October 24, 2023
In 'Frozen,' Collin Baja Finds Joy in Disappearing into Sven
Steve Duffy READ TIME: 7 MIN.
In the national company of "Frozen," at the Boston's Citizen's Opera House through November 12, Collin Baja all but disappears into his character – literally. As Sven, the reindeer, Baja is encased in all-in-one reindeer outfit co-created by puppet master Michael Curry and costume designer Christopher Oram that hides his physicality – or their physicality, because Baja alternates in the role with Dan Plehal, due to daunting demands of the puppetry.
To perform in the 50+lb. costume, Baja (and Plehal, when he's performing the role) assumes a push-up-like position with specifically designed hoofed stilts in each limb. He operates the puppet's front leg with his arms and the back with his legs. For Sven's blinking eyes and ears, he manipulates a wire pulley system using hand grips. To watch Sven's extraordinary transformation, watch this video from the New York Times during the show's Broadway run.
"Sven is onstage for about 40 minutes of the show, and the role is physically taxing – the performer inside is on all fours, essentially planking for up to seven minutes at a time, with 11-inch stilts attached to his hands, and five-inch metal shanks attached to his feet," wrote the Times.
Though this is Baja's first national tour, the Julliard grad (with a BFA in dance) has been with "Frozen" since 2019. He has also appeared on Broadway in the revival of "Hello, Dolly!," "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark," and "Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus." His previous experience as an animal puppeteer was as part of the herd in the 2008 revival of "Equus," starring Daniel Radcliffe. In the role, he told the San Francisco Examiner: "There was a very choreographed, very intense, climactic scene where I was jumping over (Radcliffe) and kicking by his face with these massive metal hooves and all I'm thinking is, 'Please don't let me kill Harry Potter!'"
Baja also maintains a counseling practice and spends time with Baloo, his 35-pound Goldendoodle sidekick. In an interview while the show was in Los Angeles three years ago, Baja https://culturalattache.co/2020/01/08/collin-baja-is-one-of-frozens-svens/|told the website Cultural Attaché> about his character: "Sven is very comedic. I'm in real life a very jovial, touchy, fun person. I try to bring as much as I could to the mix."
The out Baja spoke to EDGE recently about the joy he feels disappearing into Sven, his rigorous physical routine, and why Elsa is a queer icon.
Source: Instagram
EDGE: Where did your interest in musical theatre come from?
Collin Baja: I would say that I fell into a love of musical theater. My love of performing started as a child, but was also influenced by Michael and Janet Jackson. Along the way, I found dance, which then introduced me to theater. I got into musical theater while in high school and went to New York in my early teens to see Broadway shows. That really helped me understand the magic of it all.
EDGE: You're playing Sven. What can fans of the movie expect from this stage version?
Collin Baja: If you're a fan of the movie, you already know what to expect from this beautiful story between sisters and not-needing-to-rely-on-a-man narrative. Since it is a Disney production, you can expect a spectacle with a big budget filled with beautiful set pieces and costumes. It's an honor to share the role with Dan. We both get to bring one of the most unexpected pieces to life. I think with Sven people are confused and excited at the same time. It's a jaw-dropping moment when you realize how he is brought to life.
EDGE: Most actors want to be seen and recognized for their roles. As Sven, we don't get to see you on stage. Is that a drawback for you?
Collin Baja: To be perfectly honest, if I had this role in my early twenties, my ego would have been more bruised for not having my face seen. At this point in my life, bringing Sven to life is bringing me all kinds of joy. This role is jaw-dropping and beautiful. There is a mystery to it. The audience still can't believe that it is one person and not two. At the end of the show, when we are bowing and you can't see our faces, it's nice because it keeps the magic alive, especially for the children. So, my ego is not involved with this role, and it can't be, or else I'm doomed.
EDGE: Do you and the character Sven share any personality traits?
Collin Baja: Absolutely! What's cool about sharing a role with Dan is that we get to create two very different versions of Sven. My Sven is very fluid and sassy, kind of like a giant golden retriever. It's been fun to model him from my dog. I travel everywhere with Golden Doodle, and he's the love of my life. It's been fun to meld a lot of his mannerisms and little quirks into my spin of Sven.
EDGE: What are the physical challenges of the role?
Collin Baja: It is the most daunting role that I have ever had. When Dan and I booked the role, one of the first questions they asked was, are you claustrophobic? Sven is a giant puppet, so we are on four stilts in a plank position for over two hours with limited eyesight and hearing. It's a physically challenging role, so that's why we share the role.
EDGE: Sounds like you need lots of stamina. How do you stay in shape to perform the role?
Collin Baja: Good question. We are diligent about our warm-up and cool-down practice. Both of us are still alternating, so when I'm not performing and the other person is, I am hitting it hard at the gym. Our physical therapist, Sammy, is a godsend. She works with us and helps us stay strong. She helps us with our maintenance, recovery, and proper exercises. We have a little army of people who support us in keeping our bodies and our minds in optimal form.
EDGE: What makes Sven so endearing?
Collin Baja: I'm biased, but Sven is the best. Elsa has the magic, Anna has the confidence and quirkiness, but with Sven you get a loyal companion. He's a beautiful reindeer with a ton of personality, and is the moral compass for Kristoff. Even though he has a nonspeaking role, you can still tell what he is feeling or thinking with a look or one flick of his ears. All the animals in a Disney production or Disney movie are usually always the most endearing characters. Sven is loyal and sweet, and even in a nonverbal role he still communicates.
EDGE: Elsa has become a queer icon for many.
Collin Baja: I could ramble here for this question. I think multiple things. I think that in the queer community, we have spent our entire lives being the 'other,' and no matter how much progress we make in the world it's still a constant navigation of where we fit in. Elsa's storyline is completely surrounded by that narrative – her whole story is about feeling like an outcast and trying to hide who she really is. She has to mask her true self, and she is not able to shine her true light or step into it because of her surroundings. Her parents and the world around her have decided that she is harmful and dangerous.
Now, that is a direct parallel to every sort of queer narrative. We have all known the internalized shame and being told that stepping into our true self and power is going to harm ourselves and others. We all know that is not true. When you finally understand yourself and step into your power in such a powerful way, as Elsa does with "Let It Go," that is momentous. She's a queer icon because she doesn't rely on a man, a woman, a partner, or anybody else. She forms her own rules, and her journey of discovering and letting loose your own inner power is something we in the LGBTQ+ community can relate to.
EDGE: After seeing "Frozen," what's the one thing you wish for the audience to leave the theatre with?
Collin Baja: Joy and a love for the theater. As a performer, "Frozen" is a really amazing production to be part of. I've done some shows that are very heavy, and "Frozen" is a beautiful and layered story that brings a lot of joy. I'm hoping that the audience will feel a sense of joy, a sense of empowerment, and find a newfound love for the theater. The performing arts, especially theater, inspire a lot of people, and we need that more than ever right now.
EDGE: Perfect time to be coming to Boston. Is there something you are looking forward to?
Collin Baja: I'm very familiar with Boston. My ex-husband is from Walpole, so I am definitely looking forward to being back. There's a ton of great restaurants and bars that I remember going to, and I want to see if they survived COVID. I'm excited to wake up in the morning, get my coffee, and roam around the city. It is one of my favorite things to do.
