No one saw it coming. The world stopped turning and life as we know it came to a halt. A deadly virus, Covid-19, took the world by storm affecting millions of people across the globe. As a result of the pandemic, Broadway closed their doors to keep its audience and staff members safe. A year and a half later the gates are open wide at the Orpheum Theatre. The Orpheum theatre is Minnesota’s connection to Broadway. The theatre is kicking off its 2021 season by celebrating its 100th year anniversary with “Disney’s Frozen: The Musical.”But before entering the kingdom of Arendale, guests must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test along with wearing a mask indoors to prevent the virus from circulating. This however did not prevent guests from experiencing the magic. “Coming back to the Orpheum was magical after those 18 months without live theatre. With the need for Covid precautions, it was still a grand experience,” said Bianca Caputo, a senior at Cannon Falls High School.

 Fans big and small both physically and symbolically entered the theatre with hopes of being whisked away by beloved princess Anna and Queen Elsa. Caroline Innerbichler (Anna) and Caroline Bowman (Elsa) make their way back to the stage and tell their heartfelt story that will make audience members cheer, laugh, and cry. “Seeing Frozen at the Orpheum was an amazing experience. Every bit of the performance was beyond what I expected from the set to the acting itself. I loved seeing the extent of Kristoff’s love for Anna and how their relationship grew throughout the musical. The scene where he sang to Anna was beautifully done and heartfelt. He definitely became my favorite character after the show.” CFHS Junior, Sophia Hanson remarked. Sophia plays Elsa in Cannon Falls’ upcoming production of “Frozen Jr.” 

While actors shared their top-notch talents by flooding the house with beautiful voices and true acting talents, the magic was awoken by special effects designer, Jermey Chernick, and scenic designer, Christopher Oram. Chernick’s unique artistic touch gave Elsa’s power a magical touch and produced “Oo’s” and “Ah’s” from the audience. Elsa’s storm is made real by a special light that casts a snow-like effect on the stage’s frame. Audience members felt the chill of Elsa’s powers in that moment. Oram’s brilliance shined through in the unforgettable number of “Let it Go” where shear bits of plastic beads glimmered through the light and transformed into fractals of Elsa’s magic that blew many audience members away. Another pin-point appearance of Oram’s talent that was presented was the bridge used in Anna and Kristoff’s song, “What Do You Know About Love?”. Yards of Saran wrap clung to the bridge to make the illusion of icicles and give an ever-present enchantment to the air. 

While the Coronavirus may have postponed this production, it was a show worth waiting for. “It’s a show that I could see over and over again.” Mrs. Hernke, a teacher at CFHS stated. It’s an easy show to fall in love with that places magic in hearts that make it hard to leave the  theatre. 

The Orphum brings joy to all who enter their doors since 1921. Celebrating its 100th year anniversary, the theatre is still standing strong, built on a street that holds rich history. Hennepin Theatre Trust holds a special place in the hearts of thespians in Minnesota. While folks still travel to the east coast to see Brodway, this performing arts organization has dedicated this space to bring Broadway to the prairies of Minnesota. This state has many professional theatres such as The Children’s Theatre Company, Guthrie, and the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre available to the public, along with many community theatres as well. 

Minnesota has an abundance of aspiring actors auditioning for these professional/ semi-professional theatres. These opportunities have proven to give a start to these actors careers and put them on the big stage. A prime example of  this theatre’s success is Caroline Innerbichner. The appearance of Innerbichner in Frozen’s playbill was no shock to Minneapolis and St. Paul theatre goers. According to her resume, she started with theatre at her alma mater, Eagan High School, in their production of Annie. Ever since then she took off in her theatre career by playing Pippy Longstocking at The Children’s Theatre Company, and in the following years would perform at the Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Park square Garden and the Northern American tour. There is no doubt that Innerbichner will keep adding fancy feathers to her hat. 

Along with many of the opportunities given to actors and a plethora of performances to its stage, this company has brought opportunities to audience members as well. The Hennepin Theatre and Trust offers Teachers and students discounted tickets. Student rush tickets become available the same week the show opens. This is a great way to bring better accessibility for educators and their youths that might not be able to see shows otherwise at regular price. 

No one should be left out of the experience of live theatre. Hosting remarkable experiences for their guests, The Hennepin Theatre Trust and Orpheum theatres have come back stronger than ever and are taking all the precautions to make sure it’s doors won’t close again anytime soon. Disney’s Broadway Musical Frozen keeps moving on its Northern American Tour but if you are itching to see another Broadway show, the rest of the season’s lineup is bound to capture audiences of all ages. Grab your tickets and enjoy the show!