A few short weeks ago, Mrs. Stolarz announced that the musical her theatre department would be putting on will be Freaky Friday. So what is the musical about and what can you expect to see from our own amazing Marion Center performers on opening night in a few short months?
Freaky Friday is a fun and heartwarming stage adaptation of the classic 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, which was later made famous through the 1976 film and its 2003 Disney remake. The musical, which premiered in 2016, centers on the chaotic and humorous story of a mother and daughter who swap bodies and learn valuable lessons about each other’s lives and struggles.
The plot follows Katherine Blake, a workaholic mother who is struggling with her responsibilities and her relationship with her daughter, Ellie Blake, a rebellious teenager. Their tension escalates when they both wish that they could live each other’s lives, which magically happens after a mysterious event at a family dinner. The mother and daughter find themselves in each other’s bodies, and they must figure out how to navigate their new realities for one day before they can switch back.
While in each other’s bodies, Katherine learns about the pressures Ellie faces at school, while Ellie gains insight into her mother’s challenges, including her career and dating life. They both experience firsthand the difficulties and expectations that the other faces, leading to moments of empathy, growth, and understanding. As the day progresses, the two learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses, ultimately coming to terms with their differences and their love for one another.
The musical includes a score with a variety of fun and emotional songs, and it emphasizes themes of family, self-acceptance, and the importance of communication. Eventually, the characters realize that they need to embrace their unique identities while learning to support each other. The show is energetic, funny, and filled with relatable moments for audiences of all ages.
Make sure you find your way to the Keith Bloom Auditorium on opening night and the subsequent shows that weekend to support your Marion Center theatre department and all of their hard work.
Works Cited:
“Freaky Friday (Musical) Plot & Characters.” StageAgent, 2016, stageagent.com/shows/musical/14113/freaky-friday.
