Frozen - Live at The Hyperion

[FerretAfros]

Aladdin at least had a new song (Jasmine's song, can't exactly remember the name right now). I dunno, everyone's entitled to their opinion and I don't wanna argue with anyone; I just feel like they could have been a bit more liberal with the source material instead of sticking to it so much if that makes sense. I'm really not trying to start an argument or anything.

I would have also liked to see a little more artistic interpretation of the source material. It seems like every time we've seen Frozen used, from the sing along to the Epcot ride to their appearances on Once Upon a Time (where nearly all other characters have a drastic departure from their iconic looks), it's been essentially a copy-and-paste job of the designs from the movie

Although Aladdin stayed pretty true to the film's storyline, it added the new song and had a different visual style. The costumes were clearly inspired by those in the film, but had their own unique look; the sets were completely different. It seems like the costumes, sets, and video effects for Frozen were all taken directly from the film

Even the puppets seem to be nearly literal translations of the characters into 3D space (with Olaf's puppeteer dressed in a Russian outfit for some unknown reason), rather than the more artistic approach taken for the elephant in Aladdin

The only real departures I've noticed from photos and videos is Elsa's coronation dress that makes her look like a football player (due to the requirements of the quick-release costume change) and Kristoff's terrible haircut. I've already seen the movie, so what new elements does this production bring?

Nearly every theme park show I can think of has some major departures from the source material, no matter how formulaic the production. I think the various Lion King shows and parades did the best job of having radical new interpretations, while still being recognizable. Although the Frozen show looks like it has a ton of incredible technical effects, I'm disappointed that so much of the style is a direct copy from what we've already seen in the film

 

[VJ]

I would have also liked to see a little more artistic interpretation of the source material. It seems like every time we've seen Frozen used, from the sing along to the Epcot ride to their appearances on Once Upon a Time (where nearly all other characters have a drastic departure from their iconic looks), it's been essentially a copy-and-paste job of the designs from the movie

Although Aladdin stayed pretty true to the film's storyline, it added the new song and had a different visual style. The costumes were clearly inspired by those in the film, but had their own unique look; the sets were completely different. It seems like the costumes, sets, and video effects for Frozen were all taken directly from the film

Even the puppets seem to be nearly literal translations of the characters into 3D space (with Olaf's puppeteer dressed in a Russian outfit for some unknown reason), rather than the more artistic approach taken for the elephant in Aladdin

The only real departures I've noticed from photos and videos is Elsa's coronation dress that makes her look like a football player (due to the requirements of the quick-release costume change) and Kristoff's terrible haircut. I've already seen the movie, so what new elements does this production bring?

Nearly every theme park show I can think of has some major departures from the source material, no matter how formulaic the production. I think the various Lion King shows and parades did the best job of having radical new interpretations, while still being recognizable. Although the Frozen show looks like it has a ton of incredible technical effects, I'm disappointed that so much of the style is a direct copy from what we've already seen in the film

This was exactly what I was trying (but not doing a very good job) to say. I agree completely.

 

[flynnibus]

Well, what's the point of watching a stage show if you might as well watch the movie?

And when a band plays their songs from an album, what do you think?

It's about a performance - and the stage adaptation of what was a film.

Doesn't sound like you've been to these kinds of shows before. Check them out, I think you'll be impressed

 

[Rich T]

I would have also liked to see a little more artistic interpretation of the source material. It seems like every time we've seen Frozen used, from the sing along to the Epcot ride to their appearances on Once Upon a Time (where nearly all other characters have a drastic departure from their iconic looks), it's been essentially a copy-and-paste job of the designs from the movie.

I do think the minimalist sets, genius use of digital projection, visible puppeteers, plussed-up ending and clever, impressionistic staging of things like the parents' death and the chasm jump keep this from being just a photocopy of the film. I don't mind that they stuck to the film's overall visual style. When Sven and Olaf are done *this* well, then I'm glad they stuck to the original designs. This is a Disney park; seeing familiar animated characters come to life so engagingly is something you can't find anywhere else. I do agree that they could have (and might still) found/find ways to imaginatively condense the story further. Everyone's seen the film; we don't need to see Hans passing out blankets.

Why see this? The joy of live performances by talented people of solid musical material and well-written gags. I don't need a slew of new jokes when I go see a local production of The Wiz or A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum.

I'm not disagreeing with most of your post; If they'd done something completely out-there that turned out to be as good as, say The Lion King Celebration, that would have been awesome. But a lot was at stake here and they chose to play it safe. And I do think the show would benefit from at least ten minutes worth of trims and condensing. But the very fact that it's live, performed by talented folks giving it their all, is enough to make it a worthwhile experience for me.

 

[Curious Constance]

Given the audience for this show is going to include thousands upon thousands of little kids who LOOOOOOOVE Frozen, I think it's smart to keep it close to the original. Nothing annoys kids more than if you change their favorite movie/character, etc.

