“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new musical based on Disney’s animated film, will open at the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim on May 27, it was announced today.
Disney is promising “elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and unique theatrical surprises” for guests who see the production at the 1,873-seat Hyperion Theater.
Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney theme parks, is producing the musical based on the 2013 Academy Award-winning animated blockbuster.
“While our production of ‘Frozen’ will stay 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 that know the film, and those new to these characters — on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa,” Harrel said. “We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike — this production will be a first or rare theatergoing experience. We undertake this responsibility with seriousness as we adapt the film to the stage.”
The new musical features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
The challenge of bringing Olaf and the Trolls to the stage has been assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed the puppets of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White” at the Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for the Olympics, Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera.
An entirely separate Broadway production of “Frozen” is in the works and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” in spring 2018 at a yet-to-be-named theater.
