Tag: disney

A Flurry of Magic: Frozen Melts Hearts at the Grand Theatre.

by Richard Young

Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop

(Photo by Dahlia Katz)

The Grand Theatre’s production of Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical is nothing short of magical. A dazzling, heart-warming spectacle that captivated everyone in the audience, from the youngest fans seeing their heroes come to life to the adults who found themselves swept up in the enchantment.

Cory Sincennes’ set and costume design is a triumph of imagination and stagecraft. Using layered curtains, striking silhouettes, and dynamic lighting, Sincennes creates a constantly shifting world that feels both storybook and cinematic. The special effects, particularly those used to portray Elsa’s powers, were breathtaking, earning genuine gasps and cheers throughout the performance.

(Pictured: Kelly Holiff as Elsa. Photo by Dahlia Katz.)

Chariz Faulmino (Anna) and Kelly Holiff (Elsa) lead the cast with powerhouse performances that honour the beloved characters while adding emotional depth and nuance. Their younger counterparts, Harmony Holder as Young Anna and Kylie Prouty as Young Elsa, shine with remarkable poise and authenticity, laying a strong emotional foundation for the story. (NOTE: Harmony Holder and Kylie Prouty alternate with Oakan Oyafuso and Alba Evora Weiler in the roles of Young Anna and Young Elsa.)

Mark Sinongco is fabulous as Kristoff, bringing warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of rugged charm to the beloved ice harvester. Izad Etemadi’s brilliant puppetry brings Olaf to life with humour and heart, while Richard Lee Hsi’s physicality makes Sven feel truly larger than life. Lee Siegel is an undeniable crowd-pleaser as Oaken, and his lead in the Act II opener “Hygge” had the entire house roaring with laughter. The number was clearly a fan favourite, kicking off the second act with a joyous, cheeky burst of energy.

(Director Rachel Peake talks about Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical in this video clip.)

Under the inspired direction of Rachel Peake, the production flows with clarity, humour, and heart. Ainsley Hillyard’s choreography infuses each number with vibrant energy, and the ensemble executes every step and vocal line with grace, precision, and infectious enthusiasm.

Adding to the magic was the audience itself: tiny Annas and Elsas sparkling in their costumes, singing along with their favourite songs, their excitement lighting up the theatre. And it wasn’t just the children. Many adults joined in softly singing the iconic melodies, proving that Frozen’s charm spans generations.

(Pictured: Frozen. Photo by Dahlia Katz.)

The Grand Theatre’s Frozen is a spectacular journey that celebrates the power of love, courage, and sisterhood. It’s visually stunning, musically thrilling, and emotionally resonant. A production that truly brings the magic of Arendelle to London.

In the spirit of love and generosity, the Grand Theatre is also collecting monetary donations for the London Food Bank. Audience members are encouraged to bring their loonies, toonies, or any amount they wish to contribute to warm hearts—and bellies—during this season of giving. Donations can be made in cash, by card, or by scanning a QR code in the lobby. Please give generously.

IF YOU GO:

What: Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical, presented by The Grand Theatre
Where: Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre
When: November 18th to January 4th, 2026
Tickets: Disney’s Frozen | The Grand Theatre

Watch the Official Trailer for Disney’s Frozen:

Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop

Canada’s Best. London Made. Grand Theatre Announces 2025/26 Company of Canada’s Best

by Richard Young

Top artistic talent from across the country will come together for the Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 season, “You Are Here.” Today, the Grand unveils its 2025/26 Company – one hundred and twenty-three professional theatre artists from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia – representing Canada’s brightest talents and beloved audience favourites. The company proudly includes twenty-two arts professionals – including actors, musicians, designers, and stage management – who, like the Grand, call London their home.

The season promises to deliver compelling new works, big sets, bigger laughs, spectacular music – and the astonishment, wonder, and delight of pure theatre magic.

Introducing:
The Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Company

Joseph Abetria (Winnipeg, MB) – Costume Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Mary Ancheta (Vancouver, BC) – Music Director – Piaf/Dietrich

Alexander Ariate (Edmonton, AB) – Jonathan – The Play That Goes Wrong

Matthew Atkins (London, ON) – Musical Director – Disney’s Newsies

Vance Avery (Edmonton, AB) – Pabbie – Disney’s Frozen

Deena Aziz (Toronto, ON) – Miss Prism – The Importance of Being Earnest

Peter N. Bailey (Toronto, ON) – Bert – Primary Trust

Darrin Baker (Toronto, ON) – Claude – Come From Away

Judith Bowden (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) – Costume Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Alexa Brown (London, ON) – Trumpet – Disney’s Newsies & Disney’s Frozen

