Disney’s ‘Frozen’ on Broadway announces permanent closing

Disney’s “Frozen” on Broadway has announced that it will permanently close due to the COVID-19 pandemic and extended closure of the Great White Way.

The show, which debuted in March 2018, performed its final show on March 11, 2020. A message was shared to fans about the closure via the show’s official Twitter:

We are heartbroken to announce that Frozen will not reopen once Broadway returns. Thank you for the love and magic we've shared together during our incredible 851 performances at the St. James Theatre. Some people are worth melting for, and today our hearts melt with you. 💙 pic.twitter.com/uEvNYs2K92

— Frozen the Musical (@FrozenBroadway) May 14, 2020

The stage musical was directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford, and featured a book by the original film’s screenwriter and co-director Jennifer Lee with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

While the show has taken its final bow in New York City, fans can still hold out hope for a North American tour, as well as productions in Sydney, London, Hamburg, and Tokyo sometime in the future.

This news comes just a few months after the show welcomed three new leads. Back in January, McKenzie Kurtz made her Broadway debut as Anna, and Ciara Renée (“Pippin,” “Big Fish,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”) took over the role of Elsa, replacing the original stars Patti Murin and Caissie Levy. Ryan McCartan (“Wicked,” “Heathers: The Musical,” Disney Channel’s “Liv & Maddie”) joined the cast as Hans, replacing Joe Carroll.

The Broadway League confirmed this past Tuesday, May 12, that the shutdown due to COVID-19 would be extended at least through Sept. 6. So far, “Beetlejuice The Musical” and “Frozen” are the only casualties of Broadway going dark.

Disney’s other two Broadway shows, however, “Aladdin” and “The Lion King,” are still expected to open once the Broadway closure ends.