It was no surprise when Canberra comic actor Joe Dinn was cast as Olaf the Snowman in Free-Rain Theatre’s forthcoming production of Disney’s Frozen at The Q, writes HELEN MUSA.

Born and raised in Canberra and nurtured in the city’s theatre scene, Joe Dinn is known as a professional who built an international career performing at Universal Studios Singapore, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, as well as aboard cruise ships for Carnival and Celebrity Cruise Lines.

The pandemic brought that career to an abrupt halt, prompting his return home, where he has quickly become one of Canberra’s most recognisable comic performers.

He made a splash with Free-Rain Theatre as Tick/Mitzi in Priscilla Queen of the Desert in 2022, followed by a scene-stealing turn as Pharaoh in Canberra Philharmonic’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and, earlier this year, an outrageous appearance as one of the Ugly Sisters in Leisa Keen’s Cinderella at The Q.

Since returning to Canberra, his only straight role has been as Billy’s father in Free-Rain Theatre’s 2024 production of Billy Elliot the Musical.

“That was a big step for me,” Dinn says. “I do prefer the comedy, the larger-than-life characters that make the audience happy.”

A long-time fan of Frozen, Dinn first saw the film while living in Singapore in 2013 and followed its evolution into a stage musical. When Free-Rain announced auditions, he immediately set his sights on Olaf.

“The part of Olaf has always been on my bucket list,” he says. “He’s beloved by kids and adults alike. There’s something about him that makes people reconnect with their childhood. He’s full of optimism and generosity.”

Director and choreographer James Tolhurst-Close agrees, describing Olaf as one of the show’s most lovable characters, combining comedy, warmth and strong vocals. He also comes with an additional challenge: puppetry.

If you’re not in the know, Frozen tells the story of two sisters, Princess Anna (Chloe Stevenson) and Queen Elsa (Charlotte Morphett), who live in the Kingdom of Arendelle. When Elsa’s hidden powers are revealed, Arendelle is accidentally plunged into an endless winter and the incredibly complicated plot thickens.

Olaf begins as a childhood creation of Princess Elsa and later comes magically to life. Although technically a snowman, Dinn sees him as something closer to a toddler.

“I’m the oldest person in the cast, but I’m playing the youngest character,” he says. “Olaf looks at the world with complete optimism. He’s the comic relief of the show and it’s such a wonderful opportunity to play him.”

That role is especially important in a story that, despite its Disney credentials, explores themes of fear, isolation and loss. Like Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, the Genie in Aladdin or Mushu in Mulan, Olaf provides humour and heart amid the drama.

Dinn also points out that the stage version was expanded for audiences well beyond children. Songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who wrote the Oscar-winning songs for Frozen, are also known for the decidedly adult musical The Book of Mormon.

“There’s definitely an edge there,” he says.

Among Olaf’s highlights is the comic showstopper In Summer, in which the snowman innocently dreams of enjoying sunshine and warm weather, blissfully unaware of the consequences.

But the modest Dinn believes there is one moment audiences are waiting for above all others, and it’s Elsa’s song not his.

“Everybody is coming to hear Let It Go,” he says.

Bringing Olaf to life requires more than acting and singing. The production is using a specially constructed puppet created by Gungahlin resident Charlie Turner, who originally made a smaller version when his daughter appeared in a school production.

“I’ve been learning how to rehearse with the puppet and bring him to life,” Dinn says. “It’s a first for me. The aim is for the performer and the puppet to become one. I can still use my face and expressions, but the audience focuses on Olaf.”

For an actor who has spent much of his career creating larger-than-life characters, becoming a magical snowman may be his most unusual transformation yet.

Frozen, The Q, Queanbeyan, September 15-October 11.

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