The wildly popular Disney musical Frozen has been delighting audiences on Broadway since 2018. With stunning visuals, catchy songs, and a heartwarming story, it’s no wonder Frozen has been such a massive hit. But for those planning to see the show live, one important question remains: how long is the full Frozen Broadway show?
The Length of Frozen on Broadway
The full length of Frozen on Broadway is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission. This running time makes it a standard length for a Broadway musical. While some shows are shorter and others are longer, 2.5 hours allows enough time to tell Frozen’s epic story while keeping audiences engaged. Given its huge success, the producers clearly struck the right balance with the show’s length.
Act 1 Length
Frozen’s Act 1 runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from curtain up until the intermission. This act establishes the world and characters, including sisters Anna and Elsa. It features many of the movie’s most beloved songs like “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love is an Open Door,” and “Let It Go.” Act 1 ends with Elsa fleeing her kingdom after accidentally revealing her icy powers. The dramatic cliffhanger builds anticipation for Act 2.
Act 2 Length
After a 15 minute intermission, Frozen’s Act 2 runs for about 1 hour. This act continues Anna’s journey to find her sister and save their kingdom from an eternal winter. It features classic songs like “Fixer Upper” and “For the First Time in Forever (Reprise).” Act 2 brings resolution to the sisters’ relationship and sees Elsa learn to control her powers. The finale includes stunning visual effects as Elsa fills the stage with snow and ice.
Why is Frozen 2.5 Hours Long?
There are several reasons why the full Frozen Broadway show ends up being around 2.5 hours long:
- It is adapted from a full-length animated movie, which was 1 hour and 49 minutes long. Translating the story to the stage and expanding/adding songs takes time.
- The elaborate sets, costumes, lighting, and special effects help immerse the audience in the world and require scene changes.
- The show features 23 musical numbers, which means a lot of time is needed for singing and dancing.
- The intermission provides a necessary break for audiences to recharge before Act 2.
- As a Disney blockbuster, there are high expectations, so the show needs enough time to feel like a full experience.
The creative team clearly put a lot of thought into the show’s length. They managed to adapt a nearly two hour movie into an impressive stage spectacle that still feels well-paced at just under 2.5 hours.
How Does Frozen’s Length Compare to Other Broadway Shows?
At 2 hours and 30 minutes, Frozen falls right in the typical range for a Broadway show. Here’s how it compares to some other popular current and recent Broadway musicals:
Show | Running Time |
---|---|
The Lion King | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Wicked | 2 hours 45 minutes |
Hamilton | 2 hours 40 minutes |
Dear Evan Hansen | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Book of Mormon | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Aladdin | 2 hours 20 minutes |
The Phantom of the Opera | 2 hours 30 minutes |
As you can see, Frozen’s running time is right in line with other contemporary Broadway shows as well as long-running classics like Phantom. Of course, plays tend to be shorter than musicals, ranging from 90 minutes to 2 hours. But for a big Broadway musical, the Frozen running time makes perfect sense.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Frozen Experience
To make sure you enjoy Frozen’s entire 2.5 magical hours, here are some tips:
- Use the restroom before the show starts to avoid leaving during the acts.
- Bring a bottle of water and maybe a small snack to have during intermission.
- Come well-rested so you can stay energized throughout.
- Arrive early to find your seats and get settled.
- Limit how much you bring with you so you don’t have to deal with a lot of bags.
- Chat with your theater neighbors before the show starts!
Frozen on Broadway is a stunning theatrical experience from start to finish. With a running time just under 2 and a half hours plus an intermission, it fits squarely within the norms of Broadway musicals. The show flies by thanks to the spectacular musical numbers, dazzling effects, and a story audiences know and love. So relax and savor the full Frozen Broadway show from overture to curtain call!
Conclusion
Frozen on Broadway delivers a magical theater experience for fans of the iconic Disney movie. With a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission, the show offers plenty of time to showcase elaborate musical numbers, special effects, and a faithful retelling of the heartwarming story audiences know and love. The length falls right in line with typical Broadway musicals both classic and contemporary. While blockbuster Broadway shows like Frozen require quite an investment of time, the payoff is well worth it. The music, characters, and immersive experience transport audiences to the world of Arendelle for 2.5 unforgettable hours.