As a mom with kids pretty spread out in age, I’ve somehow been living in a Frozen loop for about 13 years straight—with maybe a three-year break somewhere in the middle. I could probably perform a one-woman play of the movie at this point. I still remember sitting in a quiet house one night, finally enjoying the sweet silence that comes after bedtime, when I heard a tiny voice from down the hall softly singing, “Let it go, let it go…” as he drifted off to sleep.

That was my middle child—a boy, sandwiched between two sisters—born into his older sister’s Frozen era, only to relive it all over again when his baby sister came along years later. My house has been filled with Frozen for years: movies, costumes in every size, books, crafts, sing-alongs, themed birthday parties... you name it. So when I saw that 5-Star Theatricals was bringing FROZEN the Broadway Musical directed by Yvette Lawrence to the Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, I jumped at the chance to take my youngest.

My daughter and I received free tickets to opening night in exchange for this article, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Going into the show, I expected the musical to more or less mirror the movie. After all, Frozen is already basically a musical, right? But from the opening number, I realized this was a fresh, adapted version of the story we all know and love.

The plot sticks close enough to the original to keep little ones happy, but adds enough new elements to keep parents (and seasoned fans like me) intrigued. It was so fun to see how the story was adjusted for the stage—with some clever changes to fit the runtime and the format of a live performance.

The talent was incredible—every cast member brought heart, humor, and energy to their role. The two young actresses playing little Anna and Elsa (Catherine Last & Amy Sorensen) were especially delightful. I’m always in awe of kids who can perform, sing, and hold their own in front of a packed theater. My daughter loved seeing performers her size on stage—it made the magic feel that much closer.

(Top Row - Center) Richie Ferris, Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt, (with bottom row) Catherine Last and Amy Sorensen and the company of the 5-Star Theatricals production of “Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical,” directed by Yvette Lawrence and now playing at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.

Looking around the theater, packed with families and kids from toddlers to tweens (even after 7:30 p.m.), I was impressed at how captivated they all were. The show includes favorite songs from the movie, plus a handful of new numbers, energetic dancing, and a little stage magic that had everyone enchanted.

While this musical is not a sing-a-long, one favorite part of the evening was during the iconic “Let it go” number when a teenie-tiny girl in the back of the audience just couldn’t help herself any longer and started belting out the song at the top of her lungs. The whole audience chuckled in acknowledgement that we were all silently singing along and understood that she just couldn’t hold it in any longer. The magic of the moment just filled her little soul to the top!

From a parent’s perspective, I’ve taken my kids to a handful of live shows this year, but this was the first time I was able to show my daughter the orchestra pit and explain how the live music helps bring everything to life. The show was entertaining and enjoyable for all ages. 

My 6-year-old’s review:

“Other kids should definitely see this show. I think anyone who likes Frozen would really like it, and the acting is really good.”

Her favorite scenes? Anna meeting Hans (they had great chemistry and it was really funny), and Elsa’s magical on-stage outfit change.

Ellie Smith, Sawyer Patterson and Frankie Zabilka star in the 5-Star Theatricals production of “Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical,” directed by Yvette Lawrence and now playing at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.

🎟️ A Few Notes for Your Visit:

• Tickets are available online or at the box office.
• Parking is $16 (card only).
• Drinks (including wine!) are sold in the lobby—no food allowed inside the theater, but drinks are fine.
• There’s a small merch table with Olaf keychains, sparkly Elsa capes ($20), pins, and more. Capes sold out quickly!
• Encourage your kids to dress as their favorite Frozen character! I was hesitant - because I’m working on instilling the idea in my kids that you dress up nicely to go to a show - but we were surrounded by mini Elsas, a few Annas and one amazing Olaf costume. Even the grown ups participated in the blue, sparkly theme of Frozen, with glittery outfits and sparkly shoes. So let it go and wear the sparkles, let the kids dress up!

🎭 5-Star Theatricals presents Disney’s FROZEN the Broadway Musical

📍 Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks

📅 Now through July 20

🔗 Tickets and info at https://www.5startheatricals.com/frozen

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