TGIFF – Thank Goodness it’s Freaky Friday!
– By Beatrice Stockwell –
Freaky Friday is a hit musical most notably from the Walt Disney Films and based on the novel by Mary Rodgers in 1972. If you are “mature” enough to remember… the first Disney film of the same title was released in 1976 with Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris and updated in 2003 with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
The musical opens with Ellie Blake (played by Josie Brett & Kaitlin Syrett) singing about what she believes is the worst day of her life. Her mother, Katherine (played by Jill Bearden & Nicole Kimzey) is a wedding planner who is getting married herself the following day. Katherine is simultaneously planning her own wedding, reigning in rebellious teenager Ellie, soothing young son Fletcher (played by Jack Bearden & Mack Lawrence), and reassuring soon-to-be husband, Mike (played by David Ramero).
Ellie’s friends Gretchen and Hannah (Whitney Morgan & Ciara Baird) want her to join them in The Hunt, an all-night scavenger hunt attended by all the coolest kids at school. Katherine forbids Ellie to join The Hunt which leads to a confrontation. The confrontation includes a magical hourglass that breaks causing mother and daughter to magically switch bodies.
Ellie and Katherine have only one day until the wedding to sort out their friends, family members, finances, and feelings – for each other and those close to them. Deciding to play it safe, the two decide to pretend to be each other until the solution can be found. Both are sure that the others life is easier and confident that she will do a better job. By spending a day in each other’s shoes (literally) mother and daughter experience the chaos and compassion in each other’s lives.
In true Disney fashion, all ends well and is flavored with goofy cops, a wild chase, love, compassion, forgiveness, and a bit of magic.
Freaky Friday features a book by Bridget Carpenter whose credits include co-executive producer and writer on “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood”. Music and lyrics are by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composers of Next to Normal and If/Then. The Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company’s production is directed by Kyle Myrick and the cast includes: Jill & Jack Bearden, Nicole Kimzey, Josie Brett, Kaitlin Syrett, David Ramero, Mason Stevens, Kelby Tyrell, Whitney Morgan, Mack Lawrency, Ciara Baird, Ashlie Davenport, Cajun Syrett, Jack Pearson, McKenzie Morgan, Nathan Merrill, Stacia Mizukawa, and Brooke Mizukawa.
Freaky Friday is appropriate for all ages and plays Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:00 PM and Saturday Matinees at 2:00 PM from April 9 – May 1. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children for evening shows. Matinees are $5 and a special $10 Preview night will be presented on April 8. Purchase tickets at www.HurricaneTheatrical.com or call 435-668-9753.
For information about Freaky Friday, or to donate or volunteer, please call 435-668-9753
Socially distanced seating will be provided, and masks are encouraged.
