REVIEW: 'Frozen in Concert' adds a magical touch to the Disney classic
It's not an exaggeration when I say I've watched Disney's Frozen about a hundred times. I have watched the film nearly every year since its release a decade ago and have committed the songs and some of the lines to memory. But watching Frozen in Concert with the Filharmonika Orchestra playing the beautiful score made it feel like it was my first time watching the beloved movie again.
The show, which was held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, ran like a typical movie screening. Viewers, which were mostly families with kids dressed up as Anna and Elsa, were treated to the full film while the Filharmonika Orchestra played the 22 score pieces originally by Christophe Beck, and songs written by husband-and-wife duo Robert Lopez (who's Filipino American) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Conducted by Mhaze Lim, the Filharmonika Orchestra stayed faithful to the Disney film's soundtrack, if not adding subtle changes here and there for flair. Hearing the score in person definitely brought more emotion to some of the scenes like the death of Anna and Elsa's parents in the opening sequence (which I got teary-eyed over for the first time) and when Anna sacrificed herself for Elsa in the ending.
In addition to the 66-piece orchestra, the guest vocalists captured the hearts of those watching and got them wanting to sing along, too. Joreen Bautista shined as the optimistic princess Anna—you can hear the bubbly energy in her voice and she even had the silly parts of Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? down to a tee. Playing queen Elsa was Gab Pangilinan, who had the difficult task of singing Let It Go (originally sung by Broadway legend Idina Menzel). Donning a sparkly silver dress, Pangilinan had the ice queen's vibe down and belted each note with ease.
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
Jarod Arevalo / Film Concerts PH
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Serving as a foil to the leading ladies, Reb Atadero and Laurence Mossman also embodied their characters Prince Hans and Olaf, respectively. It was a treat to listen to Mossman perform the In Summer ballad—he showed his vocal and comedic chops in the song's operatic ending. Meanwhile, Atadero sounded like a dreamy Disney prince that you'd forget Hans was the surprise villain in the film.
One word can encapsulate the experience of catching Frozen in Concert: Magical. It's more than just the iconic film, which I can't believe is now 11 years old—it's the moving music that elevated the viewing experience and the singers that brought the characters to life. It's the kids who came dressed as Anna and Elsa, reminding that Frozen's timeless story about sisterhood love still rings true and resonates with audiences of today. The next time you'll probably see fans in costume is when the third Frozen film comes out in 2027, but we already can't wait to see Frozen 2 translated for the stage, too.
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Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe is an official media partner of 'Frozen in Concert.'