This winter, The Encore Musical Theatre Company invites audiences to step into the kingdom of Arendelle with its upcoming production of Disney’s Frozen, running Dec. 4 through Jan. 11. The musical marks the first professional regional production of Frozen in Michigan, and early ticket sales are already breaking records. With extra matinees added throughout the limited six-week run, plus an early 7 p.m. curtain time, the show promises to be a centerpiece of the holiday season.
Based on the 2013 animated phenomenon, Frozen tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, whose bond is tested when Elsa’s magical powers threaten their kingdom. After accidentally plunging Arendelle into eternal winter, Elsa retreats into the mountains, leaving Anna to embark on a daring journey—joined by Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the snowman Olaf—to bring her sister home. The stage adaptation features all the songs audiences know, including “Let It Go” and “For the First Time in Forever,” plus a dozen new numbers written by the film’s original songwriters, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
“Part of what makes The Encore unique is the closeness between our performers and the audience,” says Artistic Director Dan Cooney, who also directs the production. “Frozen is a story about connection and love—and in our intimate space, you can feel that in a very real way. It’s like being part of the story yourself.”
With its stunning visuals, touching story, and timeless message of love and courage, Frozen is ideal for audiences of all ages. “It’s a show that speaks to everyone,” says Cooney. “Kids see the magic, adults see the meaning (and are reminded of the magic that we often lose), and everyone leaves humming the songs.”
Frank Mack, managing director, said, “It’s exciting and wonderful to see this magical tale in Encore’s intimate setting. This marvelous production, with such beautiful music, is a perfect family wintry holiday escape.”
Cooney is joined by music director R. MacKenzie Lewis and choreographer Liana Wise, with a creative team that includes set designer Sarah Tanner, costume designer Abby Sage Hall, lighting designer Rachel Lauren, sound designers Chris Goosman and Jasper Watson, and projection designer Tim Brown. The puppets for Olaf and Sven are designed and fabricated by The Rock Shop, and the stage management team is led by Sarah M. Delia.
Leading the cast are University of Michigan seniors Vanessa Dominguez as Elsa and Maddie Dick as Anna, both returning to The Encore after their performances in She Loves Me earlier this season. They are joined by Ash Moran (Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods) as Olaf, Nicholas Alexander Wilkinson II (She Loves Me) as Kristoff, Vaughn Louks (Little Shop of Horrors) as Sven, Conor Jordan (West Side Story) as Hans, John Bernos as King Agnarr, Emily Ling-Mei as Bulda and dance captain, and Encore favorites David Moan as Oaken and Sarah B. Stevens as Queen Iduna and the Duke of Weselton.
Six young local performers will alternate in the roles of Young Elsa and Young Anna: Emersen Davis of Saline, Natalie Dorchak of Troy, and Cici Hubbard of Chelsea as Young Elsa, and Arianna Berlongieri of Ann Arbor, Lolly Cooney of Dexter, and Azalea Wilkes-Krier of Ann Arbor as Young Anna. The ensemble includes Cody Dent, Eryn Emery, Jordan Hayes-Devloo, Quinlyn Kessler, Molly McMillan, Juju Palmer, Love Ruddell, Nicky Redd, Tsumari Patterson, Brady Schiro, and Brandon Walker.
Tickets are available now at TheEncoreTheatre.org and are priced at $44-$65 for adults and $34 for children 17 and under. Children under four are not permitted in the theatre. Given the surge in early demand, patrons are encouraged to book soon for the best selection of dates and seats.
Event Details:
Dates: December 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Location: The Encore Theatre – 7714 Ann Arbor Street, Dexter, MI 48130
Tickets: Available now at www.theencoretheatre.org or call The Encore’s box office at 734-268-6200 Tues. – Fri., from 10 am to 2 pm, and two hours prior to all performances.
8123 Main St Suite 200 Dexter, MI 48130
