BroadwayRadio: Special Episode Summary

Episode Title: Special Episode: Buettel and Quintana on the Sisterly Magic of ‘Frozen’
Host: Matt Tamnini
Guests: Tristan Butel (Elsa) and Brooke Quintana (Anna)
Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In this special winter-themed episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamnini engages in an insightful conversation with actresses Tristan Butel and Brooke Quintana. The episode delves into their upcoming roles as Elsa and Anna in the highly anticipated stage adaptation of Disney's Frozen at the Malt's Jupiter Theater in Florida. Set to premiere on January 7th, the production promises to bring fresh elements from its national tour, Broadway, and West End iterations.

Roles and Casting

Matt introduces Tristan and Brooke, highlighting their recent transition from auditions to rehearsals. Tristan, cast as Elsa, shares his excitement about embodying the character:

Tristan Butel [02:05]: "I'm so excited to be in the warmth. It was like 32 degrees this past week. Yeah, crazy."

Brooke, portraying Anna, reflects on her connection to the character:

Brooke Quintana [04:17]: "I just think it felt very Anna, and I do feel like I have a lot of Anna essence about me in general."

Rehearsal Process and Building Sisterly Bond

With a tight rehearsal schedule, Tristan discusses the challenge of developing a believable sisterly relationship with Brooke:

Tristan Butel [06:46]: "So Brooke and I were just talking about this last night actually. You know, it's tough because we really do have a short amount of time for rehearsal."

Brooke emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional connection:

Brooke Quintana [09:09]: "I think something very special about actors is... we are often able to meet one another and connect really quickly."

Comparing Anna to Belle

Brooke, renowned for her role as Belle in the national tour of Beauty and the Beast, discusses the differences and similarities between Belle and Anna:

Brooke Quintana [14:20]: "Belle's much more, like, stoic and well-read, and Anna is, like, talking about farting and eating chocolate."

She highlights her deep connection to Belle while expressing her natural affinity for Anna:

Brooke Quintana [14:20]: "I do relate a little bit more to Anna, but Belle was, like, in my soul."

Working with Director John Tartaglia

The duo shares their positive experiences working with director John Tartaglia, known for his expertise with puppetry:

Tristan Butel [12:22]: "John was so nice. Yeah, he was so nice. He was so kind."

Brooke Quintana [13:06]: "The whole process was kind. It felt kind. And that's so special."

Their remarks underscore a collaborative and supportive environment essential for bringing Frozen to life.

Costumes as a Creative Element

Tristan elaborates on the bespoke costumes designed specifically for their roles, emphasizing the collaborative effort:

Tristan Butel [18:30]: "What's really fun is... everything is made for me and Brooke and many of the members in the entire company."

He recounts the sentimental value behind costume details, sharing a touching story about a previous role:

Tristan Butel [18:30]: "...the heart that was on my Raggedy Ann costume was the last thing that the stitcher had sewn before they passed."

Emotional Highlights and Favorite Moments in the Show

Both Tristan and Brooke express their anticipation for the emotionally rich moments in Frozen, particularly the duet added in the latest adaptation:

Tristan Butel [24:11]: "There's the most beautiful duet called 'I Can't Lose You.' It's just so beautiful."

Brooke Quintana [25:06]: "When you really read the lyrics, you're like, oh, my whole soul."

They highlight how these moments resonate deeply, adding layers to the familiar story.

Personal Insights and Experiences

Tristan shares a personal milestone:

Tristan Butel [22:13]: "I am getting married."

Brooke opens up about overcoming a recent injury during her audition process:

Brooke Quintana [04:07]: "...I was in a boot and on crutches. I got this audition and I was like... all I can do is completely be myself."

Her resilience underscores the dedication required in theatrical performances.

Audience Connection and Impact

Brooke reflects on the magic Frozen brings to audiences, especially children:

Brooke Quintana [25:29]: "...it's so real to them. And there's, like, this beautiful light and energy and joy in children... it helps people find that joy and that magic in their own lives again."

Tristan adds that Frozen transcends being merely a children's show, offering heartfelt moments for all ages:

Tristan Butel [23:27]: "...there's a lot of heartfelt moments in the show with, you know, family and relationships and sisters and community."

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Performances

As the episode wraps up, Matt extends his best wishes to Tristan and Brooke for their upcoming run:

Matt Tamnini [26:57]: "I am incredibly excited to see the show. Enjoy your last few days back in the cold at home in New York before you head down here to Florida and have a wonderful rehearsal period and wonderful run."

Tristan expresses his gratitude:

Tristan Butel [27:12]: "Thank you."

Brooke concludes with a heartfelt sentiment:

Brooke Quintana [25:29]: "...it feels like this is why I do this, to help people find that joy and that magic in their own lives again."

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers an intimate glimpse into the minds of Tristan Butel and Brooke Quintana as they prepare to bring the beloved characters of Elsa and Anna to life on stage. Their discussions reveal not only the professional commitments involved in staging a major production like Frozen but also the personal passions and heartfelt connections that drive their performances. For fans eager to witness the magic firsthand, tickets for the Malt's Jupiter Theater performances are available, promising an enchanting start to the new year.