A Program Note

Staff for Disney’s Frozen

The Arctic blast of a long, cold winter is something we in Northeast Ohio know how to withstand. With Cleveland’s great cultural attractions — large and small — there are many reasons to don boots and gloves to head out the door for warm-hearted occasions. In our glorious summers, there are also many compelling events that inspire us to leave the golden rays of sunlight and head indoors for a tasty treat. As the musical Frozen skates into town, you and your family will be delighted and entertained with the sparkling magic of this special Broadway musical. The art of illusion is dependent upon our ability to suspend what we believe is true. With the wave of a wand, magicians can make balls, doves and large colorful bouquets appear right before our eyes. On stage, we will watch cities wondrously turn to ice. And that is despite our convictions, which tell us that such feats are impossible.

The value of these magical experiences is needed more than ever as our minds could use a respite. We see things that we have never seen — providing power and escape from the world around us. For me, Frozen provided this and so much more.

Going into the St. James Theatre in NYC in the spring of 2018 to see the Broadway adaptation of Elsa & Anna’s story, I felt as though I was the only one in the house who had not seen the animation. Quickly, I learned that was not essential to enjoying this eye-popping musical.

I was swept away with the score. The wife and husband writing partners of Kristen Anderson-Lopez (lyricist) and Bobby Lopez (composer) each have had spectacular successes on their own. Together, they are the dynamic duo who created the score for Frozen. Although the movie had 10 musical numbers, they expanded the live experience by more than doubling the number of songs.

The joy of childhood is captured when a young Anna innocently asks her older sister Elsa, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.” Later, we hear from a grown Elsa, anxious about the enduring winter she has cast on the town of Arendelle, as she sings “Monster.” In these lyrics, she is filled with angst as she asks if the people will be free of her winter’s spell if she should die.

However, the heat wave of the evening comes in the anthem “Let It Go.” This show-stopping number gives us an emotional supercharge. It is an empowering number inspiring those who may spend too much time trying to meet the expectations of others — a weather condition we cast upon ourselves.

Living your life to play out the forecast that others have predicted for you can send you on an unfulfilling path. Releasing yourself from that burden can be invigorating.

Although you may think all the magic is on stage, the most transformative special effects will occur within each of us. Elsa’s power can only be effective when you believe in her … just as we should do for ourselves. Enjoy,

Gina Vernaci, President & CEO, Playhouse Square

P.S. On a personal note, my husband, Bill Hilyard, and I are being joined at a performance of Frozen by many of our family members from across the country as we celebrate being profoundly inseparable from each other: Jolene, Rick, Jill, Jeff, Jeni, Chris, Drew, Ben, Kate, Bud, Charlotte, Anne, Monica, Marie, Jake, Graham, Katherine, Kathy, Bob, Tony, Kathi, Mike, Lauren, Chase, Brayden, Finley, Chris, Laura, Gabby, T.J., Amanda, A.J. & Chelsea. Also joining us are their companions: Madi, Ocean, Emily & Eddie. For one reason or another, some were not able to be with us, but are present in our hearts: Tiffany, Jessica, Mark, Jamie, Jake, Emily, Nathan, Ethan, Ricky, Andy, Joe, Beth, Josiah, David & Allen D. Special thanks to Joe & Iona – Bill & Addie.