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Touring Broadway Company of ‘Frozen’ Comes To Charlotte and a Native Son Returns for a Visit
Tyler Jimenez, Charlotte born and bred, currently touring with ‘Frozen’ will appear in Blumenthal Series presentation by David Aaron Moore Qnotes Staff Writer
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rom the producer of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” comes “Frozen,” the Tony-nominated for Best Musical show, now on tour across North America and headed for Charlotte June 15-26. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” “Frozen” features the songs many know and love from the original Oscar-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets, costumes, and powerhouse performances, “Frozen” is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacThe cast of ‘Frozen.’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy Blumenthal Performing Arts) ular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy. The storyline in the stage production is much the same as it was in the awardknow: his name is Tyler Jimenez, he’s a came to love it.” winning movie. Set in the kingdom of 29-year-old native Charlottean and he Eventually his parents decided it was Arendelle, a young princess named Elsa appears in multiple ensemble parts, as time to help their son explore his budding prepares for her coronation as queen well as a substantial supporting role as talents by enrolling him in an environment while harboring an icy secret: she has Pabbie, the adoptive father of the characthat would allow him to blossom: the exceptional powers. ter Kristoff. Northwest School of the Performing Arts. While Elsa tries to withdraw from As a young student, Jimenez attended “I loved it there,” he recalls. “It was society, her sister, Anna, teems with one of Charlotte’s public magnet schools. such a wonderful experience to be able to excitement and romance over the thought He confirms that he came from a musiimmerse yourself in the creative arts and of exploring and experiencing the world cally inclined family and frequently spent focus on your particular interest.” around her. time with his During those years and in some that After the father singing. followed, Jimenez appeared in plays coronation His interest produced by Theater Charlotte, CPCC, ceremony goes in perforDavidson Community Theater, Children’s awry, Anna sets mance and Theater, and the UNC School of the Arts, out on a jourtheater began among others. He later went on to attend ney to reunite there and Syracuse University in New York, but not with her sister, continued in before he had the opportunity to experiaccompanied public school. ence life as a young member of the LGBTQ by ice har“I gravicommunity here in Charlotte. vester Kristoff tated towards “It definitely molded who I am today,” (who’s a bit of the kids in the he explains. “I was fortunate. I always had a fixer-upper), drama club very supportive parents, so I was involved his reindeer and theater with Time Out Youth and I attended Pride Sven, and Olaf, because there a number of times.” a hilarious and wasn’t a music Jimenez’s career, like most theater heartwarming program, and actors, would take him to New York City, snowman. the other where he continues to live today. Over Among kids in that the years, the connections he gleaned the members group were through the Northwest School of the Arts of the cast the only ones and Syracuse University led to multiple are Caroline that didn’t auditions and parts in regional theater Innerbichler bully me,” he and a role in “Joseph and the Amazing (Anna), Caroline remembers. “I Technicolor Dream Coat.” Bowman (Elsa), felt safe. And “That was a national tour, too,” he Mason Reeves people didn’t explains. “It was great. I got to work (Kristoff) , Collin care who you with Andy Blankenbuehler [choreograBaja (Sven) were or how pher for the original Broadway show of and F. Michael you acted. “Hamilton”]. He is such a wonderful man Haynie (Olaf). They just wantand so creative. Tyler Jimenez, who appears in the role of Pabbie, is There’s ed to explore “We also had the opportunity to take a Charlotte native and a graduate of the Northwest also someone creativity. So I the show out of the country. We went to School of the Performing Arts. (Photo Credit: Couryou just might stayed. And I Japan. That was certainly eye-opening. I tesy T. Jimenez)
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Qnotes
June 10-June 23, 2022
got to climb Mount Fuji and experiencing the cultural differences between Japanese people and Americans was quite an experience. Not in a bad way, but Americans are so loud and proud. The Japanese, who are a proud people, are quiet, polite and reserved. I respected that. It was refreshing.” Jimenez says that he auditioned for “Frozen” multiple times before he was finally cast. The show was set to open in 2019 and was slated for the Blumenthal in October 2020, however, live theatrical presentations ground to a halt with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everything just came to a standstill,” Jimenez reflects. “We couldn’t go to work because there was no work.” For multiple actors in New York City and around the country who rely on their careers to maintain their livelihood, this was nothing short of disastrous. “But, again, I am very fortunate. I have a very supportive family and they allowed me to move back in during that time. I know it was challenging for them. By this time they had their own lives, and I’m an adult, but they were very accommodating and happy to help me out. So I got to come back home for a while. It might have been better under different circumstances, but spending time with my family again was nice.” He describes the experience of returning to New York City and preparing to begin a re-production of “Frozen” as exceptionally moving. “Coming back was such an emotional time,” he explains. “Being back with the cast again was like returning to my second family. We had an opportunity to perform for healthcare workers, the people who were there and were so needed and sacrificed so much. It was rewarding to be able to give something back to them after everything they had been through.” Now once again on the road with the touring company of “Frozen,” Jimenez is a happy man and excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. As they have in other cities they have performed in, the cast and crew of “Frozen” will offer a special Q&A session for the LGBTQ community in Charlotte. “It’s been great so far,” says Jimenez. “To connect to with so many young people in the community – those that identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming. Working with Disney we want them to know that we’re here for them and to help make their lives better.” When asked why he believes so many individuals in the LGBTQ community feel a connection to “Frozen,” he is quick to respond. “Oh, I just think there is so much there. Having to hide, being afraid of your inner self, the turmoil of not being able to reveal who you are. There’s a lot for our community to identify with. And the show is about love. It’s about loving others and loving and accepting yourself .” A “Frozen” Q&A for the LGBTQ community will follow the presentation June 23. : :
