where to watch
- Disney Parks YouTube channel
theatre history
Animated Film
Frozen was released on November 27, 2013. It marked Disney’s 53rd animated feature and 24th 3-D animated film. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, it was the first Disney animated feature with a female director at the helm, and the first to feature two female protagonists.
The film featured the voice talents of Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa) Jonathan Groff (Kristof), Josh Gad (Olaf), Chris Williams (Oaken), Alan Tudyk (Duke of Weselton), and Santino Fontana (Hans). Idina Menzel appeared in Chess on Stage and in the finale of RENT filmed live on Broadway, and Jonathan Groff plays King George in the filmed live capture of Hamilton.
Frozen’s score was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and included songs “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love is an Open Door,” “In Summer,” “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Let It Go.”
Frozen was an enormous success, grossing $1.3billion worldwide. It was the highest grossing animated film in history until it was outranked by Frozen II in 2020 which earned $1.325 billion. At the time of writing, the films retain their top 2 positions as the highest grossing animated films.
Frozen was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards including Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song, a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, a BAFTA for Best Animated Film, and a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
In November 2019, Disney released a feature length sequel, Frozen 2: Into the Unknown.
Frozen III is slated for a 2027 release.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
A stage show featuring the songs and clips from the film, and appearances from Anna, Elsa, and Kristof, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration began performances at the Disney Hollywood Studios in July 2014. The show was also briefly performed at Disney California Adventure.
A new version featuring Olaf premiered in Hong Kong Disneyland in June 2015 under the title Frozen Festival Show. The show opened at Disneyland Paris in September 2015, and Shaghai Disneyland in 2016 under the original For the First Time in Forever title.
Stage Versions
In mid-2016, it was announced that three stage versions were in the works — Disney California Adventure, Disney Cruise Line, and a Broadway production.
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion opened in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure on May 27, 2016. The stage show was directed by Liesl Tommy, with choreography by Christopher Windom, scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Clint Ramos, music supervision and arrangements by Jason Michael Webb, and puppet design by Michael Curry.
The show was performed up to 5 times a day and featured a rotating cast of 106 actors, with 24 actors in each show. In line with Disney policy to maintain the illusion of the characters being real, the names of the actors were not publicized.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Frozen - Live at the Hyperion closed on March 12, 2020. It was announced in October 2020 that the show would permanently remain closed.
Highlights from Frozen - Live at the Hyperion are currently available on YouTube.
Disney Cruise Line: Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion was further adapted into an hour-long condensed version for performance aboard Disney Cruise Line. See Film History below for more information.
The Broadway Musical
Under the direction of Alex Timbers, developmental labs for a full-length Broadway show were held in New York City in May 2016. The cast included Betsy Wolfe (Elsa), Patti Murin (Anna), Okieriete Onaodowan (Kristof), and Greg HIldreth (Olaf).
In the summer of 2017, Alex Timbers was replaced as director by Michael Grandage. In September 2017, a pre-Broadway try-out was staged in Denver featuring Caissie Levy (Elsa; Next to Normal), Patti Murin (Anna), Jelani Alladin (Kristoff), Robert Creighton (Weselton), John Riddle (Hans), Kevin Del Aguila (Oaken), Timothy Hughes (Pabbie), and Andrew Pirozzi (Sven). The musical featured songs from the movie, and new songs by the original writing team including “Hygge,” “Monster,” and “True Love.”
Following 26 previews, Frozen officially opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 22, 2018, with the Denver cast reprising their roles.
The Broadway production was directed by Michael Grandage, with choreography by Rob Ashford, musical direction by Annbritt duChateau, scenic design by Christopher Oran, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski, video design by Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, and make-design by Anne Ford-Coates.
Frozen ran until March 11, 2020 when it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In May 2020, it was announced that Frozen would not re-open.
In March 2021, a petition calling for the release of a filmed live version of the Broadway production was shared on Change.org. The petition stated that the new leads McKenzie Kurtz (Anna), Ciara Renée (Elsa) and Ryan McCartan (Hans) had only stepped into their roles a few weeks before the Broadway shutdown on March 12, 2020, and that fans wanted to see the show on screen as they had been able to do for Newsies or Hamilton. As of April 2021, the petition had received close to 3000 signatures.
West End Production
Frozen opened in the West End at the newly renovated Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on September 8, 2021. See Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical for more details.
Frozen was released on November 27, 2013. It marked Disney’s 53rd animated feature and 24th 3-D animated film. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, it was the first Disney animated feature with a female director at the helm, and the first to feature two female protagonists.
