Freaky Friday is a musical that is based on the 1972 book by Mary Rogers and the 1976, 1995, and 2003 film adaptations. Throughout each adaptation, the central story remains the same. When a mom and her teenage daughter can’t seem to understand each other, they magically swap bodies. They have just one day to switch back and make things right before the mom gets married.
Disney Theatrical Productions developed this musical from the original book and all three Disney films. It premiered in 2016 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. In 2018 the musical was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie, starring Heidi Blickenstaff. Although the show never transferred to Broadway, it has been performed in professional, regional, and school theatres across the country. Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning duo behind the music, develop the characters through several catchy, high-energy numbers such as “Oh, Biology” and “At Last It’s Me”. Instead of a magical fortune cookie or powerful talisman, the body-swapping magic in this adaptation is found in a special hourglass. Love and understanding will ultimately bring healing to this broken mother-daughter relationship.
Although none of us have had a body-swapping experience like this mother and daughter, the past twelve months have presented abnormal experiences and challenges beyond imagination. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, these two women demonstrate that difficult trials can bring a family closer together. As we face our own struggles and witness wounds of the world, may we remember to take the time to listen to each other, look at things from a different perspective, and love those around us with our whole hearts. Having a 2020-2021 musical season and the opportunity to bring this timeless story to life has brought so much joy to everyone involved in the production. Even though life will throw some freaky experiences our way, may we never lose sight of what matters most.
Enjoy the show!
Vanessa Trauger
