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Always a delight, the Grand Theatre’s highly anticipated holiday production delivers. The Grand’s production of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical is currently running in London, Ontario, built around the beloved story of sisters Elsa and Anna. It features Kelly Holiff as Elsa, Chariz Faulmino as Anna, a double-cast Young Company, and a strong creative team led by Artistic Director Rachel Peake, emphasizing theatre magic moments that bring Arendell to life on the Spriet Stage. One lovely magic trick was when her daughter transformed white chocolate to blue at the opening night post performance party.
Disney’s Frozen follows the journey of two sisters, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, whose bond is tested by Elsa’s magical, uncontrollable powers. After fleeing their kingdom, in order to protect others, Elsa unintentionally casts Arendelle into eternal winter. Determined to reunite with her sister and save their home, Anna embarks on a perilous adventure filled with love, laughter, and unexpected friendships. The story explores themes of family, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of true love.
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This holiday production does not disappoint with an outstanding performance from Izad Etemadi as Olaf. He recently appeared in The Play that Goes Wrong in September, 2025, and the very successful Elf: The Musical which was the Grand’s holiday production two years ago.
To say his puppetry portrayal of Olaf stole the show in many of the scenes may be an understatement, but clearly Izad Etemadi is a fan favourite. The audience burst out in cheers when he first appeared and loved every goofy gesture he made. It was a pleasure watching him shuffle around the stage, making this iconic animated character come to life.
Etemadi has excellent comedic timing and has my full buy-in as the actor behind the puppet. Originally from Victoria, BC, he now calls Toronto home. He spent the summer in Gander, Newfoundland, in a production of Come From Away, which he will retake in the Grand Theatre’s 2026 production. I look forward to seeing him on stage in the spring!
It was also a highlight to see Kelly Holiff as Elsa. I first saw her last year in Million Dollar Quartet as Elvis Presley’s girlfriend, Dyanne. I was impressed with her performance in Quartet (as the only woman onstage); she did not blend into the background. In Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical, she commanded the stage and provided the most powerful voice on it. I was enthralled by her performance as Queen Elsa because of her solo performance and costumes.
Set and costume designer Cory Sincennes did an outstanding job. Details in the costumes worn by Holiff, Faulmino, and Etemadi were intricate and colourful. The sequins sparkled, and the skirts were perfect for twirling! I also enjoyed the puppets created by Puppet Stuff Canada. Sven, the reindeer, was large and lanky (as a reindeer can be), and Olaf was the closest in appearance to the animated movie character. Projection designer Amelia Scott did an excellent job of creating a snowy winter wonderland.
It is a shame we never get to see the genius behind Sven, Richard Lee Hsi. As the actor behind the puppet, you can see why his experience as a Movement Instructor at Grant MacEwan and the University of Alberta is unmistakable. How he moves through the scene in a massive costume is amazing. Goofy, uncoordinated, and humourous are how best to describe his brilliant performance.
Another standout performance is from Mark Sinongo as Kristoff. His singing duets and stage scenes with Chariz Faulmino create a chemistry that is enchanting. Faulmino makes her debut at the Grand Theatre, retaking the same role in the Citadel Theatre‘s production of Disney’s Frozen last February.
The collaboration with the Citadel Theatre continues to be a strong driver in the Grand Theatre’s programming model. This continued collaboration (The Play That Goes Wrong, Heist, and Disney’s Frozen) allows the Grand to share some of the costly sets and brings to London an experienced (tested and true) ensemble. Each production has added regional talent to bring these truly amazing productions to London.
Overall Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical is a beautiful show that families will enjoy. Start your holiday tradition at the Grand.
Did you know: Last but certainly not least, a big shout-out to Young Elsa, Kylie Prouty, and Young Anna, Harmony Holder. These young actors shared the roles with Alba Evora Weiler (young Elsa) and Oakan Oyafuso (young Anna). They alternate evening and afternoon shows to facilitate these young actors.
I was able to interview Holder at the media call and was impressed with her maturity (she’s only 9) and professional demure. I am always curious as to how young actors juggle an intense production with school, and her mother was quick to point out that their school in Toronto is able to accommodate them with Google Classroom.
I am so very pleased, as I thought Ms. Holder’s performance was exceptional. Her enthusiasm and energy mirror the animated young Anna from the 2013 Disney blockbuster. I hope she will return to the Grand Theatre, or I will look out for her at the Stratford Festival (where she played Molly in this year’s Annie).
What you need to know:
Dates: Disney’s Frozen runs between November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: The Grand Theatre Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, London, ON
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.
Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $29.95, but most tickets are in the $65-109 range.
Relaxed Performance: Sunday, December 7, at 1:00 p.m.
Pay-What-You-Can Discounted Ticket Program
I always look for ways to make the arts accessible for any budget. I encourage people to look into the Canada Life-sponsored Pay What You Can (PWYC) performances. On the first Sunday performance of any production on the Spriet Stage, the Grand Theatre reserves a minimum of 150 tickets.
Available in increments of $5, you can access a limited number of tickets online at 12:00 a.m. the day of the performance (I dislike that you are required to get tickets online at midnight, but sometimes it takes a little bit of extra effort for those who want to save $$$)! You can also stand in line an hour before the performance in person at the Grand Theatre to access the last set of tickets tickets. I expect there to be a long line so get there early!
2025/26 PWYC Performance Dates
If you want to participate in this promotion, keep these dates in mind for future productions.
- Disney’s Frozen: Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
- Primary Trust: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
- Piaf/Dietrich: Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
- Mrs Krishnan’s Party: Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
- The Importance of Being Earnest: Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m
- Come From Away: Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
As it has been doing for the last eight seasons, the Grand Theatre is partnering with the London Food Bank Business Cares program to help support those facing food insecurity in the city. Since launching in 2017, the Grand Theatre has raised an eight-year cumulative total of $529,964 through donations made by the audiences, artists, volunteers, and staff.
I encourage you to donate if you have gone to any of the performances during this holiday season.
Disney’s Frozen at the Grand Theatre. Director – Rachel Peake. Music Director – Alexandra Kane. Choreographer – Ainsley Hillyard. Music Supervisor – Steven Greenfield. Set & Costume Designer – Cory Sincennes. Projection Designer – Amelia Scott. Lighting Designer – Jareth Li. Sound Designer – Owen Hutchinson. Stage Manager – Kelly Luft. Photography by Dahlia Katz.
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