California Regional Theatre is enchanting audiences with its stage adaptation of Disney's 'Frozen,' now playing at the Center for the Arts in Chico, California. Directed by Bob Maness, with music direction by Chloe Brandi and choreography by Ciera Green, the production brings the beloved animated film to life, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale 'The Snow Queen.' The story follows sisters Anna and Elsa, a princess and a queen, but unlike many Disney tales, the true love here is sisterly.
Maness emphasized, 'My favorite thing about 'Frozen' is that it's really a story about love between sisters. While there are fun characters, great music, and lots of adventure, at its heart it's about family, acceptance and learning to embrace who we are.'
Actors Shannon Frohlich and Leila Brimm portray Anna and Elsa, respectively, and both expressed a deep connection to their roles. Frohlich shared, 'It feels unreal to play a character that so many people grew up with and can recognize immediately.
I saw Disney's 'Frozen' when it first hit theaters back in 2013. I was 12 years old, and seeing a Disney princess who had red hair and was bubbly and awkward meant so much to me at the time.
I remember secretly dreaming about what it would be like to play her one day. Getting to step into that secret dream now feels so special.
Most of all, it's an honor to get to be that for other young girls in the audience.' Brimm, as Elsa, rehearsed scenes on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Center for the Arts in Chico.
The production features a large cast of over 25 actors, including Genevieve Martin as Young Anna and Emily Sandberg as Young Elsa, both delivering exceptional performances. The full cast also includes Derek Anderson, Thomas Burks, Andrea Dimock, Sawyer Dimock, Dan Durett, Corban Fowler, Max Greeson, Margaret Jenkins, Colby Kennedy, Jannika Kremer, Isabelle Moreno, Logan Moreno, Regan Murray, Kris Nichols, Chaz Phillips, David Ratner, Kylin Renee, Michael Rich, Jordan Smith, Zoe Smith, Christopher Sullivan, and Julia Walton.
Beyond the familiar characters and catchy songs, the musical offers much to love. The costumes are beautiful and faithful to the film, and lighting designer Brandon Morgan paints the stage with gorgeous light.
Puppets created by Josiah Robinson look like they could have come straight from a Disney Park. Kylin Renee, a former Miss Gold Nugget Queen and recent high school graduate, plays Olaf as a life-size puppet.
Renee, who also played Olaf in a 2019 'Frozen Jr.' production, said, 'Olaf reminds me how far I've come and where hard work and dedication can get you! If you need some extra joy and Disney magic in your life, 'Frozen' is the show to see.'
Audiences can expect familiar songs along with a few new ones. Maness expressed gratitude: 'We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our audiences, volunteers, donors and sponsors.
Because of that support, we can continue creating meaningful theatrical experiences and sharing the magic of live performance with people of all ages. The arts thrive when a community embraces them, and we are fortunate to be part of a community that values and celebrates this amazing art form.'