Frozen Musical Creators Discuss 'Let It Go' and New Songs for Korean Premiere

The Broadway musical adaptation of Disney's "Frozen" is set to premiere in South Korea on August 13th, promising audiences a new theatrical experience beyond the beloved animated film. The production features a grand orchestral sound and newly composed songs, aiming to deliver fresh emotional depth and entertainment.

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The most important thing was not to shy away from any emotion.

Central to the musical's creation are its composers, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the husband-and-wife team behind the original film's music. Reflecting on the iconic song 'Let It Go,' Kristen Anderson-Lopez described it as the moment Elsa's suppressed emotions finally burst forth. "There are emotions that women have been taught not to show," she stated, referring to feelings like anger and deep sorrow. "'Let It Go' is the song of the moment when Elsa's repressed emotions finally explode outward."

The musical's narrative structure also saw significant changes, particularly with the relocation of 'Let It Go' to the end of the first act. This shift required new material to fill the scene of Elsa fleeing into the wilderness. "We knew it had to be a moment filled with fear and dread, and the music had to reach its peak," Robert Lopez explained, referencing the now-iconic scene where Elsa freezes the stage.

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There are emotions that women have been taught not to show. Anger, deep sadness, big uncontrollable emotions. 'Let It Go' is the song of the moment when Elsa's repressed emotions finally explode outward.

New songs have been added to further develop the characters of Elsa and Anna. Robert Lopez described the new song 'Dangerous to Dream' as a "new sprout from the great tree of 'Let It Go.'" Kristen Anderson-Lopez noted that Elsa's new lyrics are more introspective and metaphorical, often using nature as a parallel. Anna's songs, in contrast, are characterized by a more outward expression of her desire for connection, marked by rapid-fire lyrics and brighter, more vivid musical colors. Another new song, 'Monster,' delves into Elsa's fear of her own powers.

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The biggest change in adapting it into a musical started with this song. We had to figure out what to fill the scene where Elsa runs out of the castle.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez emphasized the deliberate choice of instrumentation, explaining how different instruments evoke distinct moods. "A flute can feel innocent and childlike, but an oboe feels more mature, as if it knows more," she said, likening music in the musical to a "living character" that must breathe, move, and convey emotion. The Lopezs, who have successful careers across film, television, and Broadway, expressed profound gratitude for their collaborators, including orchestrator Dave Metzger and music director Stephen Oremus, crediting them with bringing the music to life. Robert Lopez also shared his personal joy in working daily with his "best friend and wife."

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'Dangerous to Dream' is a new sprout from the great tree of 'Let It Go.'