Disney’s mesmerizing ‘Frozen’ delivers pure enjoyment for all ages at Bass Hall

In the midst of another hot Texas summer, it’s “Frozen” at Bass Performance Hall.

The musical based on Disney’s hit movie is being performed at the classic venue through Aug. 20 and is presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth. If you have children — and even if you don’t — this well-crafted stage production of one of Disney’s most popular animated movies ever is pure enjoyment for all ages from the opening note to the splendid finale.

Directed by Michael Grandage with choreography by Rob Ashford, the production does more than great justice to Jennifer Lee’s story. Working with music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the result is something that leaves everyone feeling — if you’ll pardon a pun — warm inside.

The story centers on the relationship between two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are princesses in the land of Arendelle. Elsa has magical powers to create ice and snow, which she does not know how to control and which result in her almost killing Anna by accident when they are children playing together.

Their parents give Elsa a set of gloves to help her rein in her powers. But she also becomes a recluse and stays in her room, away from everyone, including Anna, who does not understand the sudden distance.

When their parents die in a shipwreck, Elsa ultimately inherits the throne and comes out of her seclusion to celebrate with the people of the kingdom. However, when Anna meets a prince whom she believes is the love of her life, Elsa does not approve of the instant engagement.

In a subsequent argument, Elsa unwittingly places the kingdom in eternal winter. In haste, she flees for solitude again, not realizing what she has left behind.

Anna makes it her mission to find her sister and reverse the icy spell. She joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick Sven. They journey through harsh Arctic-like conditions amid plenty of magic, including a comedic snowman named Olaf, who is also a reflection of the connection the sisters had as children.

When reunited, Anna’s life is once again accidentally put in danger. And this time the only chance for survival is the displaying of true love.

As the adult Anna, Lauren Nicole Chapman is nothing short of enchanting, albeit with a zesty wit that takes full advantage of the show’s snappy dialogue. She cleverly fires off lines, such as when she meets Prince Hans (Will Savarese) and tells him she’s not inheriting the throne and says, “I’m not the heir, just a spare.”

And when she sings, it’s angelic, especially when she’s joining forces with adult Elsa (Caroline Bowman). Their duet of “I Can’t Lose You” is one of the show’s most powerful and moving moments.

Chapman’s duet with Savarese of “Love Is An Open Door” is both touching and comical. There’s also a smooth chemistry between her and Kristoff (Dominic Dorset) performing “What Do You Know About Love?”

But without question the show’s most powerful musical number is Bowman’s rendition of “Let It Go,” the song that also won an Academy Award from the movie. It is explosive, both with her voice and the accompanying effects that had members of the audience going “Wow!” as it took the show to intermission.

The two young girls playing young Anna (Avelyn Choi) and young Elsa (Sydney Elise Russell) get things going both joyfully and powerfully. In fact, the transition from them as youngsters to adulthood is virtually seamless.

The way Olaf (Jeremy Davis) is introduced might seem a bit out of the ordinary at first as he’s not a character in costume, but rather an actor dressed in white with a large snowman puppet attached to him, moving when Davis moves. After a bit, however, it becomes comfortable, and Davis delivers Olaf’s comic relief with excellent timing.

And while the reindeer Sven (Dan Plehal) may bring about a question of why he belongs (it also came up in connection with the movie), he says a lot without saying a word in support of his friend Kristoff. Granted, that was easier to do in an animation setting, but it works onstage nonetheless.

The special effects are often mesmerizing, such as when Arendelle freezes, along with another notable freezing scene late in the show. Also, watching the snow fly in the air and almost turn into a blizzard as Elsa’s emotions take her over are brilliant.

The sets are wonderful companions to these effects. The most magnificent of all is Elsa’s home in the frozen wilderness, sparkling with a plethora of beauty.

Some of the show’s humor will go over the heads of children. But trust me, they won’t mind and likely won’t notice.

Besides, they’ll be too busy thanking their parents for this special treat. And you’ll thank yourself as well.

Disney’s Frozen

▪ Bass Hall, 525 Commerce St.

▪ Through Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

▪ Tickets $33 to $170. 817-212-4280; www.basshall.com/frozen