By Director Charlie Williams
My Frozen journey at Diamond Head Theatre began in 2017 with pre-Broadway production of Frozen in Denver, Colorado. I think it's safe to say that we've all gone through a lot since those simpler pre-covid times. But beyond that ONE song that we all know every word to (whether we like it or not), the key points of this musical still ring true today. At its core, Frozen centers around the devastating dangers of isolation, the immense importance of self expression, and true love's undeniable power to conquer even the coldest and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that life can throw our way.
I'm beyond grateful to be setting this show at Diamond Head Theatre, LITERALLY at the base of our own North Mountain! Imagine if Diamond Head itself froze overnight and what this amazing community would be called to do in such a time of crisis. The Hawaiian culture has been so inspiring as we've rehearsed this show. Community is an arch stone of Frozen and there is truly nowhere else on earth that I've felt a stronger community than here on Oahu at Diamond Head Theatre. I know it sounds a bit crazy (I love crazy) to say that the people of Hawai'i were meant to tell this story that is based in the fjords of Norway, but I stand by it. Being here and experiencing this community and culture of Hawaii has led to a production of Frozen that is honestly bursting at the seams with love more than any other production I've worked on around the world. This show, in this place, is special and something I will never forget.
In discussion of the show, I would be completely remiss not to mention the remarkable female powerhouse known as Jennifer Lee. She has been, and continues to be, the driving force behind all iterations of everything Frozen since writing and directing the original 2011 movie (based loosely on Hans Christian Anderson's 1845 fairytale The Snow Queen). Her book, combined with the iconic music of hit makers Bobby and Kristen Lopez, make Frozen The Musical an absolute thrill to be a part of all these years later. This is my 7th production of the show and I'm still discovering the seemingly unending depths of their brilliance and storytelling. Jennifer Lee currently serves as CCO of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Our show is for everyone of all ages and we hope that it connects with you wherever you are along life's journey. This musical is purposely different from the film in many ways, and we hope that that allows you to find a new understanding of our simple story about the power of a family's love (both chosen and blood relation). Anna and Elsa's epic journey to find each other ultimately leads them to their own self discovery therefore ensuring each other's safety. Let that serve as a great reminder to us all when our own world seems a bit dark and scary, that someone in our community is on their way to warm our hearts and shine light into darkness. As our beloved Olaf says in act 2.... "Some people are worth melting for."
