Wittenberg Dazzles as Olaf in ‘Frozen’

Beginning Dec. 13, theatre lovers will recognize a hometown face as actor Brian Wittenberg takes the stage in Disney’s “Frozen: The Musical” as Olaf, the lovable snowman. Recently lauded for his role as Motel, the tailor, in City Springs Theatre Company’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” Wittenberg also serves as their full-time education director.

Wittenberg, who was bar mitzvahed at Guardians of the Torah in Johns Creek, received his BFA in musical theatre from the University of Alabama. He served as the theater director at Chattahoochee High School where earlier he participated in their musical theatre curriculum and performed in community theatre.

Wittenberg recently performed as Motel in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

He told the AJT, “I have a soft spot for several of my roles … a particular fondness for William Barfee in ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ and Henry in ‘Next to Normal.’ The characters that I tend to play all have big hearts and go on a journey to find that out for themselves or to help guide others into places of joy. I’m captivated by characters that are simple on the surface, but complex at the core. I enjoy peeling back the layers to reveal the humor, depth, and truth of what it means to be human.”

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As an actor, director, and educator, his focus is being able to fully tell a story while involving the audience.

“As education manager at City Springs, I’m proud to see those stories being told in the classes we hold every day while teaching our students the technical aspects of performing on stage,” he said.

“Frozen,” which will appear during this unique holiday season where both Chanukah and Christmas overlap, will run through Dec. 29 at The Byers Theatre at City Springs. Beloved by fans, Olaf, known for his childlike innocence, immunity to pain, outgoing personality, and uncanny ability to disassemble himself, will be in Wittenberg’s capable hands. With a magical effect, Wittenberg both performs and puppeteers Olaf.

His take on the role: “The joy in playing a character who was originally animated is to be able to explore bigger and broader strokes of life than you would in a show based more in reality … I’m excited to explore Olaf’s big heart and how he approaches the world with joy and optimism. You’ll still hear me sing ‘In Summer’ and have witty repartee and physical comedy akin to the movie. While audiences will definitely recognize him, just wait until you see the puppet onstage. I think what will make my Olaf unique is the connections that I have with the people onstage. This cast is so special, and our offstage relationships let us explore the depths of these characters and their relationship to one another onstage.”

“Frozen: The Musical” runs from Dec. 13 to Dec. 29 at The Byers Theatre at City Springs.

Donning his education hat, Wittenberg recommends that children who show an interest in theatre should train in as many disciplines possible. He stated, “The first step is always the hardest, and in theatre, it’s especially so because that first step is often performing in front of people (the most common fear). In our Conservatory programs here at City Springs, we are able to give students opportunities to step in front of people and tell stories whether in a one-on-one private lesson, a small group setting, or an audience of hundreds of people.”

In evaluating himself as a “triple threat” (dance, voice, acting), Wittenberg stated, “I use all three disciplines to ensure that a story is told to the fullest during every performance. It’s hard to put any of them ahead of the other, but to me, acting has to show up in all three places. If I sound amazing on a song or hit that dance step perfectly, but there’s no storytelling behind it, the audience is cut off from the performance.”

Based on the 2013 Academy Award-winning animated film, “Frozen: The Musical” tells the story of two princesses and sisters, Elsa and Anna, whose bond is tested when Elsa’s magical powers trap their kingdom in an eternal winter. With the help of a rugged ice harvester, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and Brian’s Olaf, Anna embarks on a quest to bring her sister back and save Arendelle.

For tickets, please visit www.cityspringstheatre.com.