LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Disney's FROZEN takes the stage Kentucky Center this month, so does actor Dan Plehal in the role of 'Sven' the Reindeer.
"This puppet is such a work of art and I feel so lucky to wear it," Plehal said.
WHAS11 got to go behind-the-scenes with Plehal as he and puppet supervisor Sue McLaughlin get him suited up in the massive puppet costume that makes Sven possible.
"You have these very well known characters that people want to see, but they aren't human. Using the puppetry in concert with the performer allows them to build a complete character that comes to life and enchants people," she said.
Plehal's bread and butter is physical theatre, a medium he felt mostly alone in until seeing a video of the actor who originated Sven getting into his costume.
"I thought I was doing some weird thing that maybe wouldn't lead me anywhere professionally," Plehal said. "When I saw this puppet that existed and the guy who was performing it, his background was similar to mine, and I thought 'oh I've got to be inside that puppet.'"
The carefully-crafted puppet, featuring hand dyed and painted fur, only takes about ten or fifteen minutes to put on. It starts with Plehal's hooves, effectively stilts, with which he walks on all fours on stage.
There's also a body piece, complete with hidden Mickeys, to strap into. Last, is hooking into Sven's large head, with its moveable eyes and long antlers.
"Some people come and they wonder if it’s a robot, human have the ability to tell a story so much more than a robot," Plehal said. "I think the most important thing we're here to do is tell a story and I think humans just have the ability to tell a story so much more than a robot or something electronic would."
The role is extremely demanding on the body.
Plehal spends 30 to 40 minutes warming up with yoga and pilates and meets regularly with a physical therapist. He also alternates performances with a second actor, so they have time to rest.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin is his partner in the wings, caring for the costume and helping make sure Plehal is able to get around.
"Backstage it's hard for me to see because it's dark and I'm shrouded, so I'm not allowed to move backstage unless Sue or a stage manager shines a flashlight," he said.
"The number one rule backstage is don't get run over by a reindeer," Plehal added.
When Plehal is fully suited up and wandering around the stage, it's easy to forget there's a person behind the puppet. That type of magic captures audiences every night during performances.
"Theater is really special because it's one of the few things we experience as a community," McLaughlin said.
"I love anything that's a little bit magical. Hopefully my future includes bringing some new things to life," Plehal said.
FROZEN is playing at the Kentucky Center through February the 4th.
►Contact reporter Grace McKenna at GMcKenna@whas11.com or on Facebook or Twitter.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.