Divine Brown (North York, ON) – Hannah – Come From Away

Karen Burthwright (Toronto, ON) – Supporting Female – Piaf/Dietrich

Jennifer Cahill (London, ON) – Reeds – Disney’s Frozen, Whistles – Come From Away

Melissa Cameron (London, ON) – Stage Manager – Disney’s Newsies, Assistant Stage Manager – Piaf/Dietrich

Crystal Casera (Toronto, ON) – Ensemble – Disney’s Frozen

Andrew Cownden (Vancouver, BC) – Weselton – Disney’s Frozen

Eric Craig (Toronto, ON) – Supporting Male – Piaf/Dietrich

James Daly (Toronto, ON) – Algernon Moncrieff – The Importance of Being Earnest

Tony De Luca (London, ON) – Reeds – Disney’s Newsies

Mike Dufays (Toronto, ON) – Fight Director – Disney’s Newsies

Sheldon Elter (Edmonton, AB) – Oz – Come From Away

Izad Etemadi (Toronto, ON) – Stage Crew – The Play That Goes Wrong, Olaf – Disney’s Frozen, Kevin T – Come From Away

Chariz Faulmino (Edmonton, AB) – Anna – Disney’s Frozen

Rachel Forbes (Toronto, ON) – Costume Designer – Primary Trust

Julie Fox (Stratford, ON) – Set Designer – Primary Trust

Joema Frith (Toronto, ON) – Bob – Come From Away

Julien Galipeau (Montreal, QC) – John Worthing, J.P – The Importance of Being Earnest

Steven Gallagher (Hamilton, ON) – Nick – Come From Away

Dennis Garnhum (Toronto, ON) – Director – The Play That Goes Wrong

Lore Green (Kelowna, BC) – Assistant Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong & Disney’s Frozen

Steven Greenfield (Edmonton, AB) – Music Supervisor – Disney’s Frozen

Marianna Grigg (London, ON) – Cello – Disney’s Newsies

Jordan Guetter (Guelph, ON) – Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong, Assistant Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen & The Importance of Being Earnest

Beyata Hackborn (Edmonton, AB) – Set Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Kristi Hansen (Edmonton, AB) – Disability Consultant – Disney’s Newsies

Jennifer Harding (Buckhorn, ON) – Queen Iduna – Disney’s Frozen

Michael Hart (Stratford, ON) – Stage Manager – The Importance of Being Earnest

Kaylee Harwood (Toronto, ON) – Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax – The Importance of Being Earnest

Deborah Hay (Stratford, ON) – Edith Piaf – Piaf/Dietrich

Ainsley Hillyard (Edmonton, AB) – Choreographer – Disney’s Frozen

Andrew Hodwitz (Toronto, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Ray Hogg (Toronto, ON) – Director – Disney’s Newsies

Kelly Holiff (Toronto, ON) – Elsa – Disney’s Frozen, Janice – Come From Away

Owen Hutchinson (Edmonton, AB) – Sound Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Stephen Ingram (London, ON) – Guitar – Come From Away

Stephen Jackman-Torkoff (Toronto, ON) – Kenneth – Primary Trust

Vanessa Jette (Red Deer, AB) – Sandra – The Play That Goes Wrong

Claire Jullien (St. Catharines, ON) – Lady Bracknell – The Importance of Being Earnest

Kaitlyn Kaemingh (Niagara, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Disney’s Newsies

Alexandra Kane (London, ON) – Musical Director – Disney’s Frozen

Brian Kenny (St. John’s, NL) – Sound Designer – Come From Away

Billy Lake (Stratford, ON) – Lady Stella Clinton / Merriman  – The Importance of Being Earnest

Tsz Ting Lam (Vaughan, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – The Importance of Being Earnest

Erik Larson (York, ON) – Bass – Piaf/Dietrich & Come From Away

Richard Lee Hsi (Edmonton, AB) – Sven – Disney’s Frozen

Krista Leis (Stratford, ON) – Choreographer – Disney’s Newsies

Jareth Li (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Disney’s Frozen & Come From Away

Lawrence Libor (Toronto, ON) – Musician – Primary Trust

Kelly Luft (St. Thomas, ON) – Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen

Jeff Lupker (London, ON) – Guitar – Disney’s Newsies

Andrew MacDonald-Smith (Edmonton, AB) – Max – The Play That Goes Wrong

Terra C. MacLeod (New York, NY) – Marlene Dietrich – Piaf/Dietrich, Dianne – Come From Away

Jawon Mapp (Mississauga, ON) – Robert – The Play That Goes Wrong

Suzanne McArthur (London, ON) – Stage Manager – Piaf/Dietrich, Assistant Stage Manager – Come From Away

