SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The trio points out that with the deeper character development and new songs, the stage adaptation has gone beyond a kid-friendly animated film. “The show’s been flipped,” Greg says, “so there’s something for everyone.” “When audiences enter,” adds Riddle, “there’s a certain expectation. You want to honor what’s become iconic; however, as an actor, you want to say I dare you to rethink what this is and how deep it goes.” In the area of rethinking, audiences might be surprised at Disney and award winning director Michael Grandage’s big leap casting an African American as mountain man Kristoff. “I was as surprised as anyone,” states Alladin. “When you go into auditions, you investigate the roles to see what might fit. After so much work Off Broadway and regionally, I was hoping to get anything. This is much more than a dream fulfilled, another thing I can check off on my bucket list. I’m grateful to Disney and Michael for the opportunity to have kids of color see a black man in the role.”
Patti Murin (Anna) and John Riddle (Hans) ©Deen van Meer
Murin admires Alladin’s energy and enthusiasm. “Jelani faces every challenge with determination and verve. His heart’s bigger than anyone could ever know. We rely on each other a lot, and I know from looking in his eyes that he has my back at all times.” “This is Jelani’s first Broadway show and it certainly won’t be his last,” predicts Levy. “His Kristoff is strong and tender at the same time. Best of all, offstage, he’s everyone’s biggest cheerleader. And when he dances, he moves unlike anyone else! You can’t take your eyes off him.” Olaf the snowman, whom moviegoers fell madly in love with, possesses unique traits. He’s always seeking warmth and fearlessly loves fireplaces. “It’s been a two-year master class in puppetry,” explains Hildreth, who acts, sings, and dances while tethered to and manipulating Olaf. He laughs, “It’s a new talent for my resume. My job is to make him front and center and sort of disappear.” Levy and Murin adore Hildreth’s ability to make them laugh and his personal warmth. “Greg’s heart of gold shines through every performance,” says Levy. “He can do it all, one reason he’s so spectacular as Olaf.” Murin’s the one who has the most fun with Greg as Olaf. “As soon as he enters, audiences’ faces light up. They feel what I feel. His task isn’t easy, but watching him is a master class in making something incredibly difficult look easy.” The men speak for all with high praise for the man driving them through the icy slopes. “Michael’s allowed us to see how far we can go,” notes Hildreth. “He’s incredible to work with because he was an actor.” Riddle agrees, “Michael understands our frustrations and those moments when we’re searching to understand something. Best of all, he knows how to talk to an actor. From the beginning, he said, ‘This is yours. Do with it what you will.’ That’s the biggest gift an actor can have. You see how far you can go, and then, sometimes, you get reined in!” • 88 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MAY 2018
Greg Hildreth, Jelani Alladin, John Riddle ©Annie Watt Caissie Levy (Elsa), Patti Murin (Anna) ©Deen van Meer