A Kingdom of Heart and Ice: Stagecrafters’ Frozen Melts the Baldwin Theatre
Stagecrafters’ 2025 main stage production of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical at the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak is an example of community theatre excellence. Under the direction of Debbie Landis-Sigler, with Matt Kush as music director and Emilie Florkowski and Coleen Genette as producers, this visually stunning and emotionally rich production transforms the local stage into the magical kingdom of Arendelle.
[Warning: spoilers from Disney’s Frozen are below!]
A tale of two sisters carries Disney’s Frozen
The story begins in the royal palace, where two young sisters—Young Elsa (Macie Campbell at our performance, although double-cast with Amelia Bigelman) and Young Anna (Ellie Schultz at our performance, although double-cast with Evelyn Love Messenger)—share a playful, loving bond until tragedy strikes. When Elsa’s magical ability to control ice and snow nearly harms her sister, their parents, King Agnarr (McKinley Shaw) and Queen Iduna (N’Jeri Nicholson), separate the girls in hopes of protecting them. Years later, a grown Elsa (Zoe Van Slooten) must conceal her powers during her coronation as queen, while her optimistic and adventurous sister Anna (Emily Sameck) dreams of reconnecting. When Elsa’s secret is accidentally revealed, she flees the kingdom, inadvertently plunging Arendelle into eternal winter.
Determined to find her sister, Anna embarks on a perilous journey alongside Kristoff (Michael Martin), a rugged ice harvester, his loyal reindeer Sven (Lori Knoth), and the irresistibly cheerful snowman Olaf (Josh Gray). Along the way, they encounter the eccentric shopkeeper Oaken (Matthew Cross), the wise rock trolls Pabbie (Latress London) and Bulda (Tessa Yeo), and the scheming Weselton (Jeff Weiner). Anna’s budding romance with the charming yet duplicitous Hans (Adam Grey) complicates her quest, ultimately revealing that true love is found not in romance but in the unbreakable bond between sisters.
The cast of this Stagecrafters’ production is worth melting for
This Stagecrafters production thrives on its emotional authenticity and collaborative artistry. Van Slooten’s Elsa is powerful and vulnerable, balancing regal restraint with an undercurrent of longing. Her rendition of “Let It Go” commands the stage with both vocal strength and heartfelt sincerity. Sameck’s Anna is effervescent and brave, her optimism lighting up every scene. Together, the sisters’ dynamic feels genuine and deeply moving, anchoring the story in love and empathy.
Martin’s Kristoff brings warmth and humor, while Knoth’s Sven—a remarkable puppetry performance—adds charm and physical artistry. Gray’s Olaf provides comic brilliance, his performance capturing the snowman’s naïve joy and kindness perfectly. The ensemble adds vibrant energy to the production, creating bustling village scenes and stunning choral harmonies.
Equally impressive is the behind-the-scenes artistry. The costume designers dazzle with ornate gowns, intricate royal attire, and lively village clothing that evoke the Scandinavian-inspired world of Arendelle. The hair and makeup team perfects every icy detail, from Elsa’s sparkling braid to the trolls’ earthy textures. The lighting crew floods the stage with wintry hues and radiant bursts of light, underscoring the emotional beats of the story—cold blues during Elsa’s isolation and warm ambers during her reconciliation with Anna.
Sound design ensures every line and lyric carries clearly through the theatre, blending live vocals with orchestral accompaniment under Matt Kush’s musical direction. The pinrail operators and run crew execute flawless scene changes, seamlessly shifting between the castle, the mountains, and Elsa’s ice palace. Properties, set dress, and special effects teams fill each scene with life, crafting shimmering snowfalls, glowing icicles, and magical bursts of energy that transport the audience into the world of Frozen.
What makes this production so remarkable is the spirit of collaboration. Over seventy-five individuals contribute their creativity and skill to make every moment feel immersive. Each performer, technician, and designer plays a vital role in creating the illusion of a vast, enchanted world within the Baldwin Theatre’s intimate space.
Though community theatre may lack Broadway’s massive budget, Stagecrafters makes up for it with passion, imagination, and attention to detail. The result is an experience that feels both spectacular and deeply personal—a shared celebration of artistry and storytelling.
Stagecrafters’ Frozen is not merely a retelling of a beloved Disney story; it is a shining example of what community theatre can achieve when talent and teamwork unite. From Debbie Landis-Sigler’s thoughtful direction to the tireless efforts of the backstage crews, every aspect of the production radiates dedication and joy. The performances sparkle, the visuals enchant, and the music uplifts, reminding audiences that the true magic of Frozen—and of theatre itself—lies in love, creativity, and collaboration.
Disney’s Frozen is currently running at The Baldwin Theatre, now through November 23rd, so get your tickets from Stagecrafters’ box office! Plan on checking on this local production? Let us know @BoxSeatBabes on all social media platforms!
Review: Frozen the Musical Stuns on its National Tour
