My first reaction to an amateur theatre company taking on Frozen was “ok, that’s ambitious”. It is a challenging show in every respect: the sets, the costumes, the casting, the puppets, the timing, the effects, the high notes. Additionally, because the musical is so well known and available on Disney+, even if it’s done differently, the pressure really is on to deliver something memorable.
The Stray Cats production in Mandurah this week will send you home smiling and faced with the difficult decision of what you loved most.
Yes, it is different to the London version you can watch on TV. But that’s the point, the Disney+ one is fantastic, but you have to watch it on TV, and it was filmed over multiple performances anyway, using plenty of editing. But this week you can watch the musical live and walk away on a high.
You immediately feel the magic and escape that belongs to Frozen, as the familiar music, played by Vanitha Hart’s first class orchestra, gets things underway. The sounds of Frozen are deep and magical… the chanting, the drama, the action, it all needs good music and, as with all Hart’s shows, this music is done right, with no hint of it not being professional. This backing cannot be understated as it, in turn, allows the cast to perform with confidence and abandon.
Frozen is a big show and needs big sets, and the three truck loads worth of scenery here were the best I have seen Stray Cats do so far. Lots of work went into the many and varied scenes, including those that were only to be used once in the show. This created an image that, again, provided the cast with surety and enabled something special. Likewise, the costumes hit the spot, remarkably true to the original film and show.
If it’s not already obvious, now’s the time to stop and mention that this was truly a group effort of a production. The ensemble sounded and looked fantastic, and the leads were really well cast. On and off stage, everybody had to work together to bring this risky show together and deliver the spectacle that they have.
Jordyn Gallop (Elsa) and Remy Deleo (Anna) complemented each other really well. Gallop had all the class, poise, and elegance belonging to the royalty she played. She allowed the audience to really understand Elsa’s intentions and conflicts within the events that unfold. Deleo’s talent was an obvious choice for the goofy but big-hearted little sister. She embraced the wide spectrum of songs and moments involved with enthusiasm in a performance to be proud of. (And their harmonies made the theatre melt!)
The story may be about two sisters but the blokes in the cast were also brilliant. Their energy and talent was obvious. Braeden Geuer as The Duke of Weselton was an absolute classic. Matthew Walford as Hans was an imposing presence on stage who managed the transition from charming to bad guy convincingly and had a standout voice. Jioji Nawanawa was the perfect choice for Kristoff and acted and sung with ease. They were all three sensational and did each character absolute justice.
Liam Fowlie replicated the Olaf we all know and love, with his love, warmth, and optimism, so much so that you wonder if he was in the original film.
This was the first amateur performance of Frozen in WA and it was a wonderful show. Act One is a long build up to the highly anticipated Let It Go that will leave you wanting to give a standing ovation at intermission. But then the second Act does the same, continuing the momentum as it builds towards “Colder By The Minute” and the finale, all with emotion, variation, and an intensity that never drops.
Where Broadway has the advantage of budget and effects, Stray Cats achieves the same outcome with heart, a love of the theatre, striving for excellence, and team work. Song after song, you will enjoy the production. I’ll be back to watch it again tomorrow and I suggest you don’t miss out!
P.S. check out a whole stack of videos from backstage at this production on my Instagram!
