Ohio University Lancaster Community Theatre brings the magic of Disney’s ‘FROZEN’ to life this summer

A beloved story of family, courage and discovering the power within will come to life on stage this summer as Ohio University Lancaster Community Theatre presents Disney’s “FROZEN The Broadway Musical,” on July 10–26, 2026.

During the outstanding performances, audiences throughout the region will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Arendelle live on stage. Presented in partnership with the Fairfield County Foundation and the Lancaster Festival, this spectacular production brings together talented students, faculty, staff, volunteers and community artists to create an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with breathtaking music, stunning scenery, dazzling costumes and the characters audiences have loved for generations.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s “FROZEN The Broadway Musical” includes all the songs audiences know and love by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she has desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

Full of magic, humor and a stunning musical score, “FROZEN” is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance and discovering the true meaning of love. Behind the scenes, dozens of students, faculty, staff, volunteers and community members have spent months building the world audiences will soon experience.

Producer and Director A. Victor Jones has been working alongside volunteers constructing elaborate sets, painting scenery and adding the countless details that bring Arendelle to life.

Jones has been a driving force behind theatre at Ohio University Lancaster for the past 16 years. During that time, he has produced 55 theatrical productions, including more than 32 theatrical showcases featuring Ohio University Lancaster theatre students. His productions have become a hallmark of the campus’s performing arts program, providing hands-on learning opportunities for student performers while bringing together alumni, faculty, staff, volunteers and community members to create memorable theatrical experiences.

Jones’ passion for bringing Disney’s “FROZEN The Broadway Musical” to the Ohio University Lancaster stage began after experiencing the production himself on Broadway.

“I saw Disney’s ‘FROZEN’ on Broadway and I absolutely loved it,” Jones said. “I was so amazed by the spectacle, the magicalness of it and all the special effects. I said, ‘Oh, if I could get my hands on this little piece of material.’ I just can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Excitement for the production has already spread throughout Fairfield County.

Cast members recently participated in Lancaster’s Fairfield County Fourth of July Parade, where they promoted the show, greeted families and handed out candy to parade participants. Anna, Kristoff, and members of the ensemble brought smiles to paradegoers while helping build anticipation for opening night.

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Leading this year’s cast are Tiona Taylor as Anna and Ari Gallaway-Hicks as Elsa. The pair recently joined Paul Jassogne for an interview discussing the excitement of bringing the iconic sisters to the stage and the incredible production elements audiences will experience this summer.

Taylor said the production has been made possible because of the strong support and collaboration within the local theatre community.

“Lancaster has a beautiful theatre community,” Taylor said. “Everyone comes together and helps each other. It’s going to be a great, big show.”

Gallaway-Hicks shared that audiences will experience a level of technical production unlike anything Ohio University Lancaster Community Theatre has presented before.

“The special effects in this show are beyond what Victor has ever done before,” Gallaway-Hicks said. “It is the most complicated and technical. We have icebergs that come in on the side. There is a snow machine, and I am on a stand that lifts me up six feet into the air and spins around. There is also a dress change that happens on stage in front of the audience.”

For Gallaway-Hicks, bringing “FROZEN” to life carries a special meaning because of the connection many people have with the story.

“Growing up, when the movie came out, every little girl wanted to see ‘FROZEN,’” Gallaway-Hicks said. “Tina and I were about 10 years old at the time, and it was perfect for our age.”

The production will also serve as a capstone event of the 2026 Lancaster Festival with special performances on Sunday, July 19, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. These performances highlight the longstanding relationship between Ohio University Lancaster and one of the region’s most celebrated arts traditions.

The 2026 Lancaster Festival will take place July 18–25, 2026, continuing a tradition of celebrating music, theatre and the arts throughout the community.

From soaring musical numbers and stunning visual effects to heartfelt performances and timeless storytelling, Frozen offers something for every generation. Because this year’s production opens earlier than in previous seasons, audiences are encouraged to reserve tickets online before performances sell out.

Performance schedule

Friday, July 10, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, July 12, 2026 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Lancaster Festival performances)

Sunday, July 26, 2026 – 2 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets for Disney’s “FROZEN The Broadway Musical” are $20 online plus applicable fees.

Tickets purchased at the door are $22 cash only.

You can reserve “FROZEN” tickets online at https://our.show/11hyxmgixd. 

Lancaster Festival tickets and event information are available at lancasterfestival.org.  

Disney’s “FROZEN The Broadway Musical” is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. For more information about MTI, visit mtishows.com.