Frozen at Slow Burn Theatre Breaks the Ice, Melts Distractions, Freezes a Room Full of Kids in Their Seats and Turns a Family Night Out into Something That Actually Lingers.

December 20th, 2025

Walking into Slow Burn Theatre Company for Frozen the Musical felt like stepping into a shared moment of joy, one of those nights where you can feel the excitement before anything even begins. The lobby at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater was alive with color and movement, with kids proudly dressed as Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Some wore full costumes, others sparkly braids, capes or snowflake accessories. Parents snapped photos, siblings laughed, and you could sense how much this night meant to so many families. Seeing Elsa capes dragging along the floor as kids skipped toward their seats was a perfect reminder of just how much of an impact this show has. It felt like one of those nights families would remember long after the curtain call.

Once the lights dimmed, Slow Burn Theatre Company once again proved why it has become such a beloved part of South Florida’s arts scene. Directed by Patrick Fitzwater, this holiday production of Disney’s Frozen runs through January 4th and delivers a visually stunning experience without ever feeling overwhelming. Set pieces seamlessly transformed the stage into Arendelle, while lighting designer Eric Norbury used icy blues, warm glows and magical transitions to pull the audience deeper into the story. Costume design by Rick Peña added elegance and detail throughout, especially for Elsa, whose first appearance earned audible gasps from the audience.

SBTC Disneys FROZEN – Photo by Tom Craig

That entrance belonged to Lea Marinelli, who portrayed Elsa with a powerful balance of strength and vulnerability, capturing both the character’s confidence and her isolation. Kristi Rose Mills brought warmth and sincerity to Anna, grounding the story’s emotional core, while Jason Ivan Rodriguez delivered a charismatic and steady performance as Kristoff. As Olaf, Kalen Edean drew consistent laughter without ever tipping into caricature, and Milo Alosi portrayed Hans with just enough polish and restraint to keep his true intentions quietly simmering beneath the surface. Supporting performances from Aaron Atkinson as Sven and Michael Materdomini as Oaken rounded out the world of Arendelle with humor and heart.

Photos/footage courtesy of Slow Burn Theatre Company

What truly stood out, though, was the emotional depth of the performances. While Frozen is often thought of as a children’s story, this production leaned fully into the heart of the show: fear, love, isolation and courage. The actors truly connected with the audience. You could see it in the way children mirrored Elsa’s emotions, clutching their parents’ hands during tense moments and breaking into smiles during lighter scenes.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came during “Colder by the Minute.” As Elsa’s inner conflict intensified, something remarkable happened in the theater. The room grew completely still. Children who had been whispering or shifting in their seats fell silent, their eyes locked on the stage. The song carried a weight that even the youngest audience members could feel. It was one of those rare theater moments that reminds you just how powerful live performance can be. No screens, no distractions, just pure focus and shared emotion.

Throughout the show, it was impossible not to notice how inspired the children were. Some quietly sang along, others leaned forward, completely immersed. You could practically see imaginations sparking as kids watched performers who looked like the characters they love, but also like people they could one day become. For many, this was likely their first experience with live theater, and it showed. The applause felt more genuine, the reactions more honest and the excitement more contagious.

Photos/footage courtesy of Slow Burn Theatre Company

That sense of inclusion extends beyond the performance itself. This run of Frozen includes sensory-inclusive performances, open-captioned shows and special family events like a Frozen Family Brunch and a Noon Year’s Eve celebration, reinforcing the production’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement throughout the holiday season.

By the time the final bow came, the audience rose to its feet, not just in appreciation of a well-executed show, but in celebration of the magic they had just shared. Frozen the Musical at Slow Burn Theatre Company reminded everyone in the room why theater matters, especially for young audiences. It inspires creativity, builds empathy and creates memories that last far longer than a single night.

You don’t need to travel far to experience something special. World-class storytelling, emotional performances and genuine magic are happening right here, quieting a room full of children, inspiring future performers and bringing a community together, one song at a time.