The film featured the voice talents of Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa) Jonathan Groff (Kristof), Josh Gad (Olaf), Chris Williams (Oaken), Alan Tudyk (Duke of Weselton), and Santino Fontana (Hans). Idina Menzel appeared in Chess on Stage and in the finale of RENT filmed live on Broadway, and Jonathan Groff plays King George in the filmed live capture of Hamilton.
Frozen’s score was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and included songs “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love is an Open Door,” “In Summer,” “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Let It Go.”
Frozen was an enormous success, grossing $1.3billion worldwide. It was the highest grossing animated film in history until it was outranked by Frozen II in 2020 which earned $1.325 billion. At the time of writing, the films retain their top 2 positions as the highest grossing animated films.
Frozen was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards including Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song, a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, a BAFTA for Best Animated Film, and a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
In November 2019, Disney released a feature length sequel, Frozen 2: Into the Unknown.
Frozen III is slated for a 2027 release.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
A stage show featuring the songs and clips from the film, and appearances from Anna, Elsa, and Kristof, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration began performances at the Disney Hollywood Studios in July 2014. The show was also briefly performed at Disney California Adventure.
A new version featuring Olaf premiered in Hong Kong Disneyland in June 2015 under the title Frozen Festival Show. The show opened at Disneyland Paris in September 2015, and Shaghai Disneyland in 2016 under the original For the First Time in Forever title.
Stage Versions
In mid-2016, it was announced that three stage versions were in the works — Disney California Adventure, Disney Cruise Line, and a Broadway production.
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion opened in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure on May 27, 2016. The stage show was directed by Liesl Tommy, with choreography by Christopher Windom, scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Clint Ramos, music supervision and arrangements by Jason Michael Webb, and puppet design by Michael Curry.
The show was performed up to 5 times a day and featured a rotating cast of 106 actors, with 24 actors in each show. In line with Disney policy to maintain the illusion of the characters being real, the names of the actors were not publicized.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Frozen - Live at the Hyperion closed on March 12, 2020. It was announced in October 2020 that the show would permanently remain closed.
Highlights from Frozen - Live at the Hyperion are currently available on YouTube.
Disney Cruise Line: Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion was further adapted into an hour-long condensed version for performance aboard Disney Cruise Line. See Film History below for more information.
The Broadway Musical
Under the direction of Alex Timbers, developmental labs for a full-length Broadway show were held in New York City in May 2016. The cast included Betsy Wolfe (Elsa), Patti Murin (Anna), Okieriete Onaodowan (Kristof), and Greg HIldreth (Olaf).
In the summer of 2017, Alex Timbers was replaced as director by Michael Grandage. In September 2017, a pre-Broadway try-out was staged in Denver featuring Caissie Levy (Elsa; Next to Normal), Patti Murin (Anna), Jelani Alladin (Kristoff), Robert Creighton (Weselton), John Riddle (Hans), Kevin Del Aguila (Oaken), Timothy Hughes (Pabbie), and Andrew Pirozzi (Sven). The musical featured songs from the movie, and new songs by the original writing team including “Hygge,” “Monster,” and “True Love.”
Following 26 previews, Frozen officially opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 22, 2018, with the Denver cast reprising their roles.
The Broadway production was directed by Michael Grandage, with choreography by Rob Ashford, musical direction by Annbritt duChateau, scenic design by Christopher Oran, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski, video design by Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, and make-design by Anne Ford-Coates.
Frozen ran until March 11, 2020 when it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In May 2020, it was announced that Frozen would not re-open.
In March 2021, a petition calling for the release of a filmed live version of the Broadway production was shared on Change.org. The petition stated that the new leads McKenzie Kurtz (Anna), Ciara Renée (Elsa) and Ryan McCartan (Hans) had only stepped into their roles a few weeks before the Broadway shutdown on March 12, 2020, and that fans wanted to see the show on screen as they had been able to do for Newsies or Hamilton. As of April 2021, the petition had received close to 3000 signatures.
West End Production
Frozen opened in the West End at the newly renovated Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on September 8, 2021. See Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical for more details.
film history
- Also filmed live - Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical (filmed live in the West End).
On November 6, 2020 Disney Parks released a full-length video of Frozen, A Musical Spectacular YouTube. Disney Parks had previously released a full-length video Tangled, and a 20 minute short featuring clips from Beauty and the Beast.
Billed as “Disney Cruise Line’s Broadway-style entertainment”, the video was recorded with the original cast from the show’s opening.
As of April 2021, the video has received over 3.9 million views.
