As it approaches its much-anticipated Australian premiere in Sydney in July, Disney has announced the two exceptional performers that have been cast in the lead roles of Elsa and Anna in Frozen.
Jemma Rix (Elsa) and Courtney Monsma (Anna) will bring the iconic roles to life in this new production from the producers of Aladdin, The Lion King and Mary Poppins which begins performances at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in July 2020.
Jemma Rix is one of Australian musical theatre’s most prominent leading ladies, best known for her star turn as Elphaba in the Australian production of Wicked, as well as leading roles in Ghost the Musical, Evita, and most recently, Jekyll and Hyde opposite Anthony Warlow.
Courtney Monsma, a relative newcomer, graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and will make her leading lady debut in the pivotal role of Anna. Courtney performed in the Australasian tour of Disney’s Aladdin and the Australian tour of MAMMA MIA!, and is currently starring as Howard in Six.
“Each time we return to Australia we are struck again by the deep and broad pool of musical theatre talent, which makes working here a constant joy,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions.
“These two artists represent the cream of the crop of Australian talent; Jemma a beloved and acclaimed leading lady and Courtney brilliantly representing the next wave. I cannot wait to see them bring this gorgeous story to life.”
Based on the 2013 film written by a trio of Oscar winners, Frozen features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Up Here, Winnie the Pooh, In Transit) and EGOTwinner Robert Lopez (Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, Up Here) and a book by Jennifer Lee (Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph), the film’s screenwriter and director (with Chris Buck). Frozen won 2014 Oscars for Best Song (“Let It Go”) and Best Animated Feature.
Frozen’s director is Michael Grandage, a Tony Award winner (Red) and director of three Olivier Award-winning Outstanding Musicals (Merrily We Roll Along, Grand Hotel and Guys and Dolls), and Rob Ashford, Tony Award winner (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and multiple Tony and Olivier Award nominee, is choreographer.
Frozen opened on Broadway in March 2018 and has set and broken four St. James Theatre house records. At the time of opening it held the record for the largest advance ticket sales in Broadway history.
Some of Australia’s most outstanding musical theatre performers and exciting fresh faces have also been assembled and will be announced at a later date including the roles of Olaf, Kristoff, Hans and Sven.
Frozen opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in July 2020. For more information, visit: www.frozenthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Jemma Rix and Courtney Monsma to star in Disney’s Frozen (supplied)