(Caelan Creaser on the blue carpet for Disney’s Frozen National Tour. Photo courtesy Caelan Creaser.)
Caelan Creaser knows Elsa better than most. After touring the country with Disney’s Frozen for more than four years, she’s returning to the icy boots for a landmark production.
This fall, the curtain rises on a new era marking a history-making moment for The Phoenix Theatre Company. Frozen will run September 24–October 26 as the first show in the new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre.
In this conversation, Caelan reflects on how the role has shaped her, what it means to open this new era of theatre in Phoenix, and the moments she hopes will find their way into your heart long after the final note.
Q: You’ve performed Frozen on the North American tour and now you’re returning as Elsa here in Phoenix. How does it feel to step into this role again?
A: Getting to be a part of the First National Tour and Understudy Elsa was such a bucket list item for me. The memories, friends, and experiences I have from touring for 4+ years with Frozen truly shaped who I am now as a performer. Getting to revisit this show, and Elsa, makes me so excited. I’m looking forward to getting to revisit this role with fresh eyes and new direction, as well as creating this story with an entirely new cast.
Q: Frozen will be the very first show in The Phoenix Theatre Company’s brand-new theatre. What does it mean to you to be part of this historic moment for the arts?
A: Getting to be a part of Phoenix Theatre’s history is also a monumental moment that I am very honored to be a part of. My first show at Phoenix Theatre was almost 10 years ago, when I was a young college student at ASU. Looking back, I am grateful that Phoenix Theatre has granted so many amazing opportunities not only to a young college actress like myself, but to local actors in Phoenix for many years. This inaugural performance in the brand new theatre brings a new era of excitement of more opportunities to bring Broadway quality talent to the valley here in Arizona for many more years.
Q: You’ve performed as Elsa for more than 60 shows! What do you love most about the role, and how has your connection to her evolved since the tour?
A: What’s not to love about Elsa?! But seriously, I remember watching the movie and immediately knowing I had to sing “Let it Go”. I’m also an older sister, and my little sister Brielle is my best friend- so I relate to Elsa a lot in that aspect. The journey that Elsa goes on in this show has taught me a lot of life lessons too as I have grown over the years in playing this character. She starts being so focused on being in control, presenting herself well, and hiding certain sides of her true self. By the end of the show, we see a confident woman who embraces her flaws and strengths openly. As I have matured and grown over the years, I find myself being more willing to tap into the “unknown” and not being afraid to show up in a room as my true self.
Q: Frozen is a story that resonates with people of all ages. What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
A: Frozen is truly a show for all ages, which is what I love most about it. I hope our young audience members take away the magic that live performance can bring. I hope they learn that they should never have to apologize for being who they are. For the adults in the audience, I hope they walk away remembering the lyrics “fill this world with light and love”. When we love others whole-heartedly, even those who might be different from us, that is true “magic”.
Q: Playing Elsa comes with some incredible songs, how do you prepare for a number like “Let It Go” night after night?
A: Singing “Let it Go” and all of Elsa’s powerful numbers 8+ shows a week requires a lot of technique and discipline. I would be remiss to not thank my voice teacher, Carole FitzPatrick, and my music director on tour, Faith Seeto, who taught me solid vocal technique and how to maintain it. This means vocally warming up and down everyday. To emotionally prepare for “Let it Go” I remind myself to be grounded. Elsa draws her magic from the ground and nature, so starting in that place helps to build the song and her journey. Then about halfway through, you have to release that energy out and find the joy in the song as Elsa fully unleashes her powers in all their glory for the first time.
Event Details
What: Disney’s Frozen
When: September 24 – October 26, 2025
Where: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tickets: Available at www.phoenixtheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (602) 254-2151
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