In March 2021, a petition calling for the release of a filmed live version of the Broadway was shared on change.org. The petition stated that the new leads McKenzie Kurtz (Anna), Ciara Renée (Elsa) and Ryan McCartan (Hans) had only stepped into their roles a few weeks before the Broadway shutdown on March 12, 2020, and that fans wanted to see the show on screen as they had been able to do for Newsies or Hamilton. At the time of writing, the petition has received close to 3000 signatures.
In August 2024, Disney announced that the West End production of Frozen had been filmed live and will be released on Disney Plus in 2025.
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular is currently available to stream on demand for free via the Disney Parks YouTube channel.
cast and creative credits
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Walt Disney Theatre, Disney Wonder Cruise Ship
Producer: Disney Cruise Lines
Book: Sara Wordsworth; Original Screenplay: Chad Beguilin
Music and Lyrics: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Director: Sheryl Kaller
Musical Director: Marco Paguia
Choreography: Josh Prince
Scenic Design: Jason Sherwood
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Lighting Design: Rui Rita
Projection Design: Aaron Rhyne
Puppetry Design: Michael Curry
Cast:
Intentionally unlisted by Disney
Theatre: Walt Disney Theatre, Disney Wonder Cruise Ship
Producer: Disney Cruise Lines
Book: Sara Wordsworth; Original Screenplay: Chad Beguilin
Music and Lyrics: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Director: Sheryl Kaller
Musical Director: Marco Paguia
Choreography: Josh Prince
Scenic Design: Jason Sherwood
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Lighting Design: Rui Rita
Projection Design: Aaron Rhyne
Puppetry Design: Michael Curry
Cast:
Intentionally unlisted by Disney
awards
2013 Film
The original 2013 animation has won 83 awards. Below is a short highlight.
2014 Academy Awards
Wins
2014 BAFTA Awards
Wins
2014 Golden Globe Awards
Wins
2015 Grammy Awards
Wins
Broadway Production
2018 Tony Awards
Nominations
2018 Drama Desk Awards
Wins
West End Production
2022 Olivier Awards
Nominations
The original 2013 animation has won 83 awards. Below is a short highlight.
2014 Academy Awards
Wins
- Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
- Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
2014 BAFTA Awards
Wins
- Best Animated Feature
- BAFTA Children’s Award: BAFTA Kid’s Vote - Feature Film
2014 Golden Globe Awards
Wins
- Best Animated Feature Film
- Best Original Song - Motion Picture (Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez)
2015 Grammy Awards
Wins
- Best Song Written for Visual Media (Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez)
- Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media (Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez)
- Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Christophe Beck)
Broadway Production
2018 Tony Awards
Nominations
- Best Musical
- Best Book of a Musical (Jennifer Lee)
- Best Original Score Written for Theatre (Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez)
2018 Drama Desk Awards
Wins
- Outstanding Puppet Design (Michael Curry)
- Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Jelani Alladin)
West End Production
2022 Olivier Awards
Nominations
- Best New Musical
- Best Actress in a Musical (Stephanie McKeon)
- Best Costume Design (Christopher Oram)
- Best Lighting Design (Neil Austin)
sources
Articles
Websites
- Bailee Abell, “Two Popular Disneyland Shows Officially Close,” Inside the Magic (Oct 10, 2020)
- Bailee Abell, “Thousands of Fans Want Disney to Release Filmed ‘Frozen’ Musical,” Inside the Magic (March 29, 2021)
- Arifa Akbar, “Frozen review – stunning musical extravaganza creates its own magic,” The Guardian (Sept 8, 2021)
- Chris Arneson, “Denver gets Frozen by Latest Disney Musical,” Out Front Magazine (Sept 26, 2017)
- Geri Bain, “Onboard Review: Disney Wonder, Reimagined,” Recommend (Jan 1, 2017)
- Belaid S, “FROZEN Live Film Brings West End Magic Home,” Aussie Theatre (May 17, 2025)
- Ricky Brigante, “Frozen Summer Fun event debuts at Walt Disney World as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf appear in delightful new shows,” Inside the Magic (July 5, 2014)
- Brittany Chrusciel, “'Frozen, The Musical' on Disney Cruise Line,” Cruise Critic (Sept 21, 2017)
- Brittany Chrusciel, “Disney Wonder,” Cruise Critic (undated)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “West End Frozen Live Film Sets Disney+ Streaming Premiere,” Playbill (May 16, 2025)
