma, a beloved and acclaimed leading lady, and Courtney, brilliantly representing the next wave. I cannot wait to see them bring this gorgeous story to life.”
The powerful plot of Frozen enticed audiences with a subversion of the classic Disney tropes. Feisty, determined Queen Elsa and her equally striking little sister Anna battle the fear of magic powers, a handsome prince that typically would save the day, and a shadow that could cloud their Kingdom. Together, using their strengths, the sisters save each other, their Kingdom and themselves.
Directed by a woman and starring two leading ladies, it’s a stunning film that passes the Bechdel test (a plot that involves at least two women, whose concerns and conversations do not constantly centre around a male), encourages sisterhood and female power; making Frozen critically acclaimed everywhere. It won two Oscars for Best Song (“Let It Go”) and Best Animated Feature, as well as a Grammy for “Let It Go” and a BAFTA for Best Animated Film.
When asked about being a part of Frozen, our Australian Elsa and Anna also recognised the plot’s importance. Rix, our Australian Elsa explained “It’s a story about sisters and their bond…it’s not a romantic story where everyone lives happily ever after…we are so filled with the story of love and support.” Australia’s Anna, Courtney Monsma, proudly exclaimed “I adore the story…you don’t need someone to find your power, you don’t need to be saved. You can be saved by yourself.”
Frozen’s Sydney production will be the first international version of the record breaking, $US30 million musical. It’s expanded the film’s original set of eight songs to a total of twenty, with the much-loved, brand new duet between the sisters titled “I Can’t Lose You.” It also features other additions, like brand new scenes and content.
The Broadway production set and broke four St. James Theatre house records and was nominated for three Tony Awards (Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score). It was described by the New York Times as setting “the bar for Broadway blockbusters.”
The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said “Frozen is one of the most highly acclaimed and sought after musicals currently in production. It is a global, cultural sensation, and we are thrilled to have secured the musical adaption for Sydney.”
Frozen, The Musical pretty much guarantees an unforgettable, stunning night out for yourself, or the whole family. Prepare yourself for the inordinate amounts of “mummy, I love you” or “daddy, I love you” and unshakeable grins that all the lucky kids who are going will be wearing.
Frozen, The Musical opens July 7, at the Capitol Theatre and tickets range from $49.50-$199.50 (not including handling fees).
You can also keep up to date with all Frozen, The Musical news by following @FrozenTheMusicalAU, #FrozenAus and by visiting their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FrozenAU
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