The Gateway's "Frozen" Will Melt Your Heart

The Gateway closes its 75th season with another smash hit, the visually stunning Long Island Premiere of Disney's "Frozen, The Broadway Musical." This must-see production features Charissa Hogeland, a superstar performer who understudied Elsa on Broadway in 2019. Hogeland's outstanding rendition of "Let it Go," with her enchanting costume transformation, was an unforgettable onstage moment.

Disney's "Frozen" is a cultural phenomenon in all its incarnations. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1844 fairy tale "The Snow Queen," this beloved tale, with its universal theme, love is the answer, cuts deep into the collective heart and soul of humanity. Adapted from Disney's 2013 Academy Award-winning animated film, this show features the movie's original songs written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with additional music created for the stage. The book by Jennifer Lee tells the timeless tale of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, both princesses, who live in the majestic mountainous kingdom of Arendelle. They were close playmates as children until Elsa's uncontrolled psychic gifts forced her to isolate herself from her younger sister. When Elsa is crowned queen, her supernatural powers manifest, and she flees into the mountains, further icing Anna out. As eternal winter descends on Arendelle, Anna begins an epic journey to find her sister and rekindle their friendship. The kind-hearted Kristoff, Sven, his devoted reindeer, and Olaf, an enchanted snowman, become her trusted allies.

First and foremost, The Gateway's Broadway-caliber production of "Frozen" is a technical masterpiece. The spectacular costumes, lighting, sets, projections, and breathtaking special effects mesmerized the audience. A big shoutout goes to the director, Larry Raben, choreographer Angie Schworer, and musical director Bryson Baumgartel.

Two sets of actors alternate the roles of Young Anna (Pepper Coleman and Abigail Pirozzi) and Young Elsa (Sonnie Betts and Sofia Da Costa-Wilson). Saturday's opening night show featured Pirozzi and Da Costa-Wilson, two talented, charismatic, and high-energy young performers.

Emily Grace Tucker gave an award-worthy performance as Anna, Elsa's naïve, free-spirited, and loving younger sister. Tucker showcased her stellar vocals throughout the musical. Her pitch-perfect rendition of "I Can't Lose You" was one of the show's highlights. Anna has two love interests: Hans, the prince who becomes the beast, brilliantly portrayed by Mark Ryan Anderson, and the trustworthy ice harvester Kristoff, played to perfection by Christian Brailsford. The electrifying onstage chemistry between Tucker and Brailsford was evident during their heartrending duet, "What Do You Know About Love," a beautiful ballad written for the stage version. Anderson and Tucker rocked the comedic pop duet "Love is an Open Door."

Wesley Slade is a multitalented actor, singer, comedian, and puppeteer who aced the role of Olaf, the goofy, childlike snowman who personified the bubby traits of the two younger royal sisters. Slade delivered an outstanding rendition of the tongue-in-cheek ballad "In Summer."

During the fun, upbeat number "Hygge," which espouses the Nordic go-after-the-good vibe philosophy, Tyler Gallaher stole the show with his hilarious portrayal of Oaken, a short-short-clad shopkeeper and sauna owner.

Ariellys Reynoso and Errol Service Jr. commanded the stage with their captivating portrayals of Bulda and Pabbie, the leaders of the Hidden Folk, a group of mystical beings. Other noteworthy performances include Clint Hromsco as Sven, Kristoff's reindeer and loyal companion; Ralph Prentice Daniel as the pompous, fearful Duke of Weselton; Claire Flynn as Elsa and Anna's loving mother, Queen Iduna; and Ian Black as their father, King Agnarr.

The audience cheered, clapped, and roared with delight as they jumped to their feet during the curtain call, paying homage to the outstanding performances of the entire cast. The extraordinary ensemble includes Melissa Lynne Jones, Jose Contreras, Kate Waldron, Louis Williams Jr., Halle Surgil, Darian Troy, Elizabeth Yanick, Louis Brogna, Gabrielle Luthy, and Leo Carmody. Some select performances feature a powerhouse teen ensemble, including Rileigh Picken, Sydney McHugh, Marty Timlin, David Lafler, Samantha Hayes, Giada Longo, Oliva Davis, and Brendyn Molnar.

The Gateway's 76th season will begin in May 2025 with "42nd Street," "Pretty Woman," "Phantom," "Holiday Spectacular on Ice," "The Rat Pack is Back," and "Dear Evan Hansen."

Treat yourself to an evening under the northern lights and rejoice in this memorable story of sisterhood, acceptance, and the power of true love, which runs through April 13, 2025. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 or visit www.TheGateway.org.

Content Advisory: This show is intended for adults and children five years and older. Children between the ages of three and four are welcome to attend if they can enjoy the production without disturbing others. During Saturday night's performance, the spellbound children remained well-behaved throughout the show. However, children under three years of age will not be admitted.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of "Grant Me a Higher Love," "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships," and "Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic." Her full-length Music Drama, "Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music," is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.