A Child’s Review
My daughter Rebecca was bursting with excitement before the show. She had several weeks to let the anticipation build (and practice singing all the songs, pick out her desired outfit, etc). At 8 years old, Disney’s Frozen and all of the characters have played a very large role in her princess-loving childhood. It was the first movie she ever saw, so there were some pretty high expectations on her part for the musical production!
Rebecca had seen live theatre before, but the Kennedy Center – and the Opera House there – is a different level altogether. She was wowed by the grandeur of the Hall of States and the Opera House, and loved taking time to people watch.
Once we settled into our seats, she wriggled with glee waiting for the 7:30 pm curtain to go up. And once that curtain was raised and the music began, she was hooked. As a theatre lover myself, it was extra special to see my child completely enraptured with a performance. She (and I!) loved it all from start to finish. She gasped, laughed out loud, ooohed and aaahed at the remarkable set, and gave applause freely and frequently. The performance easily held her attention the entire time, and she was grinning from ear to ear throughout both acts. Anyone who knows me well won’t be surprised to know that I also shed, ahem, a few tears.
While there are some new songs (and changes to original songs) in Disney’s Frozen the Musical, the vast majority of the story stays the same. We both loved the addition of the very silly song Hygge in the second act!
Highlights From Frozen The Musical
Before the show began, there was a sweet announcement welcoming all theatre goers who may be experiencing their first live show and encouraging them to pursue a life of theatre appreciation. Disney’s Frozen the Musical clearly caters to a younger audience, and it was quite touching that this is acknowledged. It helps to make the whole experience more meaningful for the younger patrons!
The entire Disney’s Frozen musical was just a joy, but a few things definitely stood out to us. The costumes were so thoughtfully and expertly designed, and the costume changes (looking at you, Let it Go) were impeccable! The talent of the actors was top-notch. I know it’s hard to compete vocally with the likes of Idina Menzel, but Frozen’s cast members totally held their own. The special effects were incredible, too. I was curious how the snow and ice formations would work on a stage, and the electronic effects were truly spectacular and helped to make the stage feel like the snow-covered Arendelle and North Mountain were really right there.
Another aspect that impressed us both was the puppetry. Both Sven the loyal reindeer and Olaf the lovable snowman came to life through some pretty impressive puppetry tricks. At intermission Rebecca expressed a little disappointment that you see the actor controlling Olaf, but we both agreed that by the end of the performance you kind of forget that there is a man on stage controlling Olaf because the character really just takes on a life of his own!
Tips For Taking Kids to Frozen the Musical at the Kennedy Center
- Performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays have the best availability and best pricing for the families.
- The show is best for ages 6+ and tickets are required for all attendees.
- The run time is about 2 hrs 15 minutes including a 20 minute intermission.
- There is street parking around the Kennedy Center or, if you’d rather not circle for parking, on-site parking is also onsite for $25 (pre-pay for a small discount).
- Accessible seating is available.
- The Kennedy Center is such a magical space and your little one(s) will enjoy taking in the sights and the atmosphere before curtain time.
- Pro-tip: if you’re attending an evening performance, get there early – 6 pm – to also catch the free show on the Millennium Stage Wednesdays through Saturdays.
- Smoke and strobe lights are used during the performance of Frozen the Musical at the Kennedy Center.
- There are costumes on display and (paid) photo opportunities.
- Shop their beautiful Frozen the Musical souvenirs, gear, and accessories.
- There is an intermission (perfect time for a potty break!) but be sure to use the bathroom before the performance begins as that line for the restroom can get quite long.
- Costumes encouraged! I think the last time I saw so many little Anna and Elsa-costumed children was back in pre-pandemic times. It was a delight to see, and I’m so glad my daughter also chose to dress up to see Disney’s Frozen the Musical at the Kennedy Center.
Could there be a more perfect show to watch this winter season than Frozen? Go get your tickets today!
