As a Disney adult, I’ll be honest — I came in with a lot of reservations. For some reason, Disney has often suppressed the magic for me when translating their films to the Broadway stage. There are moments where it just doesn’t hit the way it does in the parks. Shows like Aladdin at California Adventure or Mickey’s Magical Map by Toontown felt far more cohesive and magical than some of the Broadway touring productions I’ve seen lately. The last Disney Broadway musical I caught was The Lion King at Segerstrom — and while the pageantry was beautiful, something felt missing. Aladdin on Broadway, on the other hand, felt more like a theme park show than the actual Aladdin in California Adventure (I’m still mad that they didn’t include the elephant in “Prince Ali”). I saw the Frozen Hyperion version multiple times in 2017 and hoped this version in La Mirada would offer something more. And I have to say: La Mirada Theatre’s production exceeded those expectations.
Frozen: The Broadway Musical is based on the 2013 animated Disney film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee. The stage adaptation includes all the beloved songs from the movie — including, of course, “Let It Go” — along with new material written just for the stage. Set in the kingdom of Arendelle, it follows the story of royal sisters Anna and Elsa, whose bond is tested when Elsa’s magical powers spiral out of control. What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, sisterhood, and the true meaning of love — all wrapped in a dazzling Broadway package.
From the very first song, it was clear this cast came to deliver. Cailen Fu as Anna is hilarious and lovable, full of bright comedic energy, while Jenna Lea Rosen gives Elsa better emotional weight and incredible vocal power. Her portrayal feels more grounded and raw than what the film gave us. I especially appreciated the newer songs that give Elsa more room to express what she’s feeling — a layer I felt the movie lacked. And those vocals? Chilling (pun intended). Add to that some jaw-dropping stage magic and mid-song costume changes that drew audible gasps and applause from the audience, and you’ve got the kind of theatrical flair that truly elevates the story. The crowd around me was energized and loving every moment.
It’s not just about spectacle, though the production certainly has that. The set design is massive, constantly shifting, and really transports you into Arendelle. You immediately feel how big this production is. At intermission, I overheard several audience members marveling at the scale of the scenery — with some saying this might be one of the most ambitious productions La Mirada has ever produced. The puppetry and stagecraft were flawless — Olaf’s portrayal was especially well done, blending charm, technique, and character in a way that felt seamless. And while I usually expect the adult leads to carry the show, the kids in this cast held their own like seasoned pros.
Garrett Clayton as Hans was a standout for me — he’s already a social media star I follow, but seeing him live was another level entirely. He’s a fantastic singer, dancer, and actor, very present on stage, especially during Hans’ more self-absorbed numbers. The character’s arc plays beautifully on stage, and Clayton makes it a joy to watch.
Direction-wise, this production worked for me in ways that Aladdin didn’t. It stays more faithful to the film while weaving in Broadway-worthy moments — and it sprinkles in just enough magic from the Hyperion Theatre version. That balance really pays off.
The show is packed with showstoppers, but the most delightfully unexpected one comes at the top of Act 2. It’s campy, fourth wall–breaking, and hilarious — and yes, that surprise chorus line? Amazing. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, but it brought enough Broadway polish, heartfelt performances, and theatrical creativity to fully win me over.
This is one of those productions you don’t want to miss — a magical, high-energy show that’s perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re a Frozen fan or a Broadway skeptic, this show is worth melting for.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
14900 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638
Show Dates: Now through Sunday, June 29, 2025
Performance Schedule:
- Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
- Fridays at 8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays at 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets:
$39 – $139 (prices subject to change)
- Website: www.LaMiradaTheatre.com
- Phone: (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310
- Group, student, and military discounts available
Additional Information:
- Children under 3 will not be admitted
- Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission
- Talkbacks: Thursday, June 12 and Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
- Open Captioned Performance: Saturday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m.
- Free parking available on site
