I really enjoyed reading Green's review. What a breath of fresh air for the NYT! I agree with a lot of his sentiments. I saw the show last week and I enjoyed it. I thought it was good, but it has the potential to be GREAT. I'm very proud of Disney for going in the direction they have with this material, but I agree that Elsa is underwritten or at least closed off from the audience. We don't learn enough about her other than her fear. Anna, on the other hand, has so much more to work with than she's ever had as a character in this adaptation. "Let it Go" is great, but it needs some Defying Gravity-like 'oomph.' To me the dress isn't enough. The whole number happens a little fast and, honestly, it's staging is a little boring (minus the dress change) and safe. Les Mis park and bark can be effective, but not as an act finale. With the necessary writing and scenic/effect improvements, this show (in my opinion) definitely can put itself right up there with some of Disney's best. The blizzard staging is phenomenal. It gave me the same gut punch that I had during Fun Home when (SPOILER?)............ Bruce turns his head and acknowledges Adult Allison for the first time. It's theatricality at its finest.
It just depends how much work Disney puts in between now and February. This show makes me like and appreciate this material more than the movie, which is always a good realization to have watching an adaptation.
P.S. I will say I actually enjoyed the sauna number - overall it provided some much needed comic relief in an overall darker show, and I it's a gag that even the adults in the audience can't help but laugh at.
Updated On: 9/15/17 at 02:03 AM