It's funny how things work out sometimes. We weren't supposed to be doing this show this year. Last Spring I had announced a different musical, this was a year for us to celebrate a classic, and we had announced a musical I was pretty excited to work on. Then the year ended and I went on vacation and I found out that due to powers beyond my control, we couldn't do that show. I was in a bit of a panic. I remember sitting in my Air BnB in Budapest, going back over musical notes and ideas... what else were Mr Doctor and I thinking of the last couple of years that could still work? The other classics on the list weren't going to work for various reasons. Somehow my notes kept leading me back to Freaky Friday. The problem was, I remembered not really loving the show when researching it the first time around, but for some reason looking at the show again, it seemed a little bit different, and, well, here we are.
About 10 days before opening night, I found myself watching Act 1 and kind of realized the journey of our protagonists somewhat mirrors the journey that got us here to today's performance. Katherine wakes up Friday morning ready to put the finishing touches on her wedding plans the morning of the rehearsal, while her daughter Ellie wakes up excited for this week's rite of high school passage. Both have narrow focuses and a clear goal. As their circumstances magically change, both are focused on getting their goals back on track, completely dismissive of what it means to the others around them - but through some personal growth, wacky hijinks, singing & dancing and some random chance (it is a musical comedy) they end up where they need to be after learning some important lessons.
Though I can't say any important life lessons came out of changing our show choice, I can say that doing this show has been the right show for Peninsula Drama this year. The road to get here has been bumpy, as the production process always is, but I hope that everyone involved has learned about themselves and had some fun. To be honest, I think this production and the collection of talent you are about to see on stage (and not see backstage) has far exceeded what would have been before you had we not had our original hourglass broken.
Remember, it is important to keep your eyes on your goals that lay before you, but please don't forget that everyone in your life has their own needs too. Sometimes if you stop for a moment to appreciate the people in your life and take a moment to see things from their perspective, you might find that you can help each other out.
Special Thanks
Brent Kuykendall - We got to open Freaky Friday on a Friday! I consider that a win.
Katie Clovis, Jennifer Panagos, Michael Wanmer, the Facilities Crew and the rest of our Staff and Faculty - For the constant support of our students and our department.
Jim Bell - For your continued support.
The Cast & Crew - For all the hard work that you put into this show every call.
Laura and Dan - For the great work, to make the musical numbers so polished.
Susan Breitenstein - For selling tickets to anyone who is reading this.
Julie Arico, Erin Barbour and all of the Parent Volunteers - You give so much of your time for your kids, even if they don't say it, I am sure they appreciate you as much as I do.
Leon and Donna - I can think of nothing worse than having to switch bodies with you for a day.
