You most likely know Freaky Friday from the 2003 film starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. You may also be like me and had no clue a musical version even existed. When I heard Shine Performing Arts Academy were putting it on at the local high school, I knew I had to see it.
Based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, with music and lyrics written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Freaky Friday the musical premiered in 2016.
The musical follows the same premise as the movie, namely the tumultuous relationship between a teen girl and her mother. They switch bodies thanks to a magical hourglass, and whilst trying to figure out how to switch back, begin to understand and appreciate one another’s lives, bringing their relationship closer.
Walking into the space, the first thing you notice is the ten-piece orchestra on the floor between the audience and the stage. I personally LOVE watching an orchestra, so I knew I would have to keep myself from being distracted from what was happening onstage.
The orchestra were tight and only ever supported the cast and the storyline. Conducting them was the creative mastermind behind the show, director, musical director and choreographer Eli Ball.
Playing the lead role of Ellie (Lindsay Lohan’s character, if you need a reference point) was Layla Al Samaraie, a young performer who clearly knows how to be a teenager on stage. What was lovely to see was the clear difference in tone and physicality after the body swap. Vocally, Layla delivered with control, presence and emotion.
Opposite Layla was Julie McCoy, playing the mother role of Katherine. Julie balanced the authority of Katherine with a warm undertone, so the character never felt one-note. The embodiment of a teenager was clear and hilarious, especially during the scenes with onstage fiancé Mike, played by John Da Cruz. Julie delivered vocally with strength and clarity.
The ensemble and featured roles were such a delight to watch. From school scenes to wedding scenes, the ensemble filled the stage with purpose and intent. The choreography was minimal throughout, but when present, it suited the cast’s strengths and was cleverly done.
Special mention goes to Arlo Michaels, who played Ellie’s younger brother, Fletcher. Arlo brought just enough cuteness without being insincere. The young actor’s comedic timing was sharp, and the characterisation of the sock puppets was commendable, right down to their accents!
Also, special mention to Lauren Bull, who played Katharine’s assistant, Torrey, with bright energy. Lauren’s facial expressions were hilarious during the chaos that ensued after the body swap.
Costuming and props supported the story and helped differentiate between scenes and characters well. The set design was minimalist with rotating flats on wheels to turn between the family home and the school.
There was an array of purple and green boxes that were on both sides of the stage and lined the back wall. The box towers downstage had writing on it in a removalist fashion; however the meaning and representation of the colours may have been confusing for anyone who didn’t read the program.
Shine Performing Arts Academy delivered a top-notch production that balanced laugh-out-loud moments with messages about empathy, family and self-acceptance. The cast’s commitment and the creative team’s clear direction made Freaky Friday a highly entertaining and enjoyable show.
Shine Performing Arts Academy continues to give local emerging talent a platform to create and explore ideas. I look forward to seeing what they do next.
Freaky Friday was presented by Shine Performing Arts Academy and ran for two shows only from 21 – 22 March at Burpengary State Secondary School. The season has now ended.
Website: https://www.shineperformingartsacademy.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shine_performingarts/
Images supplied.