- Jerry Cunningham, “The 411,” Out Front Magazine (Sept 26, 2017)
- Emily Davis, “Review: Frozen the Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane,” Exuent (Sept 13, 2021)
- Suzy Evans, “'Frozen' review - a magical spectacle full of humour and heart,” London Theatre (Sept 8, 2021)
- Kimberly Fidler, “Disney Wonder Review,” Get Away Today (Oct 30, 2018)
- Andrew Gans, “Frozen Closes in London's West End September 8,” Playbill (Sept 8, 2024)
- Stephen Holden, “From the Heat of Royal Passion, Poof! It’s Permafrost,” New York Times (Nov 26, 2013)
- JeniLynn Knopp, “REVIEW: “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” can melt “Frozen” hearts,” Inside the Magic (Feb 3, 2017)
- Laughing Place Disney Newsdesk, “Disney Cruise Line Presents “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” As Part of #DisneyMagicMoments Series,” Laughing Desk (Nov 7, 2020)
- Jason Leppert, “‘Frozen’ Fun Comes to Life on Disney Cruise Line’s Updated Disney Wonder,” Travel Pulse (Nov 14, 2016)
- Mary McNamara, “Review: Anna and Elsa are unstoppable in Disney’s ‘Frozen Live’ at California Adventure,” LA Times (May 27, 2016)
- Michael Paulson and Brooks Barnes, “Let It Go Go Go! Three Stage Versions of ‘Frozen’ Are on the Way,” New York Times (June 6, 2016)
- Rebecca Rubin, “‘Frozen 2’ Is Now the Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever,” Variety (Jan 5, 2020)
- Scott Sanders, “Disney Cruise Line Shares Full Video of Frozen, A Musical Spectacular,” Disney Cruise Line Blog (Nov 6, 2020)
- Carly Scott, “#DisneyMagicMoments: Let it Go with a Virtual Viewing of Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’” Disney Parks Blog (Nov 6, 2020)
- Shawn Slater, “Setting the Stage for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park,” Disney Parks Blog (April 15, 2016)
- THR Staff, “Disney Replaces Director of Broadway-Bound 'Frozen' Musical,” The Hollywood Reporter (Sept 23, 2016)
- Diep Tran, “Disney Announces Greatest Showman Live Musical and Frozen Stage Capture,” Playbill (Aug 9, 2024)
- Uncredited, “London’s Frozen the Musical Filmed for Disney Plus Release,” Filmed on Stage
- Chris Wiegand, “Letting it go: Frozen fans bid farewell to West End musical,” The Guardian (Sept 9, 2024)
Websites
- AllEars.net, “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion Theater Hollywood Pictures Backlot Disney California Adventure,” Accessed via: https://allears.net/disneyland/dlr-planning/frozen-live-at-the-hyperion-theater-hollywood-pictures-backlot-disney-california-adventure/
- Change.org, “Release a filmed stage production of Frozen with the most recent Broadway cast,”
- Accessed via: https://www.change.org/p/the-walt-disney-company-have-frozen-on-broadway-professionally-filmed-with-the-most-recent-broadway-cast
- City News Service, “New Stage Musical Based on ‘Frozen' Opens at Disney California Adventure,” NBC Los Angeles (May 27, 2016)
- Disney, “Movies: Frozen,” Accessed via: https://movies.disney.com/frozen
- Disney Cruise Line, “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” Accessed via: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/frozen-musical/
- Disney Cruise Line Blog, “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” Accessed via: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/cruise-planning/live-stage-shows/frozen-a-musical-spectacular/
- IBDb, “Frozen,” Accessed via: https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/frozen-515657
- IMDb, “Frozen (1) (2013): Awards,” Accessed via: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/awards?ref_=tt_awd
- Music Theatre International, “The United Kingdom of Frozen,” Accessed via: https://www.mtishows.co.uk/united-kingdom-of-frozen-0
- Music Theatre International, “The United States of Frozen,” Accessed via: https://www.mtishows.com/news/apply-to-the-united-states-of-frozen-competition
- The Numbers, “All Time Worldwide Animated Box Office,” Accessed via: https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/worldwide/all-movies/cumulative/all-time-animated
- Oh My Disney, “Additional Details of Shanhai Disneyland Revealed,” Accessed via: https://ohmy.disney.com/insider/2015/07/29/additional-details-of-shanghai-disneyland-revealed/
- Playbill, “Frozen,” Accessed via: https://www.playbill.com/production/frozen-st-james-theatre-2017-2018
- Touring Plans, “Frozen - Live at the Hyperion,” Accessed via: https://touringplans.com/disney-california-adventure/attractions/frozen-live
Written by Luisa Lyons (April, 2021; updated May 2025)