The Power of Sisterhood
How Playing Elsa and Anna in Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical has Made Tristen Buettel and Brooke Quintana Feel Limitless.
You’ve both described Director John Tartaglia as creating a “safe space” in the rehearsal room every time you walk in. How do you think he is able to do so? What advice would you give directors to nurture a comfortable environment with “room to play”?
BQ: I think John is such a warm and kind person and he really puts that first when it comes to the rehearsal space. He is also an actor and I think he knows what it feels like to be in our shoes and in turn he wants to make sure those are the most beautiful, fashionable and comfortable shoes ever. I think it’s important for directors to remember that actors are not robots and that we are very often VERY deeply feeling humans. When we lose that human connection in a process, things tend to become cold and it doesn’t lend itself for a creative and collaborative environment. Something I think John does impeccably.
TB: John leads with his heart. He is so genuine and truly wants the best for everyone. Under John’s direction, we get to play and take things moment by moment. Even with such a quick rehearsal process, we all trusted things were going to get done. With John, things get done plus we get to have fun!
What did you learn about the characters of Anna and Elsa through the process that you didn’t know before? Or, things that proved you wrong about the show? Did you have any epiphanies, or lightbulb moments you’d like to share?
BQ: I think one of my favorite things I learned about Anna in this process is that she isn’t just a bubble of fun. She has a very deeply caring and strong side to her. It’s the reason she is able to continue to pursue her relationship with Elsa even after being shut out by her for years. Anna has a huge heart and it’s so special to get to find both the fun chaotic side of her and the deeply caring and compassionate side of her every single night.
TB: I knew the story was about two sisters, but I didn’t realize just how touched I would be by finding the way back to one another. Brooke is such an amazing actress, and now friend. Every time I get to look into her eyes, I feel supported and know that we are in this together.
What about performing in this show has challenged you in a new way?
BQ: Anna has to have stamina because she is running around and dancing and singing the whole show. It has taught me to slow down and find the moments where I’m able to settle into myself and the character and BREATHE. Sometimes the more chaotic a character is, the more you have to ground yourself so they don’t become a caricature of a person and are still relatable. It’s kind of an awesome balance I get to find.
TB: I honestly never knew I could sing like this. 8 (and sometimes 9) shows a week. My stamina has surprised me. I also was surprised by how physically exhausted I am after the show. It’s much more of a physical show for me than I thought! The physical energy behind all of the singing has to be there. I’m so grateful that there are challenges because it’s exciting and I have personal goals every night.
Tristen, you described that playing the character of Elsa has taught you that you can truly do anything. For both of you, what in particular about the show, or process, has really allowed you to embody this ideal?
BQ: Well for starters, John, Kristyn & Eric are such incredible cheerleaders, and when you have that kind of support, it allows you to feel like you are able to make bold choices and take chances and really discover and create this character together.
TB: Between singing Elsa’s songs, sharing scenes with Brooke, leading a company of amazing artists and being trusted by an entire creative team, it has made me confident in who I am and what I bring to the table. Being an actor has its very high highs and its very low lows. I get to have all of these incredible reminders that “I can” even when times get tough.
Has there been anything particularly special about doing this production at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre? What environment do they foster to help the cast and crew thrive?
BQ: The environment at the Maltz has been unlike anything I have ever experienced. I know I have spoken to the support and nurturing environment they fostered here, but it’s truly so special to be working here with all of this creative team and cast. They pride themselves on kindness here and I think that is such an important thing in this industry. I think there are a lot of lovely kind people in the theatre industry, but we often lose sight of ourselves trying to compete with one another and book that next job, when at the end of the day, the only person you should be competing with is yourself. We are all human and we all have our “not today” days, but when kindness is at the root of what we do and how we carry ourselves and how we present ourselves, we can only grow and be better and create in a more authentic, honest, vulnerable and beautiful way. And that is definitely what is going on here at the Maltz. It’s a unicorn of a place.
TB: Maltz Jupiter Theatre has proven time and time again that we are all in incredible hands. I have felt so taken care of by everyone here and it means a lot. Between our housing, cars, rehearsal space, dressing rooms, the theatre, and everyone on the production team, I have always felt safe and I know I have all of the resources I need to give it my all every night on that stage.
In terms of the technical elements, there’s a lot of moving parts in this show that seem challenging. In “Let it Go” for example, there’s a moving staircase, an extremely quick dress change, and multiple scenic pieces moving in and out. For both of you, how do you remain grounded and connected to your character, while also “hitting your marks?”
BQ: I try to find time to breathe and meditate before every show because it allows me to approach this very huge show from a more level headed space physically and emotionally. There have definitely been times where things have gone off the cuff- if you will- but when you’re able to feel grounded and present in your body and mind, it’s a lot easier to go with the flow and just keep moving… literally.
TB: It definitely takes a lot of focus! But it is so exciting. I connect with both Assistant Stage Managers before I enter for “Let It Go” and I know I am in good hands.
What lessons have you learned through the rehearsal process that you will take with you into your future career? What would you say to Brooke and Tristen before the rehearsal process, or even casting, began? Do you have any words of advice to your past selves?
BQ: I try to live my life like this already, but I will continue to take kindness and graciousness into my career as I continue on. It is so much more pleasant and enjoyable to find the positives in the experience than to nitpick little things that ultimately won’t be the things you remember. People might not always remember what you did or said, but they will remember how you made them feel. So making others feel seen and heard and cared for, that’s something huge I hope to always accomplish.
TB: Trust the timing of your life. Everything happens for a reason, and trust things will happen when they are meant to. Sleep and water are your best friends! Ha!
For both of you, what are you hoping your next project involves? Something rooted in fantasy? A straight play with realism? Nothing in particular?
BQ: Truthfully, I don’t think it matters to me as long as I feel like it aligns with my soul. I have been much more conscious about making sure auditions feel good to me instead of jumping at every single thing that comes to me. I think that’s important to feel connected to what you’re working on… but also I want to be Glinda in Wicked. So that is definitely what I hope a project soon involves! (Telsey, cast me… I’m so funny. Please and thank you!)
TB: I am heading into BOOP! The Musical which will open on Broadway Spring 2025! It is a wonderful show full of love, family, magic and color! If you make it up to New York anytime soon, it is definitely worth seeing!
The floor is yours, anything else you’d like to share?
BQ: I’m just endlessly grateful for this opportunity and this experience. This show and process have completely nurtured my heart and soul and I couldn’t feel more blessed by this time. From day one, I felt different than I ever had in the audition room, the rehearsal room and on the stage. The support and encouragement have allowed me to do my best and to be unafraid to try new things and it has absolutely given me such a beautiful and rejuvenated confidence in myself and my path in this industry. I am just so thankful and appreciative of every person I have worked with the last few months. Thank you.
TB: I’d like to add a special thank you to the costume shop and members of Maltz Jupiter Theatre who don’t even work in the costume shop who worked until 1am the night before our photo shoot to make the Elsa dress come to life. It is a custom dress that was handmade. Every bead and sparkle was sewn on that dress, and I feel incredible every night because of you. Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Maltz Jupiter Theatre, was brought to tears the morning of our photoshoot in awe and gratitude. It has exceeded any expectation and I am forever grateful!!
