Disney’s Frozen Jr

The Central Coast, NSW, has a long history of supporting youth theatre. Consequently, the standard is exceptionally high. And about 20 years ago, it could be argued that some of the junior productions were equal to or better than the seniors. When I arrived in Launceston last year I was curious to know if the local theatre companies had junior counterparts and no sooner had I had this thought, when relative newcomer Black Box Theatre announced they would be taking students and producing junior productions; ditto with the long established Encore Theatre Co (which will be presenting Beauty and the Beast Jnr next month). 

I’ll admit it, I do love Frozen. Although I had to overcome a few prejudices before I saw it the first time. It was plainly a merchandising BLOCKBUSTER from the get-go and the main song “Let it Go” - both the joy and bane of every young parent’s existence, depending on their attitude to their kid's obsession with the film. This story undoubtedly captured the preschool demographic in a way that no previous Disney film had before - and therefore I suppose I never expected it to be that great. But then I saw it. 

And it was greater than great. It truly set the scene for strong female characters and stories that didn’t centre romance (well, not as the most vital part of the narrative at least). 

And it’s a complicated story. Knowing how fidgety young kids can get watching live performances, I was wondering how a junior production would go, and I’m very pleased to announce that it goes very quickly. At an hour long it’s the perfect length for its core demographic.