Frozen-Live at the Hyperion: From concept to opening and personal thoughts

Next week, a brand new show will open at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure marking the first time since 2003 that a new show has opened at the Hyperion. Frozen-Live at the Hyperion will be the first "Frozen" show in any theme park that is a true broadway type production created to retell the story of the movie. Previous shows have been small, temporary shows but have the same purpose of reliving the movie. The new show will incorporate the latest in video projecting technology that Disney has used recently in shows like World of Color and Disneyland Forever.


Orgins: Back when Frozen opened in theaters and its popularity was clear, many have speculated that Frozen could be next to be made on Broadway. At the time, Disney stated that a broadway production was being looked into. Others have said that the Hyperion Theater could get Frozen to replace the long running Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. By the time Disney confirmed that their Broadway Division was planning Frozen, no one had any idea that the Hyperion was going to get its own Frozen show.

Pre-Planning prior to announcement: Its been known to some that Walt Disney Imagineerings Entertainment Sector: Creative Entertainment was scouting the Hyperion Theater prior to the official announcement. Many speculated to this point that Aladdin was making way for Tangled which already debuted on Disney Cruise Line and didn't think for a minute that Frozen was the chosen successor. As revealed by a former Aladdin Cast Member in this interview:http://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2016/01/my-time-as-sultan.html , the decision to replace Aladdin with Frozen was made 2 months prior to the official announcement. By the time the word got out last September, workshops were already underway or being planned for Frozen.


The Auditions: Workshop Auditions for Frozen took place both in Southern California and New York City and it was in these workshops that they figured out how to properly cast people for the show. And to appease all ethnicities, the roles were open to everyone regardless of ethnicity. By the time the first auditions were over, it was clear that they were going for a diverse cast just like Aladdin by the time the first video of sneak peeks for Frozen Live at the Hyperion were released.

The Farewell to the previous occupant: Before Frozen could move in, Aladdin had to make his final wish and on January 10th, the final curtain came down on the final performance to the cheers and tears of the audience which also included former cast members of the show. Some of them auditioned for Frozen and will be returning to the Hyperion to bring the new show to life. Months leading up to the closure, the Aladdin Fans attempted to persuade Disney in shelving Frozen and keeping Aladdin but unlike 2010, the voices and the petition did not change Disneys minds this time around. January 10th was also the last day for several attractions (some temporarily and some permanent) as Star Wars Land construction began that month.

Transforming the stage: Like any Disney Parks theater getting a new show, the Hyperion was stripped of everything Aladdin and it began almost immediately starting on the day after Aladdin closed. Even the stage was torn down and rebuilt to the Frozen Crews specifications. The new stage will incorporate a video screen and a roundtable. Curtains were installed on either side of the stage to serve as a projection surface. A giant ice chandelier prop was also brought in pieces and assembled inside the theater. To accommodate the construction, the floor seats closest to the stage were temporary removed and reinstalled after.

New technology: New broadway shows today are using new theatrical tricks and Frozen will be no exception. Disney has improved its use of Video Projections at shows recently and will look to do the same here. For the first time in any stage show in Disney, there will be a new piece of tech that will allow the video projection to "follow" the performer which will help with Anna's Freezing scene. I expect this same tech will be used to transform Elsas dress during "Let it Go"

My Opinion: This new show as I'm seeing and hearing looks to be a promising stage show and should be a hit. I know peoples expectations will be really high for 2 main reasons:

1.) Aladdin ran for 13 years which is a testament to the care and quality and effort to create this show. Basically, whatever replaces a long running show must be as good if not better than what it replaced.

2.) Its Frozen. Frozen is one of Disneys most successful movies to date. With most of the Frozen offerings the past 2 years being lackluster (aside from the Royal Theatre show and the Storybookland Model), this is a chance, alongside the Frozen Attraction at EPCOT to give Frozen the quality attractions it deserves.

For me, it needs to be successful in its own right and doesn't need to top Aladdin and thats what the crew should be focused on: Make a quality show no matter what.

As someone thats also a huge Aladdin Musical Spectacular fan, let me say the news also struck me in the heart as it did to any fan. But as a long time pass holder, i've seen things come and go. Some of the attractions and shows that were around when I started being an AP closed forever. While its sad to see some favorites go, we all must also remember that theme parks are always constantly evolving and changing. And Disney parks are meant to cater to everyone that enters its gates and not just those that have Annual Passes and come every day. Aladdin stayed for a long time because of us. We kept it strong in reviews that encouraged Disney to keep it for 13 years. But the winds of change came and it was time to set the genie free. While Frozen is in the Hyperion and what comes after it leaves, I'll support the cast with the same love and dedication that I gave to Aladdin. 

Many are "Burnt" out of Frozen but i'm one of the few that isn't. But even if you're tired of Frozen, you'll at least be impressed with the technology and how it could be implemented in other parks. So lets give the cast a warm welcome when the show opens.

NOTE: My opinion is my own and does not reflect the opinions of other fans and those working with the Walt Disney Company.