A magical musical spectacle of sisterhood and the courage to be yourself
Few Disney stories feel as close to Finnish hearts as the winter magic of Frozen.
Based on the hugely popular animated film, the musical tells the story of Queen Elsa, whose uncontrollable magical powers plunge the kingdom of Arendelle into eternal winter. Elsa flees to an ice palace she has conjured in the mountains, but her younger sister Anna sets out after her to bring back both Elsa and summer.
Director Samuel Harjanne first encountered Frozen even before the film was released in 2013, when he sang in the chorus for the Finnish-language dubbed version. It was not until the premiere, however, that he realised just how wonderful the film was.
“It has some really great songs and brilliant characters. I was delighted by how central the bond between Anna and Elsa is to the entire arc of the story,” Harjanne says.
He is also drawn to the way Frozen challenges preconceptions about what princesses and princes are supposed to be like.
“Disney chooses its stories very intelligently, and the way it tells stories for mainstream audiences is remarkably sensitive towards many minorities,” says Harjanne, for whom Frozen is already his fifth Disney musical as a director.
In a relatively short time, Frozen has achieved the status of a modern classic. Since so many audience members have a special relationship with the film, Harjanne feels it is important that its world and characters remain recognisable on stage.
“The greatest challenge is transforming the Main Stage at Helsinki City Theatre into a Nordic summer landscape that suddenly turns into an icy winter. Snow and ice can easily end up looking like plastic props.”
The beloved characters Olaf and Sven present challenges of their own.
“One is a snowman who lives, breathes and even melts, while the other is a reindeer. How can we bring them to life in a way that is both magical and believable?”
Ingenious music
The music of Frozen ranges from pop-influenced ballads and sweeping choral numbers to shades of Nordic folk music.
Harjanne believes the music appeals to the emotions while skilfully driving the story forward.
“Through the intricacies of musical dramaturgy, we are introduced to the characters and given an insight into the inner worlds and lives of even the supporting characters. It is storytelling that is very hard not to love.”
He believes the song Let It Go is one of the reasons behind Frozen’s enormous popularity. “It is a power ballad with a deeper message that resonates with many people on a profoundly emotional level.”
In addition to the hits from the film, the stage version features more than ten new songs. They were written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also composed the music for the original film.
Inspiration to live life to the fullest
Elsa and Anna approach life in very different ways. Anna has an unwavering belief in true love, even though she does not really know what it means.
“Many of us would immediately dismiss that kind of naivety, but I find it moving how she always sees the positive side of things and justifies her choices through her belief in such a powerful force,” Harjanne says.
What fascinates him about Elsa, meanwhile, are her magical powers and the way she has been taught from an early age that they must be hidden and suppressed.
“When you look at how certain cultures, religions or minorities are silenced around the world, there are many parallels: do not feel, do not follow your own impulses. But what happens when someone breaks free from those restraints and finally dares to live the way they want?” Harjanne reflects.
Ultimately, the stories of Anna and Elsa are also about having the courage to be yourself.
“Sarcasm and cynicism are familiar to us Finns, so I hope the show brings a touch of optimism to people’s lives and inspires them to live life to the fullest without holding themselves back.”
Text Ida Henritius