Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

I have a secret – I have never watched Frozen. Not either movie, not the spin-off shorts, none of it. There’s no particular reason. I like the music. I have niblings who adored everything about it. I even had the CD for awhile on loan and have access to Disney+.

Fortunately, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is ushering in the Frozen musical this week to the Benedum and I will be there with the youngest nibling to introduce me to the magical world of Elsa and Anna. The musical is here in Pittsburgh Wed, Oct 5 – Sun, Oct 16, 2022. Tickets start at $32 and many of the performances are nearly sold out, so be sure to secure your own tickets very soon. This story has so much power in our culture – it is almost breathtaking to behold. I am excited to see it and to share that experience with Elijah and Elijah’s moms one of whom is the biggest Disney enthusiast I’ve ever met. So I will have excellent company to escort me through this experience.

I’ve been intrigued that Disney sought out and invested in the Indigenous culture for the sequel in a manner that set a precedent for other films. Indian Country Today described it as “a contract deal resulting in a sincere dedication to Sámi Indigenous culture to include traditional songs, traditional regalia and more than a hat tip to the Sámi culture’s respect for the herding of reindeer.”

Apparently some of these representative elements were folded into the musical version as well so I’m looking forward to that. I also note that the main character of Kristoff has been cast with Black actor, Mason Reeves, in this touring production. Kristoff is an Indigenous character as well, part of the Sámi people. The Sámi people are the Indigenous people of the northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and large parts of the Kola Peninsula and they live in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia.

My Frozen loving nibling is himself a young Black man so it is very important to me that he sees himself reflected often in significant ways through the world of Disney. He and his older brother are the reason I decided to participate in this official Disney promotion of the musical.

Disclaimer: I am receiving tickets as compensation for my promotion and review of the show. I also got a box of promotional swag that I in turn gifted to Elijah and his Disney loving mom, even the tote bag. Long time readers will know that my decision to Let it Go, referencing the tote bag, is an act of true love. And also you will note that I rarely allow anything to influence my opinions so my review after the Wednesday performance will be 100% Sue and maybe a wee bit Elijah.