Broadway can take more risks because it isn't as geared to kids as a theme park show is.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Broadway can take more risks because it isn't as geared to kids as a theme park show is.

Exactly. One of the primary considerations in any Disney theme park show is going to be the general taste level of the audience, which means viewers aren't coming to see a high-brow artful interpretation of the source material. Still, Frozen Live does seem to be a clever theatrical experience that does a good job of steering clear of being just another run of the mill theme park character show.

 

[flynnibus]

This is the first I've seen of this Elsa, love her voice.

She's pretty solid! I like how she fits it to her ability. I guess that view shows that rotating bridge isn't exactly the best for all seats

 

[flynnibus]

Exactly. One of the primary considerations in any Disney theme park show is going to be the general taste level of the audience, which means viewers aren't coming to see a high-brow artful interpretation of the source material.

Guests want to be impressed.. don't treat them like they are stupid. It's not like we are talking about signing in a foreign language to be true to an opera's source. Interpretations like we've seen in the Lion King production WOW viewers, not challenge their interpretive skills. I hope Disney keeps aiming higher. Nemo was a good start for WDW.. but its got a long ways to go.

Death to simple dancing choreographed shows with recorded soundtracks. It's not a theme park show.. it's a DISNEY SHOW. Let them aim to impress, not placate.

 

[Phroobar]

Magic Mountain has a pre-recorded Bugs Bunny show. That just wouldn't fly at a Disney park. It wouldn't fly at Universal anymore either.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Given the audience for this show is going to include thousands upon thousands of little kids who LOOOOOOOVE Frozen, I think it's smart to keep it close to the original. Nothing annoys kids more than if you change their favorite movie/character, etc.

Broadway can take more risks because it isn't as geared to kids as a theme park show is.

You have no idea how disappointed I was to attend a Disney on Ice event in the early 80 to find it was mostly ice and very little Disney. Not as much Disney as I (at 7 or 8) was expecting.

 

[Rich T]

Magic Mountain has a pre-recorded Bugs Bunny show. That just wouldn't fly at a Disney park. It wouldn't fly at Universal anymore either.

Is it anything like "Bugs Bunny's Bourbon Street Follies" that played at Marriott's Great America in its first seasons? I actually liked that show at the time (all because of Mel Blanc's recorded singing), but it's a grade-school assembly presentation compared to something on the level of Frozen Live. The theater was pretty nice, though.

 

[TP2000]

Magic Mountain has a pre-recorded Bugs Bunny show. That just wouldn't fly at a Disney park. It wouldn't fly at Universal anymore either.

This is the "big show" they offer during peak seasons at the bigger Six Flags parks that have a "theater" space to use.


Suddenly DCA's new Frozen stage show just got even better.

 

[Phroobar]

This is the "big show" they offer during peak seasons at the bigger Six Flags parks that have a "theater" space to use.


Suddenly DCA's new Frozen stage show just got even better.

That is exactly what I saw! Except it wasn't Mel Blanc but a very bad imitation.

 

[Rich T]

This is the "big show" they offer during peak seasons at the bigger Six Flags parks that have a "theater" space to use.


Suddenly DCA's new Frozen stage show just got even better.

From the still image, it looks like the show is giving that girl on the right a migraine.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Magic Mountain has a pre-recorded Bugs Bunny show.

That just sounds terrible.

Then TP posted a video to prove it. We got the beat.

 

[Stevek]

This is the "big show" they offer during peak seasons at the bigger Six Flags parks that have a "theater" space to use.


Suddenly DCA's new Frozen stage show just got even better.

Oh my...that's embarrasingly bad.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

Disney has released a promo reel on the casting of Frozen Live.

 

[Old Mouseketeer]

Is it anything like "Bugs Bunny's Bourbon Street Follies" that played at Marriott's Great America in its first seasons? I actually liked that show at the time (all because of Mel Blanc's recorded singing), but it's a grade-school assembly presentation compared to something on the level of Frozen Live. The theater was pretty nice, though.

Funny story--they put that show in Canada's Wonderland a few years later without removing Dudley Dooright, who is hated in Canada. They had to quickly remedy that! LOL

 

[brb1006]

You have no idea how disappointed I was to attend a Disney on Ice event in the early 80 to find it was mostly ice and very little Disney. Not as much Disney as I (at 7 or 8) was expecting.

This must have been pre-Disney On Ice X 100 Years Of Magic Celebration. What did Disney On Ice used to be during the 80's back when it was new?

 

[5thGenTexan]

This must have been pre-Disney On Ice X 100 Years Of Magic Celebration. What did Disney On Ice used to be during the 80's back when it was new?

I honestly can't remember much of the show. I do remember thinking "is that it?". In my memory it was more of an ice skating show that had Mickey and others here and there. It was not ALL Disney like I was hoping it was going to be at the time.