Olaf Gets Gender Swap in Disney's 'Frozen' on Broadway

Approaching its first anniversary, the Broadway musical of Frozen has announced new castmembers.

Joe Carroll and Ryann Redmond, who share numerous stage and screen credits between them, will play Hans and Olaf, respectively. 

Redmond, who previously appeared on Broadway in Bring It On and If/Then, is the first woman to play Olaf in any production of Frozen. The snowman was voiced by Josh Gad in the original 2013 film and previously played by Greg Hildreth on stage. 

Additionally, current ensemble member Noah J. Ricketts will move into the role of Kristoff. The three actors will begin performances on Feb. 19, taking over from original performers John Riddle, Hildreth and Jelani Alladin.   

Broadway veteran Caissie Levy, who plays the title role of Elsa, has extended her contract with the production along with Patti Murin, who plays Anna. 

Frozen is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage and choreographed by fellow Tony winner Rob Ashford. Music and lyrics are by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who wrote the film score, which includes the Oscar-winning global hit "Let It Go." The book is from the film's co-writer and co-director, Jennifer Lee. 

Since opening at the St. James Theatre last March, Frozen has played to near capacity at every performance, despite mixed reviews, grossing a robust $84 million to date.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.