Don’t let it go! Get your tickets now to experience magic of Disney’s ‘Frozen’ on Palace Theater stage

Don’t let it go! The curtain already fell on two performances, and we’d almost wager you’re not building a snowman — no matter if you want to or not. So there’s no reason to wait, especially if it’s the first time in forever you will catch a live show at historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.

Get tickets now to see the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre’s production and witness the magic of Broadway musical Disney’s “Frozen,” which continues with a 3 p.m. matinee June 21.

The production — featuring a cast and crew of more than 100 Big Island performers and volunteers — brings to life the beloved story of sisters and princesses Anna and Elsa. It features stunning music, dazzling costumes, breathtaking projections and plenty of the Disney magic audiences expect.

Enjoy favorite songs from the Academy Award winning animated Disney film with the same name, including “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever,” along with new songs created just for the live production.

The leading cast

• Shayna Cohen is the powerful and misunderstood Princess Elsa, while Zaira Hahn is Elsa’s spirited and optimistic sister Princess Anna. Riann Young and MJ Hahn portray the young princesses.
• Ben McMillan and Shelly Hart appear as King and Queen of Arendelle.
• Joshua Timmons takes on the role of Prince Hans, with Jhayden Mata starring as Kristoff and Alison Fuatais as Sven.
• Lenx Neves is beloved snowman Olaf. Zac Toomay portrays Pabbie, while Jackie “Gomesy” Gomes appears as Bulda.
• Mike Caputo brings humor to the role of the Duke of Weselton, and David Greene appears as Oaken.

Together, this talented company brings the magical kingdom of Arendelle to life on the Hilo stage.

The crew

• Bringing the Broadway version of Disney’s beloved “Frozen” to the Hilo stage is a dedicated production team led by director Larry Reitzer and assistant director Daniel Robinson.
• Choreography is by Kassidy Wilson assisted by Maya Polloi, with music direction by Grayson Mento and assistant music director Zaneta Hahn.
• Production stage manager Tiari Fa‘agata oversees the many moving parts of this large-scale production, while Angie Roiniotis serves as costume designer and Mahina Bell as hair and makeup designer.
• The production’s immersive technical elements are created by sound and projection designer Kaleo Joshua Akau and lighting and projection designer Theon Weber, whose artistry transforms the Palace Theater into Arendelle.

“This production is one of the largest and most ambitious projects [Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre] has ever undertaken,” said director Larry Reitzer in a release announcing opening weekend. “Our talented cast and creative team have poured their hearts into creating a magical experience that families throughout Hawaiʻi Island will never forget.”

Reitzer didn’t let it go

Directing “Frozen” is a dream come true for Reitzer, who fell in love with the film from the first time he saw it. Not because of the spectacle or the snow magic, but because at its core it is a story about two sisters whose love for one another can overcome fear and isolation.

“It reminds us that our differences are not something to hide, but something to embrace,” he said. “Elsa’s journey teaches us the importance of accepting who we truly are, while Anna’s unwavering love and loyalty show us the incredible power of family. Those messages of self acceptance, courage and unconditional love are as important today as ever.”

Reitzer hopes every child and adult who sees the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre production leaves the theater inspired to celebrate what makes them unique.

Showtimes and how to get your tickets

The show was already extended for an additional three performances, and now will run during weekends through July 5.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Doors open 1 hour prior to showtime. Seating begins about 40 minutes prior to performance time.

Late arrivals will remain in the lobby and be seated by ushers to minimize disruption.

The show is suitable for all ages, so bring the entire ‘ohana to experience the magic of “Frozen” like you’ve never seen it before, live and onstage at the historic Palace Theater, and create memories everyone won’t let go.

Tickets start at $25 for general admission and are on sale at the Palace Theater website or by calling the box office at 808-934-7010.