Playing the dream role of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen is on the theatrical bucket list for almost every soprano-singing actress. Amelia Barr had the chance to live that dream as the understudy for Elsa in the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Frozen this past summer.
“I did go on as Elsa several times. It was such a good experience,” Barr said. The cast was so supportive, and my friend Gillian, who played Elsa, was so helpful!”
She is thrilled to revisit the role as the star in the upcoming production of Frozen at the Duluth Playhouse. “Elsa is definitely a big sing! Her music and songs are gorgeous and vocally demanding,” Barr said.
“This is also a HUGE ensemble show, all with multiple wig and costume changes, and the magical elements of the show, making it a unique challenge to undertake. The Duluth Playhouse has been working hard and prepping for months to bring this story to life,” she added.
Of her character, Barr explained, “ I love that she has a quiet confidence. She is not flashy, but has a deep knowledge of her power, despite its mystery. I love her growth and acceptance as she explores her magic throughout the show.”
“One of my favorite aspects of performance is that the actor is a world builder, and helps paint the picture for the audience. The physicality of Elsa’s powers helps paint that magical world. I aspire to have the quiet confidence of Elsa; that is such a skill.”
Growing Into the Role
Barr grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and moved to Minneapolis in high school. “I definitely was a bit of a’late bloomer’ as they say when it came to theater involvement. I did a few shows in high school, which I LOVED, but I definitely think my passion started when I was younger,” she said. “ My siblings and I were always very creative growing up, and loved to put on plays. It was like we had our very own theater company.”
She went on to receive her BFA in musical theater from UMD, graduating in 2018. While in Duluth, Barr also played Jerusha in Daddy Long Legs and Alison in Fun Home, both at Renegade Theatre.
“I spent two years after graduating from college working on a cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Line, as a performer and was able to do what I loved (performing) while traveling the world,” she noted.
Barr explained, “Once the pandemic hit in 2020, I started to incorporate more teaching gig work. I have worked for Stages Theater Company as a teaching artist and found a lot of joy in theater education.”
Other regional theatre credits include Footloose with the Chanhassen, and roles at Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, New York, including Last Five Years, where she played opposite her boyfriend, Jonah Hale. Her resume also includes film and commercial credits.
Going back to her time in Duluth, she said, “There is a magic quality about the city that I can never quite put my finger on. Going to college here, I spent a lot of time indoors studying and performing. I didn’t always get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the city. Some of my favorite memories were spent at Lake Superior, Chester Park, and on beautiful hikes up the North Shore. It’s a slice of heaven.”
She is also happy to still have dear friends in Duluth, whom she has reconnected with while she is here for Frozen.
Of this current production of Frozen, she said, “I really think my overarching goal of the show is to uplift audiences in Duluth. This show possesses an incredible amount of heart and isn’t all fluff and big smiles. I want people (especially young audiences) to feel empowered to be authentically themselves, like Elsa is at the end of the show.”
Barr concluded, “It is your greatest power to be yourself. Romantic love is beautiful and powerful, but sisterly love, familial love, and friendship love are equally important. To quote the end of the play ‘Let’s fill this world with light and love.”
Disney’s Frozen
Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez And Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Director/Choreographer: Wes Drummond
Music Director: Kyle Picha
Location
Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre 211 E. Superior St.
Performances
November 22 – December 21, 2025
Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 pm
Audio Description: November 23 at 2 pm
ASL Interpretation: December 12 at 7:30 pm
For tickets: visit destinationduluth.co/DuluthPlayhouseFrozen
(From the Playhouse) Full of wonder, laughter, and unforgettable songs, the awe-inspiring musical phenomenon will transform the iconic NorShor Theatre into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, the hit Broadway musical features a stunning score by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, including fan favorites “For the First Time in Forever,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go,” alongside new songs written exclusively for the stage.
The story follows Princesses Anna and Elsa, who grow up sheltered inside their castle in the kingdom of Arendelle, growing distant from one another. When Elsa is crowned queen, her magical powers–long concealed–spiral out of control, plunging Arendelle into eternal winter. Fearless optimist Anna embarks on a perilous journey to find her sister Elsa, joined by Kristoff, a mountain man with a rough exterior yet a kind heart, and his loyal reindeer Sven. Along the way, they encounter magic, adventure, and beloved characters, including the hilarious summer-loving snowman Olaf, as they learn that true love can thaw even the coldest heart.