Heather McGuigan (Stratford, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Sidnee McLeod (London, ON) – Trombone – Disney’s Frozen

Emily Meadows (Winnipeg, MB) – Stage Crew – The Play That Goes Wrong

Erika Morey (Vancouver, BC) – Stage Manager – Come From Away

Celine Murray (London, ON) – Violin – Disney’s Newsies

Alistair Newton (Victoria, BC) – Director – The Importance of Being Earnest

Finnley O’Brien (Surrey, BC) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Primary Trust

Denise Oucharek (Mississauga, ON) – Bonnie – Come From Away

Bernardo Pacheco (Calgary, AB) – Trevor – The Play That Goes Wrong

Thomas Ryder Payne (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – Primary Trust

Rachel Peake (London, ON) – Director – Disney’s Frozen & Piaf/Dietrich

Scott Penner (New York City, NY) – Set Designer – Come From Away

Honey Pham (Winnipeg, MB) – Annie – The Play That Goes Wrong

Dave Pierce (Los Angeles, California) – Sound Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Anna Pin (London, ON) – Bass – Disney’s Frozen

Emily Porter (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – Disney’s Newsies & Piaf/Dietrich

Kimberly Purtell (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Joshua Quinlan (London, ON) – Set Design Consultant – Disney’s Newsies

Michelle Ramsay (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Piaf/Dietrich

Cherissa Richards (Winnipeg, MB) – Director – Primary Trust

Sarah Richardson (Halifax, NS) – Music Director – Come From Away

Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah (Toronto, ON) – Corinna – Primary Trust

Dave Robilliard (Petrolia, ON) – Drums – Piaf/Dietrich

Ben Sanders (Toronto, ON) – Rev. Canon Chausble, D. D. / Lane – The Importance of Being Earnest

Lorenzo Savoini (Stratford, ON) – Set Designer – Piaf/Dietrich

Amelia Scott (Montreal, QC) – Projection Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Genny Sermonia (Mississauga, ON) – Choreographer – Piaf/Dietrich

Lee Siegel (Fort Erie, ON) – Oaken/Bishop – Disney’s Frozen

Cory Sincennes (Charlottetown, PEI) – Set & Costume Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Mark Sinongco (Edmonton, AB) – Kristoff – Disney’s Frozen

Siobhán Sleath (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Angela Southern (London, ON) – Keyboard II – Disney’s Frozen

Darlene Spencer (Dayton, Ohio) – Beulah – Come From Away

Nicol Spinola (Vancouver, BC) – Choreographer – Come From Away

Cailin Stadnyk (Toronto, ON) – Beverley – Come From Away

Adam Stevenson (Hamilton, ON) – King Agnar – Disney’s Frozen

Abby Stevenson (London, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen & Come From Away

Mirabella Sundar-Singh (Toronto, ON) – Cecily Cardew – The Importance of Being Earnest

Mark Swan (London, ON) – Drums – Disney’s Newsies, Drums / Percussion – Disney’s Frozen

Julie Tomaino (Toronto, ON) – Director – Come From Away

Michelle Tracey (Toronto, ON) – Set Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

John Ullyatt (Edmonton, AB) – Dennis – The Play That Goes Wrong

Tahirih Vejdani (Toronto, ON) – Bulda – Disney’s Frozen

Chris Vergara (Toronto, ON) – Ensemble – Disney’s Frozen

Daniela Vlaskalic (Toronto, ON) – Krista – The Play That Goes Wrong

Aidan Wasse (London, ON) – Bass Guitar – Disney’s Newsies

Olivia Wheeler (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Sarah Wiebe (London, ON) – Violin – Piaf/Dietrich

Alex Wierzbicki (Toronto, ON) – Kevin J – Come From Away

Travae Williams (London, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Imogen Wilson (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Primary Trust

Aran Wilson-McAnally (Edmonton, AB) – Hans – Disney’s Frozen

Stephanie Wolfe (Edmonton, AB) – Hand Maiden – Disney’s Frozen

Ming Wong (Toronto, ON) – Costume Designer – Piaf/Dietrich & Come From Away

Gina Woodward (Halifax, NS) – Apprentice Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong & Piaf/Dietrich

Lisa Wright (London, ON) – Costume Designer – Disney’s Newsies

Morgan Yamada (Edmonton, AB) – Fight & Movement Director – The Play That Goes Wrong

Kai Yueh-Chen (Toronto, ON) – Stage Manager – Primary Trust

Echo Zhou周芷會 (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Disney’s Newsies

 
To learn more about this exceptional cohort of artists, as well as each of the Grand’s 2025/26 productions, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/