It is a snowy winter so far in Roanoke! Perhaps it has taken you back to memories of obsessions with the Disney movie, Frozen, which is based off “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen. Premiering in 2013 with Idina Menzel voicing Elsa and Kristen Bell as Anna, it has become a franchise including many animated shorts, books, a 2019 sequel, an anticipated 2027 sequel, and a 2018 Broadway musical that made its way to the West End in 2021.
The basic premise of Frozen is that two princesses grow up, one with magical ice powers and one without. The sister without powers, Anna, does not remember that her sister has powers due to an incident when they were young and she was hurt, causing her sister Elsa to hide her powers further. When Elsa turns 21, she must be coronated queen but flees when her powers manifest from strong feelings. Anna, who had been excited to finally see people again, manages to chase after her, with many mishaps. The story explores how Elsa is brought back to her country and finds acceptance from her people.
Interestingly, while the story is about ice powers and snowstorms, making it a winter story, the music contradicts this with the lyrics telling it as a story regardless of the season. The undertones and instrumental are where the wintry feel is. There are a couple of exceptions to this. One being Olaf the Snowman’s song, “In Summer,” where he reminisces on a season he had only dreamed about. The other is the popular “Let It Go” where Elsa truly takes control of her powers and compares every part of her being to a storm.
Frozen was a huge phenomenon when it opened, being named Frozen-Mania. I well remember walking into my 4th grade class and having to listen to everyone sing various songs of the show. Due to that, I knew all the songs before I even saw the movie!
Take the time to enjoy the snow when it is here, whether movies are a part of your snow day activities, or you prefer to be outside in it. We only get it one season of the year after all.
Kathryn McElfresh
Staff Reporter
