Chelsea Emma Franko: RCC’s Narrator Returns After a Stellar Career in Frozen, Wicked, and More

Chelsea Emma Franko’s name has become synonymous with powerhouse performances, unforgettable vocals, and storytelling that leaves audiences spellbound. Her career spans roles in Disney’s Frozen, Wicked, and a host of other acclaimed productions. This February, Chelsea will bring her talents back to Riverside City College as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a role she considers both a privilege and a joyful return to her roots.

Chelsea’s journey began with a love for music and theatre that blossomed early in life. Her first big break came when she starred in Singing in the Rain with RCC’s Performance Riverside. “It was my first professional show,” Chelsea recalls. “I was still figuring out who I was as a performer, but being part of that production gave me confidence and clarity.”

After Singing in the Rain, Chelsea’s career gained momentum. One of her most significant milestones was being cast as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, where she originated the role of Elsa. “Performing Let It Go in front of thousands every week was exhilarating,” Chelsea shares. The role demanded intense vocal stamina—she performed the song ten times a week in its original key—and earned her recognition as a rising star in musical theatre.

Chelsea’s success with Frozen paved the way for her role as Elphaba standby in the national tour of Wicked. “Frozen prepared me for Wicked,” she explains. “It helped me push my voice to new heights and proved to casting directors that I could take on a role as demanding as Elphaba.” For two years, Chelsea toured with Wicked, performing one of Broadway’s most iconic roles in cities across the country.

Now, as she steps into the Narrator role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chelsea hopes to inspire RCC students, just as she was inspired on this very stage. “RCC played a pivotal role in my early career,” she says. “This program is unique because it allows students to work with professionals and dream big. I was once in their shoes, and I want them to see what’s possible.”

The production, directed by Jodi Julian, promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, storytelling, and theatrical innovation. Running February 7–16, the show offers audiences the chance to witness Chelsea’s return to the stage where her journey began.

“Being back here feels like coming full circle,” Chelsea says. “This is where I found my voice, and I hope to help others find theirs.”

Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are on sale now.