Disney's Frozen returns to Casa Mañána through Nov. 15
The Broadway adaptation opens at the Fort Worth theater with a new cast and a run ending this Sunday.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
Leandra Ellis-Gaston takes on the role of Princess Elsa as Casa Mañána brings the Disney hit Frozen: The Broadway Musical to its stage in Fort Worth. The production runs through November 15, marking the latest addition to the theater's lineup of professional Broadway and children's shows.
Sydney Dotson plays Anna, while Paul Schwensen is cast as Hans. The ensemble includes Justin Showell as Kristoff, David Postlewate as Olaf, and Simon Kowalski as Oaken. Other cast members include Taylor Jo Bryant as Queen Iduna and Zach Sutton as King Agnarr. The production features a full company of performers, including Allison Bridgeman, Steven Rios, and Evan Hussey in ensemble roles.
Eugenio Contenti serves as director and choreographer for the production. Contenti has directed works in the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Mexico, with recent credits including the Italian premieres of Amélie and Murder for Two. He has previously directed productions at Casa Mañána, including Rent and The Lightning Thief. Jesse Warkentin is the music director, bringing experience from the International Broadway Tour of An American In Paris and various regional theaters.
Ellis-Gaston, originally from Columbia, South Carolina, recently appeared in the National Tour of Some Like It Hot. Dotson returns to the venue to play Anna, having previously performed in Carrie the Musical at Casa Mañána. Schwensen began acting at age six and has credits in The Book of Mormon and Wicked. Showell, a University of Michigan graduate, has performed in Hamilton and Damn Yankees. Postlewate, based in New York City, previously appeared in The SpongeBob Musical at the same theater.
The creative team includes J Branson as scenic designer, Samuel Rushen as lighting designer, and Brian Pacelli as projection designer. Brian Pacelli also handles projection design, while Allan Branson is the sound designer. Tammy Spencer designs the costumes, and Catherine Petty-Rogers is in charge of hair, wigs, and makeup.
Ticket prices begin at $39 and are available online at www.casamanana.org or at the box office located at 3101 West Lancaster Avenue. The remaining performances are scheduled for November 11 at 6 p.m., November 12 at 7:30 p.m., November 13 at 8 p.m., November 14 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and November 15 at 2 p.m. The final performance on November 15 includes American Sign Language interpretation.
Casa Mañána has operated in Fort Worth for over 65 years. The organization reports that nearly 110,000 people attend its productions annually, with more than 45,000 school children participating in its Children's Theatre programs each year.
