LEHI — Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical beautifully captures everything audiences love about the original film while expanding the story through breathtaking stagecraft, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable music. The musical is adapted from the 2013 film, expanding story with original creators Jennifer Lee writing the book and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez writing the music and lyrics. At its heart, it’s a story about fear, love, sacrifice, and the extraordinary bond between two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Frozen is directed by Howard and Kathryn Laycock Little for Lehi Arts Council’s 2026 summer musical.
The production opens with “The Hymn to the North,” a number which is especially exciting to experience live. The opening number perfectly sets the emotional tone for the story. During this opening, the performance proved the cast has tremendous vocal ability, and I would love to hear them lean even further into the power of that opening song. Even with bold confidence from the very first note, they had more potential to transform an already beautiful introduction into an unforgettable one.
One of the production’s greatest strengths was the relationship between Elsa (AnnaBelle Garrett) and Anna (Emma Johnson). Emery Pinegar as Young Elsa and Emerson Powell as Young Anna established that bond beautifully. Their chemistry carried seamlessly into Garrett’s and Johnson’s performances. Johnson and A. Garrett’s beautifully captured the love, hurt, and hope that define Elsa and Anna in the second act duet “I Can’t Lose You”. Their emotional connection never wavered.
“For the First Time in Forever” was a standout ensemble number led by Johnson’s performance. As the gates of Arendelle opened, the excitement on stage became contagious and the kingdom came alive.
“Love Is an Open Door” was a delightful number, with wonderful chemistry between Johnson and Cooper Garrett playing Hans. Additionally, C. Garrett’s transformation from charming prince to calculating villain felt believable and well portrayed.
“Let It Go” absolutely delivered. A. Garrett was breathtaking in this showstopper, and the seamless costume transformation from Elsa’s coronation dress to ice princess gown was one of the production’s most magical moments. This was an achievement of costume designer Becky Cline to bring the magical transformation to life.
There was inconsistency with Elsa’s magical effects on the stage. A few moments felt slightly delayed, though they never diminished AnnaBelle Garrett’s phenomenal performance
One of my favorite characters to follow was Olaf, brilliantly portrayed by Kalin Taylor. Taylor’s warmth reached beyond the stage and into the audience. Taylor represented well Olaf’s signature promise of ‘warm hugs’. That energy was felt constantly throughout the show, reminding us that kindness can thrive even in the coldest circumstances. “In Summer” performed by Taylor was one of the evening’s biggest highlights.
The Hidden Folk, led by Cedric Smith as Pabbie and Emma Elison as Bulda, added warmth, humor, and heart throughout the production.
While the cast deserved every bit of the applause they received, the scenic design by Kurt Elison was wonderful in transforming a high school stage into the enchanting kingdom of Arendelle.
Bryan Johnson‘s puppet and properties work became one of the production’s greatest visual achievements making the production very special. Sven the reindeer was the best example of the great puppetry. The puppetry mechanics were so fluid that Lily Elison playing Sven genuinely looked like a reindeer was galloping across the stage. More than just moving the physical puppet, Elison was equally impressive—her hilarious physical comedy and uncanny facial expressions perfectly captured Sven’s lovable personality. It was easy to forget there was a performer behind the character. The puppetry for Olaf was equally remarkable, looking exactly as audiences remember the iconic snowman from the film. Bryan Johnson’s craftsmanship was familiar, nostalgic, and absolutely brilliant.
Kelsey Phillips Harrison’s choreography brought tremendous energy to the production. The large ensemble numbers, especially “For the First Time in Forever,” made Arendelle feel vibrant and alive. The opening number of act two, “Hygge”, used beach towels and was packed with playful movement, humor, and impeccable timing.
What was the most impressive wasn’t simply the talent of the individual performers, but the genuine trust and connection they shared on stage. This cast of Lehi Arts Council’s summer production of Frozen: The Broadway Musical made Arendelle feel like a real community—and that authenticity is what made the production truly magical.
MORE INFO: Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical is currently playing at Lehi High School Auditorium (180 N 500 E, Lehi, UT 84043) as part of the Lehi Arts Council’s 2026 summer season. Performances run July 10–25, 2026, with evening performances at 7:30 PM on select Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, plus 3:00 PM matinees on July 18 and July 25. Tickets range from $12-16. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Lehi Arts Council ticket page: https://lehiarts.org/tickets/
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