Frozen – Live at the Hyperion made its debut to an invited audience tonight and I know everyone who’s not part of that audience is dying to know details, DETAILS!!! Is it as good as Aladdin? Are there really cupholders in the the theater now? (YES!) What does everyone think? HOW CUTE IS THAT OLAF PUPPET – Am I right?

13321195_10154074331849471_210508800_o

A mutual friend of Dusty and mine just wrote in to say: “The New Frozen show is absolutely fabulous.”

Another attendee was less generous but still liked it: “A little slow, very Broadway. Kids may be bored. The sets are very elaborate.”

There’s also word that dining packages will be available. Though we don’t yet know the price.

We will have updates from myself and MiceChat Staff as the evening progresses. Keep checking back! 

Frozen Live

13313581_10154074331874471_1618230349_o

13288066_10154074331894471_3098664_o
Yes, cup holders!

 

Here’s the official word:

YOUNG KRISTOFF AND SVEN IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
YOUNG KRISTOFF AND SVEN (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new theatrical adaptation based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, opens May 27 at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park in Southern California.

YOUNG KRISTOFF AND SVEN IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
YOUNG KRISTOFF AND SVEN (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

This new theatrical interpretation for the stage immerses audiences in the beloved world of Frozen and takes audiences on the heartwarming journey of Anna and Elsa, with all of the excitement of live theater. Under the direction of Tony Award® nominated Director Liesl Tommy, the show features elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers. An exceptionally large production, the show features an opening cast and crew of more than 200, six full musical numbers and a 2,200 square foot video wall which combine for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

ANNA AND ELSA IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers.(Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
ANNA AND ELSA (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, has produced this new stage interpretation of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years at the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater.

KING AGDAR AND QUEEN IDUN WITH ELSA IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
KING AGDAR AND QUEEN IDUN WITH ELSA (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

As would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies – especially with projections, fabrics and special effects — will delight audiences in new and unexpected ways.  Guests are immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment they enter the theater and are surrounded by a specially lit “Aurora” curtain. As the musical unfolds, the scenic design and large moving set pieces create a cinema-style energy enhanced by state-of-the-art projections that create dynamic environments for the performers. Custom sound design envelops the audience in music and audio effects. And, of course, there will be snow throughout the interior of the theater – on stage and over the audience.

ANNA AND ELSA MEET THE DUKE OF WESELTON  IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
ANNA AND ELSA MEET THE DUKE OF WESELTON  (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” which is the number one animated feature of all time. It is the winner of two Academy Awards (2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

PRINCE HANS MEETS ANNA IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
PRINCE HANS MEETS ANNA IN ‘FROZEN (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

“While our production of ‘Frozen’ stays true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theater production that befits our beautiful Hyperion Theater,” said Dana Harrel, creative entertainment executive with Walt Disney Imagineering.  “The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences – including those who know the film, and those new to these characters­ – on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa.

PRINCE HANS MEETS ANNA IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
PRINCE HANS MEETS ANNA  (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

“We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike – this production will be a first or rare theater-going experience, and we want to make it as magical as possible.”

ELSAÕS CORONATION IN 'FROZEN Ð LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on DisneyÕs animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
ELSA’S CORONATION (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
ANNA AND ELSA IN 'FROZEN - LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney's animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers.(Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
ANNA AND ELSA (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)

The new adaptation features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”).

ELSA IN 'FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
ELSA IN ‘FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION’ (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is directed by Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The choreographer is Christopher Windom and this is his seventh collaboration with Tommy.  The musical supervisor/arranger/adaptor is Jason Michael Webb, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Violet,” and “Memphis.” Clint Ramos, the principal costume designer, was also nominated this year for a Tony Award® for his work on “Eclipsed.”

OLAF DREAMS OF SUMMER IN 'FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
OLAF DREAMS OF SUMMER IN ‘FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION’  (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

“I am approaching ‘Frozen’ as I would any new work – to search the story for what resonates most emotionally,  which is the story of the relationship between Anna and Elsa, their coming of age and conquering their worst fears,” explains Director Tommy. “It’s what made the movie so intensely satisfying and fresh. The theatrical version of ‘Frozen’ that my designers and I are creating for the Hyperion builds on the film’s emotional intensity using beautiful performances, thrilling choreography and the most cutting-edge design elements.”

ANNA AND ELSA IN 'FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
ANNA AND ELSA IN ‘FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION’  (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

A great amount of creative energies have been employed to bring “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” to the stage.  Harrel and Tommy have assembled a team of creative talent from both Broadway and Disney to create this production. The principal designers are Robert Brill (scenery), Charles Lapointe (wigs), David Weiner (lighting), Aaron Rhyne (projections) and Broken Chord (audio), and Ramos (costumes).

KRISTOFF TAKES ANNA TO THE TROLLS IN 'FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
KRISTOFF TAKES ANNA TO THE TROLLS IN ‘FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION’ (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

The challenge of bringing the animated non-human characters of Sven and Olaf to the stage was assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the animal creations of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White: An Enchanted Musical” at Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera. Curry’s intricate designs created for Olaf and Sven allow the performers to connect with the characters and bring them to life on stage in new ways.

'FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION' -- A new theatrical interpretation for the stage based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, Frozen is now playing at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. The show immerses audiences in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and show-stopping production numbers. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
‘FROZEN – LIVE AT THE HYPERION’  (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

An entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver.

And if that’s not enough for you, we hear that another unique version of Frozen is in the works for the Disney Cruise line. So far, so good! Are you going to run out and see Frozen Live ASAP? We have a feeling that even the coldest hearts are going to have a hard time letting this one go.

One of the original Aladdin’s, Sam Pablo, from the beloved Hyperion musical, has posted a loving tribute to his fellow cast mates. Please take a moment to watch. There are some great photos from the show:

As soon as you’ve had a chance to see the new production of Frozen at DCA, we would appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.

 

 

Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.