Two princesses; two powerful messages

It may be chilly outside, but “Disney’s Frozen” leads Charissa Hogeland and Emily Grace Tucker as princesses Elsa and Anna want you to know the upcoming Gateway musical in Bellport (March 7 to April 13) has been a warmhearted hit with adults.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” said Tucker. “That perception that ‘Frozen’ is for kids and not accepting the fact that it’s a Broadway show.”

As Hogeland nails it, “Please don’t tell me you don’t like make-believe.”

Hogeland, Tucker, director Larry Raben and Gateway executive artistic director Paul Allan spoke to the Advance recently in the Gateway lobby during a lunch break.

“There are four different projections that bring multiple surfaces to life,” said Allan of the technical expertise in place to transform the stage into the mountainous kingdom of Arendelle.

“We’ll see ice traveling around and encompassing the stage that connects to the lighting design. And we have physical bits of plexiglass that break through with the multiplane projection system.”

“It’s thousands of hours of video design,” said Raben. It’s Raben's 13th show with The Gateway, including the two recent blockbusters, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Jersey Boys.”

But it’s the story that resonates as much as the technical wonders, and that’s what enamors adults.

“A lot of women deny their power,” Hogeland said reflectively in discussing her character, Elsa, who tries to hide her magical persona. “But the most powerful thing you can do is step into it.”

“Her parents infuse her with shame,” added Raben, of Queen Iduna (Claire Flynn) and King Agnarr (Ian Black).

But, “Elsa learns to love herself,” said Hogeland.

There is also a resounding sisterhood bond. While different, Anna loves and supports her sibling. “Anna is so fearless in a way that’s the casualness of it, not to be afraid to be herself,” said Tucker. “She’s never afraid of Elsa when everyone else is because of her powers, and she never falters with her faith in her sister.”

There are 34 in the cast and a lot of humor, including a reindeer named Sven (Clint Hromsco) and a snowman, Olaf (Wesley Slade). Many have Broadway, Broadway national tour, regional tour as well as Gateway credits.

“I was a replacement,” said Hogeland of her role starting in 2019 as Elsa in the Broadway “Disney’s Frozen.”“A friend who was in the show got me tickets to see it. I didn’t expect to love it as much and was determined to be in it.” 

Two hotties pine for Anna's love. Ice harvester Kristoff (Christian Brailsford) and Hans (Mark Ryan Anderson).

But one is a baddie. Also, the guys aren’t the saviors. The women are.

Get ready for awesome dancing and music. “Let It Go” was featured in the 2013 film and won a 2014 Oscar for Best Original Song. It’s among the big ones in the show and will be led by international musical director Bryson Baumgartel.

“The way the audience reacts to ‘Let It Go,’ they lose their minds,” Hogeland said. “They’re seeing something that makes them think they can change the world.”

All musicals are, in essence, fantasies, but Raben was asked about shows like “Frozen” and what he tries to emphasize. “The first thing I look for is truth in the family unit,” he said as a foundation. “How is this family structured, what works, and what drives them apart.”

As for the sincere sisterhood not only in character but onstage, Tucker said, “It’s a choice. I always wanted a sister and now I have my ‘Frozen’ family. The world pressures us to be against each other. It would be so easy to look at this human [Hogeland] and wonder, Has she done better than me? But we’re a team.”