Is Frozen Coming to Broadway?

This week on the Simon Morrisblog, I discuss the question on every movie musical enthusiasts lips right now; is Frozen coming to Broadway?

Frozen, Disney’s Biggest Smash Hit in Years

For any of you who haven’t seen Frozen, where have you been? It’s only the biggest movie musical animation smash since The Lion King. It’s grossed millions at box offices around the world, and inspired a cult following usually only gathered by the Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises.

Frozen is a Disney animated movie musical that reimagines the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Snow Queen. With names such as Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff lending their voices to the film, as well as one of the most infectious musical numbers in recent years (‘Let it Go’), it was always destined to become a colossal hit.

Disney’s Stellar Track Record on the Broadway Stage

So of course, ever since it was released, fans have been wondering when it would come to Broadway. This is a prudent question, considering the fact that Disney have transformed a number of their most famous movie musicals into bona fide stage hits.

Movies including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King have all been reinterpreted for the Broadway stage. The Lion King in particular has become a fan favourite, burrowing its way into the hearts and minds of theatre goers around the world.

Disney Director Speaks Out on Frozen Stage Adaptation

Now it looks like Frozen is set to do the same. In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Thomas Schumacher, Disney Theatrical executive, announced he is currently putting the wheels in motion to make sure a stage adaptation of Frozen happens.

Schumacher confided that “I’m already talking to directors, and I have a design concept, and we have to begin to fashion this idea,” before emphasising, “it doesn’t need to be fast. It needs to be great.” He went on to say that “there’s something purely theatrical about the relationship between these two women [Elsa and Anna],” adding “you can see it.”

Counting Down the Days

You certainly can, and I have no doubt that he’ll put on a stage version of Frozen that will do its silver screen predecessor proud. So yes, a Broadway version of Frozen looks like it’s really going to happen. Now, I’m counting down the days until it hits the boards!