Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story erroneously described Ciara Renée as Latina and Puerto Rican.
There’s a Black Disney Princess hitting the Broadway stage. Last week, Playbill reported that Ciara Renée would be taking over the beloved role of Elsa on the Broadway adaptation of Frozen next month.
The African American actress will succeed Caissie Levy, the show’s original Elsa, starting on February 18.
“I am incredibly grateful! This is an opportunity to expand minds, open hearts and empower folks with the power of love. I can’t wait to get started,” Renée, 29, wrote on Instagram.
Renée isn’t new to the Broadway stage. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-born and raised actress previously starred as The Witch in Big Fish and the Leading Player in Pippin. Outside of theater, she has also played multiple roles on TV and streaming service series, including spots on CBS’ Big Bang Theory, the CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Netflix’s Master of None and Facebook Watch’s Strangers.
When she takes the Broadway stage next month as the magical princess with the power to create and control ice, she will be joined by fellow newcomer McKenzie Kurtz, who will succeed actress Patti Murin for the role of Anna, Elsa’s royal sister.
The hit musical is playing at the St. James Theatre.