'Frozen' Cools Things Down at Torrance Theatre Co. - Review
Forget the heatwave. Torrance Theatre Company has enough 'Frozen' magic, musical talent and Anna energy to cool things down.
What’s better than battling a Los Angeles heatwave? Sitting in the air conditioning of the James Armstrong Theatre with Torrance Theatre Company’s production of “Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical.”
Based on the hit Disney animated feature, “Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical,” is a joyful, energetic and thoroughly entertaining production. And before getting into the performances, it is worth recognizing just how much work goes into making this show happen. This production features an all volunteer 40 person cast as well as an all volunteer 22 piece orchestra. Again, 40 performers onstage with 22 musicians in the pit, all volunteering their time and talent to bring this performance to life. That is an impressive labor of love and it shows.
“Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical,” features Book by Jennifer Lee, Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson Lopez & Robert Lopez. Directed by Jim Hormel, with Choreography and Stage Managing by Sjaan Z. Trowbridge and Vocal Direction, Musical Direction and Conducting by Bradley Hampton, the production moves with plenty of energy and gives its large cast and orchestra room to shine.
Nico Fisher as Anna puts her entire self into the performance. She is as fiery as her natural red hair and a huge ball of energy from the moment she hits the stage. This is the first time I have called a lead the showstopper instead of the ensemble member. And make no mistake, the ensemble is terrific, but when Fisher is onstage, all eyes are on her. She has that kind of stage presence. Anna may be looking for a lot of love and adventure, but Fisher has already found the spotlight.
Anna’s cantankerous love interest Kristoff, Christopher Tiernan is fantastic. He charming instead of stuffy and his natural personality to the role along with a great second tenor voice. He makes Kristoff easy to root for and his scenes with Fisher are a lot of fun.
From ice queen to warm and fuzzy, Chase Klein pulls it all together as Elsa with all the strength and emotional weight the role requires. Elsa has a lot on her shoulders and Klein carries it beautifully.
I am, however, slightly miffed at Anna when it comes to Charles Keppler’s Hans. I mean, Anna, come on...did you not see the ponytail? That was enough information to know he was the villain! Keppler does a terrific job playing Hans that if you are unfamiliar with the movie, you are shocked by how quickly he turns on Anna to rule the kingdom.
Steve Flowers as the Duke of Weselton is hilarious. Every time he appears, you know you are going to get a laugh. He clearly understands that sometimes the best way to play a character is to lean all the way into the ridiculousness.
Now one can never forget, Olaf played and puppeteered by Kyle Wilson. Unlike other productions where the performer does a bad Josh Gad impression, Wilson make the character his own and quite funny.
There are also a couple of serious scene stealers in the ensemble. Jammie Hampton as Bulda is an absolute delight. She is a very doting and loving character, even for a forest creature, even her poses are mesmerizing.
That bring us to the second scene stealer, dancer Lauren Oseas. Oseas is having so much fun that you might assume she paid to be in the show instead of being cast. Her enthusiasm is completely infectious. You cannot watch her without smiling because she looks like she is having the time of her life.
That really sums up what makes this production work. There is a genuine sense of joy coming from the stage. You can feel the dedication of the 40 person volunteer cast and the 22 piece volunteer orchestra and it makes the whole experience feel like a celebration of what community theater can accomplish when a lot of talented people decide to make some magic together. Especially with Bradley Allen Lock’s costuming, Gia and Cary Jordahl’s scene designs and Steve Giltner and Streetlite’s lighting designs putting their magical touches on it.
I wish I could give everyone a personal shoutout but that would take longer than seeing the production. So, everyone that went unmentioned, you are work has been scene and loved.
If you are looking for a way to survive the Los Angeles heat, forget the ice bath. Head to the James Armstrong Theatre, sit back and let Torrance Theatre Company’s “Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical,” cool you down.
“Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical,” runs at the Torrance Theatre Company from now through August 22, 2026.
To purchase tickets for “Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical,” at the Torrance Theatre Company visit: https://torrancetheatrecompany.com/.
Torrance Theatre Company at the James Armstrong Theatre is located at:
3330 Civic Center Dr.
Torrance, CA 90503
4.25 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¼