By Eliza Een
Based on the novel by Mary Rodgers and the Disney films, Freaky Friday: A New Musical has come to Herriman—thanks to the Friends of Herriman Arts Council. With the book by Bridget Carpenter and music by Tom Kitt with lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the stage version most closely follows the 2018 movie musical. The story begins by introducing Kathrine Blake and her children Ellie and Fletcher, who are dealing with the loss of their father again as Kathrine’s wedding to fiancé, Mike, approaches. After an argument, Kathrine and Ellie break a magic hourglass that causes them to switch bodies. Each of them must do what it takes to make it through the day, with Mom going to school and meeting her daughter’s crush, and Ellie keeping up with wedding preparations and mothering her younger brother. Throughout the day each of them learns to love and appreciate the other and gains confidence as they race to get back in their own bodies by the time Kathrine walks down the aisle.
Playing angsty teenager Ellie Blake is Liz Nielsen, who does a wonderful job of distinguishing who is in charge of Ellie’s body through her body language and posture. Nielsen’s voice shines in the song “Oh, Biology” with a chorus of high-school lab students.
The organized and professional Kathrine Blake is Megan Midgley, and she nails the concerned mother look when Kathrine is in charge of the body and the slouchy, rebellious teen style when Ellie is in charge. Midgley’s careful dodging of Mike’s (Geoff Douglas) romantic gestures while she is Ellie elicits a laugh from the audience every time, while Douglas’s good-natured Mike— though confused—takes it in stride. Douglas and Midgley share a tender moment in act two discussing the stress that can come with being a blended family, which turns the tide for Ellie’s character arc.
Brax Zuniga brings to life Ellie’s oddball younger brother Fletcher Blake, not to mention his assorted puppets and their various voices and accents. Zuniga has a sweet innocence that endears him to the audience, and he starts a new friendship with Adam (Benjamin Tate) in “Women and Sandwiches.” Tate is the classic high school heartthrob, who actually lives up to the hype and shows a kind heart. His high energy onstage keeps the momentum going, especially during the second half. Nicole Stromberg wears many hats in the show, including Danielle, Ms. Meyers, and Officer Sitz, but all of them share her inquisitive mind as she keeps the main characters on their toes at school and at home.
The ensemble of caterers, high schoolers, and a variety of parents and staff add interest to the big musical numbers “I Got This” and “I’m Not Myself Today” and show that the struggles Ellie and Katherine have are universal. Whether their characters were enemies or friends, the company got the message across and looked like they had fun doing it!
Under Jenna Ahlman’s direction and choreography, the cast wove in and out of their moves and scenes with flair. The Friends of Herriman Arts Council prides itself on having an orchestra for its shows, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been to a show with live music. It makes a huge difference, and it’s really cool to see so many people dedicated to and participating in the arts. Orchestra director, Marie Buhler, and vocal director, Tanner Tate, make magic happen onstage and in the pit. One of my favorite parts of the whole production was the set, designed by Tavnir Carey. It is fun and colorful, with plenty of easter eggs to keep the audience’s interest throughout the show and subtly contribute to the storytelling, and its multiple versatile backdrops are rolled in and out to establish each setting. The cast uses the stage to its full advantage and every corner is effectively and beautifully decorated. In addition to playing Torrey, Mom’s unfailing assistant, Brook Mann provides costumes for all occasions and ensures everyone is dressed to impress. I especially loved Kathrine’s wedding dress for the final scene.
While you can see a play in any theater or outdoor venue, it takes a special company to elevate the entertainment into a memorable and connected experience. With the live orchestra, large ensemble, and thematic refreshment and gift items offered at the lovely outdoor venue, the Friends of Herriman Arts Council creates an event worth experiencing. Freaky Friday: A New Musical is fun for all ages, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors and spend the evening with the Friends of Herriman Arts Council to make today and every day a better one!
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