FROZEN

Book by Jennifer Lee

Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Directed by James Tolhurst-Close

Musical Director: Callum Tolhurst-Close

Free Rain Theatre Company production

The Q, Queanbeyan to 11 October

 

Reviewed by Len Power 17 September 2026

 

Based on the 2013 Disney animated film, a stage musical version played successfully on Broadway from 2018 and cost $35 million to mount. The spectacular local production by Free Rain Theatre looks like it cost that much, too.

The musical’s story is expanded from the film with new songs and there is a deeper exploration of the relationship between two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are princesses, one with magical powers to create snow and ice which she does not know how to control. After inheriting the throne, Elsa has to flee, which causes the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter. Sacrifice and true love ultimately save the day.

Chloe Stevenson (Anna)

Amongst the large cast, there are some standout performances. Chloe Stevenson is a hugely appealing Anna. Her beautifully sung ‘For The First Time In Forever’ wins her over to the audience early in the show. Charlotte Morphett as Elsa has the best song in the show, ‘Let It Go’. Her strong, emotional performance of the song and her icy presence throughout the show are truly memorable. Both actors also impress with their believable relationship as sisters.

Charlotte Morphett (Elsa)

With his song, ‘In Summer’, Joe Dinn is delightful as Olaf, the snowman. Cameron Taylor as Oaken, performs his song ‘Hygge’ with gusto. Jackson Gibbs as Kristoff sings an appealing ‘Rheindeers Are Better Than People’ and Graeme Fennamore steals the show as Sven, the rheindeer. There are also fine performances by Joshua Kirk as Hans, Mele Tuli as Young Anna and Zahra Zulkapli as Young Elsa. The roles of Young Anna and Young Elsa will alternate with Millicent Fitzgerald and Meadow Kuske during the season. Everybody on stage impresses in this show and the enthusiastic and hard-working chorus sing and dance very well.

The cast of 'Frozen'

For this show to work it needs a spectacular icy setting. The set design by John Nicholls and Ethan Henderson is atmospheric, practical and a feast for the eye. Fiona Leach’s many costumes are colourful and finely detailed. The music, conducted by Callum Tolhurst-Close, is played very well by the orchestra.

Both the lighting design by Jono Gerdes and well-balanced sound design by Chris Neal are imaginative and brilliantly executed. They bring so much extra depth to the production.

Mounting this show must be a mammoth undertaking. Full credit goes to the director, James Tolhurst-Close, for creating such a memorable and enjoyable entertainment.

Photos by Photox, Ben Appleton

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.