Broadway's 'Frozen' Closes Permanently Amid Pandemic

(Photo: Deen van Meer)

Disney Theatrical Productions announced today that Frozen, which was running at the St. James Theatre will not reopen once Broadway theatres return later this year. This marks the first musical to announce its closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Producers intend to resume the musical's national tour and international productions in the West End, Australia, Japan, and Germany, which have all been pushed to 2021.

When the musical, based on the 2013 Oscar-winning animated film, opened March 22, 2018, Caissie Levy and Patti Murin starred as Elsa and Anna, respectively. In February, Ciara Renée and McKenzie Kurtz were cast as the show’s two leads.

"The extraordinary contribution of Broadway's original company plus those who have joined more recently cannot be overstated," said Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher in a statement. "Frozen, like all shows, is wholly dependent on those who create and perform them but this was an uncommonly close and talented group and they’ll be missed. Finally, I have to acknowledge our incredible audiences; night after night, the fans showed us how much they loved this show and we look forward to seeing them at Frozen around the world."

The Michael Grandage-helmed musical earned Tony Award nods for Best Musical, Best Score for Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and Best Book for Jennifer Lee.