The White Theatre to Partner with The Coterie to Bring “Disney’s Frozen” to the Stage in Summer 2026

Musical phenomenon “Disney’s Frozen” has been confirmed as part of the 2025-2026 season lineup at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J. The production, which will run from July 8-26, 2026, will be co-produced with The Coterie Theatre.

“The Coterie is committed to partnering with organizations in our region who believe that arts experiences are crucial for our young people and families,” said The Coterie’s Managing Director, Jonathan Thomas. “Partnering with another theater as part of that commitment adds an exciting element, particularly when it's one with such a longstanding tradition of excellence in our community.”

This production will be the first time the musical is locally produced in Kansas City. Currently, only professional theatres would have access to “Disney’s Frozen;” however, the partnership between The White Theatre and The Coterie allows The J’s community theatre venue to participate in producing the show earlier than it would have otherwise.

“We are so excited to once again be partnering with The Coterie,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, Director of Arts & Culture at The J and Artistic Director at The White Theatre. “It’s great to be reigniting this relationship.  In many ways, it’s the perfect partnership, with each organization benefitting from the other’s strengths.”

The Coterie and The White Theatre first found success together during a co-promoted sold out run of “Disney’s Newsies” in 2018. The production helped set the stage for this and future partnership opportunities, and re-set the bar for successful collaborations at The White Theatre.

More recently, Producing Artistic Director for The Coterie, Khalia Davis Philp, directed “The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time” as part of The White Theatre’s 2024-25 season. After a successful run and positive experience, the relationship between The Coterie and The White Theatre continued to grow.

“Re-establishing our partnership was a no-brainer after such a positive and uplifting experience this past season as one of their guest directors! After having supported the success of Disney’s Frozen on Broadway while working for Disney Theatrical Group, I am elated for the opportunity to bring this meaningful and beloved story to life for our audiences using local talent that reflects the rich, diverse community of Kansas City and its surrounding areas,” said Davis, who will be directing the show.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film of the same name, “Disney’s Frozen” includes all of the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, including the iconic “Let it Go” and “For the First Time in Forever,” along with new music written exclusively for the stage.

The story is set in the fictional, beautiful mountain kingdom of Arendelle, where 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’s desperately tried to conceal from the world take control, forcing her into a self-imposed exile. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find her sister – 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, Disney’s Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.

Both The White Theatre and The Coterie are looking forward to producing a musical of epic proportions.

“It’s a huge project, but I’m confident our collective teams will rise to the occasion, and then some,” Wiedenkeller said. “I’m convinced there isn’t a challenge we can’t handle.”

“Disney’s Frozen” will be part of The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre’s 21^st Season lineup, which will be announced soon. Season tickets for the 2025-2026 productions will go on sale shortly thereafter. Visit thewhitetheatre.org for the latest updates as they become available.

Tickets for the current 2024/2025 season are on sale now. Guests can enjoy “West Side Story” from July 5-27 and “Stuff of Dreams” on Sept. 13-21. For more information, visit thewhitetheatre.org.