By Demi Rose
St. George Musical Theater in St. George, Utah presents the relatable and comedic Disney musical Freaky Friday. The St. George Musical Theater is not only the first in Utah to premiere Freaky Friday but is also home to the debut of new Director Sammy Myrick who, like the musical itself, is a delightful surprise.
Before the performance begins there is an immediate awareness that the stage is almost bare except for a kitchen in one corner and a high school hallway set-up on its opposing side. The use of few props is a risky move as it brings all the focus and attention on the performers and any possible flaws in a performance. However, Myrick’s risk pays off as her cast’s performance meets the demands necessary for the high-energy and vocally demanding show Freaky Friday.
Kailey Simmons (Katherine Blake) who plays mother to Katie Gardner (Ellie Blake), and Gardener are a dynamic duo with powerhouse vocals and contagious enthusiasm. Gardner’s Ellie plays the sassy teen role dramatically and physically well while her counter Simmon’s Katherine adorns the picturesque mother that must have everything in its proper place. One thing is for certain, when Josie Brett (Torrey, Adam’s mom), who helps plan Katherine’s wedding says “Weddings are war” she did not know how right she was.
With drastic differences between the two characters of Gardner’s Ellie and Simmon’s Katherine, the challenge to perform the other’s personality and character choices arises as they “swap bodies” when the magical-oversized-hourglass-antique breaks over a classic mother/daughter fight. With the rehearsal dinner, the magazine photo-shoot, and interview overflowing on Mom’s endless to-do list, and Ellie on the brink of failing junior year over one more unexcused absence, the two must find common ground and “walk a mile in each other’s shoes” faking their way through the other’s day.
Not only are Simmons and Gardner able to pull off the swap of bodies in a humorous and believable manner, but other cast members in the show also put on a barrage of entertainment by donning multiple roles. The two notable entertainers who constantly change roles are Grace Wells (Danielle, Ms. Meers, Officer Sitz, Savannah’s mom) and Time Weir (Mr. Blumen, Pastor Bruno, Señor O’Brien, Officer Kowalski, Parker’s dad). The pair give side-splitting performances and deserve a notice of attention as they prove that there are no small parts. Given that the show keeps audience members grinning ear-to-ear and tapping along to all the musical numbers, if it was the practice of Front Row Reviewers to be critics (meaning we find fault) instead of writing positive and supportive reviews, I’d have a difficult time—there’s so much that’s great in SGMT’s Freaky Friday.
Finally, the finite details of the technicians’ artistry rounded-out the performance. Costuming (Grace Wells) is tastefully themed with achromatic colors on every performer complemented with a few colorful clothing articles to properly express the character. The lighting design and sound (Kyle Myrick) was appropriately placed and emphasized pertinent character moments. The entire cast and crew does a remarkable job, and Freaky Friday is worth seeing more than once. Not just for the promise of a fun night out, but to see a show that is double-cast and packed with talent. The show is appropriate for all ages, but for those with asthma should be cautious as there is a heavy use of a fog machine on the North and South side of the stage. Light refreshments are available to purchase at intermission from the Sweet Tooth Fairy.
St. George Musical Theater presents Freaky Friday by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
St. George Musical Theater, 212 N Main St, St. George, UT 84770
June 13 – July 20, 2019 Mon, Thur – Sat 7:30 PM
Tickets: $19 – 23
Contact: 866-967-8167
St. George Musical Theater Facebook
St. George Musical Theater: https://www.sgmusicaltheater.com/
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