The Next Logical Step

Disney’s 2013 hit animated film Frozen will one day become a Broadway musical. Though no timeline has been announced, the producer of the film has confirmed that they are in early development talks to adapt the make the stage musical, produced by Disney’s theatrical unit under the leadership of Thomas Schumacher. This is the next logical step for the film, which won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature as well as Best Original Song for the tune “Let It Go.” With songs written by Broadway favorite Bobby Lopez (The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q) in collaboration with his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the show should be easily convertible into a stage musical format, with such experienced Broadway personnel on its team.

In Early Stages, but Marketing Has Already Begun

The film was written by Jennifer Lee (screenwriter for Wreck-it-Ralph) and co-directed by Lee and Chris Buck (Tarzan). The film’s producer Peter Del Vecho revealed definite plans for the stage musical in an interview with TVGuide.com. Shortly before the Academy Awards, Kristen Anderson-Lopez also hinted that a stage musical was in very early talks, but now it has been confirmed by the producer. The team has made it clear that they are not rushing the process; rather, they are taking their time to make sure the result is as excellent as possible. In the meantime, Disney is taking the opportunity to promote the future show and gather email addresses, by means of having set up a microsite: www.frozenthemusical.com. Because of the serious franchise potential of Frozen, the film is only the first step. The musical will follow, and perhaps more types of media will appear in the future as well.

Idina Menzel and Further Cast Members

The Academy Award winning song “Let It Go” was sung by Broadway favorite Idina Menzel, who played the role of Elsa, the ice queen older sister who is forced to flee when she is unable to control her powers. Menzel performed the song at the Academy Awards, and John Travolta became notorious for flubbing her name upon introducing her; he called her Adele Dazzem. Fortunately, this only spurred more social media attention for the project. Menzel is famous for having premiered the lead role of Elphaba in Wicked as well as Maureen in Rent. As such, she has a huge musical theater fanbase who will surely be delighted to see the stage show of Frozen. Time will tell, however, whether Menzel will be cast in the same role onstage, as perhaps she is not the right age for the character in person, though her voice was. Presently, she can be seen onstage in the new musical If/Then. Other actors who appeared in the film who may be considered for roles in the stage musical include Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana, all of whom have been seen on Broadway before.