Area Attractions - Disney's Frozen at CTC (MN)

 I recently had a chance to interview Julia Ennen, who is playing Anna in Children's Theatre Company's upcoming production of Disney's Frozen.

What is it like portraying a well-known character on stage?

It is exciting because this story and this character are so well-known, and it's scary because this story and character are so well-known! 

How do you balance bringing your own voice to the character with staying true to the original?

It is such an immense privilege and joy to bring Anna to life on stage. I feel a great responsibility to tell her story and honor who we all know her to be, while also discovering my own interpretation and choices within the story and within our unique production. Our wonderful director, Tiffany Nichole Greene, does such a beautiful job of guiding us while also creating a rehearsal space that is warm and safe. I feel so free to play, make mistakes, and share ideas. I'm able to discover my voice in Anna while also staying within the bounds of who Anna is. Also, as actors, our character choices and reactions on stage are in part dependent on who and what we are reacting to. Our fellow actors that we share the stage with shape the choices we make because hopefully we are authentically responding to what they are offering us in each scene, rather than giving calculated, planned reactions. No two actors are the same, therefore each version of the character will be its own. 

What makes Frozen a great show for families?

Frozen is the perfect show for families! The story ultimately centers around the power of familial love and the journey of truly getting to know yourself and creating space for others to be their full selves. Frozen shows us how to love others in a way that they feel both held and free. 

How do you balance acting with other projects/jobs/personal time?

I am a firm believer that our art is better when our lives are full of all of the things we love! Right now, Frozen takes up a huge amount of my time and focus, so I adjust what I can to make sure I'm not neglecting anything or anyone. For example, because I'm in rehearsals until 9:30pm, my partner and I can't have dinner together, so we prioritize having breakfast together everyday. On my off days, we cook together, go for walks, and go to the gym. Our date nights are simplified (i.e. we don't go out) but it's still intentional time together. I also protect my rest time; Other tasks might take me longer to get to and that's okay! 

Tickets may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/frozen or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15. An additional $5-per-ticket fee will be incurred on all purchases.

School groups interested in attending Disney’s Frozen can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

Disney’s Frozen has a run time of 135 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

This production is best enjoyed all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger