BEHIND THE SCENES
Cool costumes. Elsa's Ice Queen Dress is all hand-painted silk chiffon by Parsons-Meares, a world-class costume shop in New York City. A total of 108 costumes are used in the show.
Disney special appearances. Other Disney performers will join in the story, including beloved characters from "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo."
Everyone sings. Audiences can sing along to popular songs from the movie, including "Let It Go," "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Fixer Upper."
Special effects. Elsa's magical powers will be enhanced by state-of-the-art special effects.
Atlanta is No. 6 stop. "Disney on Ice Presents 'Frozen' " debuted in Orlando on Sept. 4, 2014, and will hit 37 different cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Other tidbits: Transporting production materials requires 11 trucks. The 39-person cast hails from 11 different countries. The ages of skaters in the show range from 18 to 47.
SHOW PREVIEW
“Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’ “
Oct. 8-Oct. 12. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday (Oct. 8-9); 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 10); 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Oct. 11-12). Ticket prices start at $15. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.philipsarena.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
For those of us who can’t let it go, the immensely popular Disney movie “Frozen” now takes center stage on ice.
Breaking free of the traditional set, “Frozen” performs on a snowflake-shaped stage and skillfully incorporates ice and cold to help bring the animated film to life.
Everything from a blizzard created by snow machines to a video projection canopy over the ice help transport audiences to Arendelle, the North Mountain, and beyond.
“Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’ ” arrives at Philips Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 8 for a five-day run.
By now, many of us know the songs "Let It Go," "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Fixer Upper." Parents with young kids know every lyric, maybe even every line of the movie.
“Frozen,” which has already become the top-grossing animated film of all time, resonated with girls everywhere. While there are the sweet mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf, above everything “Frozen” is a story that captures the love and bond between two sisters, Anna and Elsa.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently interviewed Taylor Firth from New York, a former competitive figure skater, who portrays Princess Anna.
Q: What is it like to play the role of Anna?
A: It's amazing. Those little kids light up when you come on the ice and it's so fun. There are so many kids who dress up as their favorite Disney character. … It makes me want to portray the character honestly. For me, portraying the role of Princess Anna, I want to bring as much of her energy and bubbly personality as possible onto the ice. She is the stereotypical 15-year-old princess: She is excited and wants to meet everyone, but because she has been so sheltered in life, she is a little awkward. She doesn't think before she speaks. For me, it was super easy because my personality is close to hers. I am a lot like her.
Q: What was it like preparing for the role?
A: The director of the show takes a lot of time with each performer to go over character things, things I wouldn't have thought of — like the way Anna holds her shoulders. At times, it's higher than normal. She is uncomfortable, awkward. And there is a scene in the show when Anna throws a snowball at Marshmallow the big snow monster and I am personally right-handed but Anna throws left-handed, so I had to throw the snowball left-handed. It took a little practice, and at first I couldn't throw a snowball very far with my left hand, but I've gotten better.
Q: How long did you rehearse to get ready?
A: We rehearsed for six weeks, several hours each day, long days.
Q: What are your favorite scenes?
A: I love the opening number when different characters — Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, etc., come onto the ice and talk about love and friendship.
My favorite to skate in is “Love Is an Open Door.” The guy that plays Hans — we have been skating five years together. We were “Woody” and “Jessie” together for two years in “Toy Story” (on ice) and we have great chemistry. It’s fun to skate together.
Q: Can you relate to the story of “Frozen”?
A: Yes, absolutely. I have three sisters and we are close. You may be different from your sister but you love each other. There are four of us sisters, and I am the second oldest. I am 23.
Q: While on tour, what are your favorite things to do with your free time?
A: I love sightseeing, cooking, shopping, going to the movies, and relaxing at the hotel. I also love spending time with my friends — whether it is going out on the town or sitting in one of our rooms talking.
Q: What’s it like to live on the road?
A: It's very exciting. I get to be in a different city every week, and I am looking forward to exploring Atlanta and in particular going to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Still, all of the travel and performing can be exhausting, so I need to be sure I get my proper rest.
