‘Frozen Fever’ short to play before ‘Cinderella’

Here’s some news that should warm the hearts of “Frozen” fanatics: “Frozen Fever,” Disney’s animated short reuniting the cast and creators of the blockbuster musical film, will play before the studio’s live-action “Cinderella” movie opening March 13.

For now, the short will have to tide over those clamoring for a proper sequel to the highest grossing animated movie of all time. Last week cast member Idina Menzel raised hopes when she said a follow-up feature was “in the works,” but she walked back those comments days later.

Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, “Frozen Fever” — isn’t that an oxymoron, by the way? — will find the cryokinetic Queen Elsa (Menzel) and valiant mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) drawing up a birthday party for plucky Princess Anna (Kristen Bell), though Elsa’s icy powers threaten to derail the proceedings.

In addition to bringing back familiar faces, the short will include a new song by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the Oscar-winning couple behind “Let It Go.”

“Cinderella,” meanwhile, is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Lily James of “Downton Abbey” in the title role, Cate Blanchett as her wicked stepmother, Helena Bonham Carter as her fairy godmother and Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) as Prince Charming.

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