Over the course of its more than 100-year history, the Walt Disney Company has created some of themost beloved and lasting films of all time. From theiranimated classicsto their live-action endeavors and, of course, theirtheme parks, the Mouse House’s legacy is built on their unforgettable storytelling. While it may be impossible to choose just one entry from Disney’s canon as its absolute “greatest,” there is one property that is more successful (and inescapable) than the most: 2013’s megahit,Frozen. Becoming a juggernaut almost immediately at the time of release,the film has become an integral part of pop culture and Disney’s catalog, inspiringsequels,theme park attractions, and a stage musical.
Debuting on Broadway in 2018, the stage adaptation launched a North American tour, before transferring to London’s West End, where it really found its footing and became a huge hit, one that was captured for the company’s streamer, Disney+. The pro-shot, which debuted in June 2025, may appear largely similar to the classic Disney film. However, upon a closer glance,the show creates its own identity by subtly changing its portrayal of the characters. In doing so, the show manages to improve the already nuanced arcs and creates an even more satisfying tale by utilizing its new format to its advantage.
‘Frozen: The Musical’ Adds Deeper Nuance to the Characters
Part of what madeFrozensuch a success when it debuted in theaters was itsincredible characters. FromIdina Menzel’s deeply complex Elsa toJosh Gad’s Olaf, the picture was loaded with lovable and smart players. While largely structured in the same vein as Disney’s beloved classics,Frozencontained a level of depth that stood out within the animation genre. However,whenthe stage versionhit Disney+, audiences around the world were able to see just how much deeper the show went in its portrayal of the characters. It may not be obvious right away, as the show is largely faithful to the film story-wise, but thanks to the expanded runtime of musicals, each principal member of the company has their role made more nuanced.
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Beginning with Elsa (played in the pro-shot bySamantha Barks), the movie’s already complex character is given an even more in-depth exploration.Her internal and external battles with her abilities are far more blatant, and therefore more heartbreaking. Unlike the film, Elsa, from the beginning, is eager for Grand Pabbie (Ben Irish) to remove her powers and plays a more active part in her isolation from Anna (Laura Dawkes). Likewise, Anna’s arc plays out in a more complicated way. Her own inner struggles are played out more literally for thepro-shot’s theatricality, giving her a deeper connection with Kristoff (Jammy Kasongo). The ice harvester himself plays a much more integral role in the stage version, in what is perhaps the show’s most thorough expansion. Not only does he arrive on the scene earlier, but his lore is absolutely more thoughtful. His troll family background is replaced by that of the “Hidden Folk,” and they are used to give Kristoff more context. But perhaps the show’s best expansion comes from its new songs.
‘Frozen’s Musical Features Striking New Songs
The mere mention ofFrozenis enough to send “Let It Go” looping through the minds of many. However, the musical adds a slew of new songs into the mix, many of which further deepen its characters.Nearly every principal player gets at least one new song, and each is a beautifully profound feat of storytelling. A great example can be found with “Kristoff’s Lullaby.” It may seem subtle, but the song offers so much more than the movie does in the way of expanding his feelings for Anna. It’s interesting because, for a film so concerned with adding nuance to the stereotype ofDisney couples, it was easily outdone with the simple addition of this song. Audiences get to actually go on the journeywithKristoff, as he discovers his growing feelings for Anna in a thoughtful and touching ballad. Likewise, Anna and Elsa’s relationship (the undeniableheart of the story) gets a more musically complex treatment thanks to the new song “I Can’t Lose You.” Replacing the film’s “For the First Time in Forever (Reprise),” the song’s far less of a push-and-pull tactic, and a more authentic expression of what’s at stake for the sisters. However, there is no denying the show’s most incredible feat of expansion comes with Elsa’s new song, “Monster.”
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Of all the songs written specifically for the stage musical, none are a better example of the show’s deeper focus on character than “Monster.” The song occurs when the villain, Hans (Oliver Ormson), leads his hoard to confront Elsa. During the number, Elsa’s internal conflict plays out with an innate sense of darkness that goes to areas which the film never dared to venture. Shockingly, Elsa even contemplates suicide in an effort to save the kingdom of Arendelle from her ever-growing power. While she does not go through with it, it’s a layer of depth that Disney has rarely explored, even with a film likeFrozen. Indeed, the theatrical version uses its key characteristics to create an arc that viewers will not soon forget.
Frozen: The Musicalmay not seem all that different from its source material at first, but Disney+’s new pro-shot of the stage show reveals that its character arcs are so much deeper than the film’s. The production carefully expands the story’s principal cast to give each member of the company a more involved and nuanced role by adding thoughtful backstories and tantalizing relationships. Additionally, the new songs written for the adaptation truly use the format to its greatest extent. Indeed, the musical is so much more than just “Let It Go.” Even longtime fans of the movie will be surprised by songs such as “Monster,” and the expanded backstories that make the show so great.
Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical
