Frozen Live at the Hyperion – the New Must-See Musical at California Adventure
New at Disneyland is a musical unlike anything you have ever seen. Frozen Live at the Hyperion opened this week at Disneyland California Adventure, and I was lucky enough to be in the fourth row for this incredible performance on opening night.
Photo by (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
Frozen Live is a magical experience designed for the whole family. Clocking in at only 45 minutes, Frozen will introduce your child to the wonder of musicals with an innovative design, doors that appear from the sky, characters who fly, falling “snow” and yes, even a chandelier that falls from the sky a-la “Phantom of the Opera.”
Incredible eye-popping imagineering is mixed in with a traditional Broadway performance with the familiar characters you know and love from Frozen. The characters really come alive in person, with Anna’s quirky and jovial personality and Elsa’s magical abilities creating snow, crystals and an entire palace right before your very eyes.
Photo by (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
The story sticks closely to the movie, which every Frozen fan will appreciate. Now I know what you are wondering, how do Olaf and Sven come to life onstage? Through the magic of anthropomorphic puppetry (think “The Lion King”) and a centaur-like reindeer that is part-human, part puppet. I don’t want to give too much away, because I love surprises in musicals and movies, but they absolutely steal the show. Simply put, you cannot help but grin every time they are on stage, or in the aisles.
Olaf Dreams of Summer – Photo by (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)
Characters appear from every part of the theater, with some surprises and yes, even some flying. Costume changes happen instantly before your eyes, characters disappear below the stage, and a few people make surprise appearances.
But at the heart of this show is a tale of two sisters. Their personalities really come to life and are acted and sung beautifully. Expectations are high for a show like Frozen. My daughter was still in my belly when Frozen first came out, so I had been hearing about the movie, seemingly everywhere, for some time before my daughter first heard “Let It Go.”
Photo by (Piotr A. Redlinski/Disneyland Resort)
I kept wondering if my daughter would catch Frozen Fever (but really, I should not have had any doubt!). My sister is five-years younger than me. Growing up, I heard “A Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” almost every day for years as a child. I still know just about every word to those movies! Would Harper feel the same way about Frozen?
The answer is an emphatic YES! Simply put, she loves all things Frozen, has both Elsa and Anna dresses, and we sing and dance to Frozen almost every day.
The musical had a lot to live up to, but it was better than I could have ever imagined. Frozen Live at the Hyperion is a must-see this summer at Disneyland’s California Adventure. Check their site for daily showtimes. The theater holds 2,000 seats, and Frozen is performed up to three times a day on peak days.
And if you have a very little one, I recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones and an ipad or phone (I always pack them for shows and musicals, just in case! Turn your brightness all the way down and plug in the headphones so as not to disturb anyone around you!).
And let me know what you think of Frozen Live!