Listen: Courtney Monsma plays the lead role of Anna in the Australian production of 'Frozen the Musical' and she spoke to Hope 103.2's Katrina Roe
By Katrina RoeFriday 19 Mar 2021Hope MorningsEntertainmentReading Time: 2 minutes
Frozen was the highest grossing film of 2013 – it brought in $1.2 billion globally – and won two Oscars for best original song and best-animated feature.
Now the much-loved movie has been adapted to the stage in a musical that will delight both children and adults.
Parents with an aversion to its over-played standard, Let It Go, will be pleased to know the Broadway musical features 12 new songs, written especially for the musical.
Courtney Monsma plays the lead role of Anna in the Australian production. She says it’s a delight to play such an optimistic character.
“I love how she wears her heart on her sleeve. She really does climb the mountain metaphorically and literally in the show. She goes on this massive journey and I just love her optimism and how she does believe in herself,” Courtney said.
Working alongside Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre, Jemma Rix, who plays Elsa, has been a career highlight for Courtney.
“It has been an absolute dream,” she said.
“I have looked up to Jemma for years, as a musical theatre student growing up, so it’s such an honour to play her sister. She is so exceptional as Elsa in this show, and in life offstage. We really have this beautiful bond that I think shows through the stage.
“It’s been such a joy. She’s really supported me throughout this whole process and she just shines on stage.”
While the performances in the show are exceptional, the impressive staging adds a magical energy to the show that is augmented by extravagant hand-made costumes.
“The costumes in this show are just amazing,” Courtney said, admitting she teared up when she first tried on Anna’s coronation gown, re-created from the movie.
“It was my first day in Sydney. I’d just flown here, ready to start rehearsal. And I got to try my gown on and I teared up, just seeing the intricate beauty of the gown and how life-like it was.
“It still makes me feel so grateful every time I look at it.”
While preschoolers and primary-aged kids will be in their element, adults will also be enchanted by the clever script, comedic elements, and stunning staging.
“As a young adult myself I sit down and I enjoy this show thoroughly and genuinely. The level of comedy in this show is quite amazing as well,” Courtney said.
“This show is the perfect show for a girls’ night out, to take someone on a date. We all have our inner child, I think.”
Listen to the full interview with Courtney Monsma talking about the joy of playing Anna in the musical of Frozen in the player above.
Frozen the Musical is playing now at the Capitol Theatre before moving to Melbourne in June.