BWW Blog: Watching FREAKY FRIDAY With My Mom

By: Jun. 30, 2017
FREAKY FRIDAY
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(L-R) David Jennings, Heidi Blickenstaff,
Jake Heston Miller and Emma Hunton
in Disney's FREAKY FRIDAY.
Photo by Jim Carmody.

FREAKY FRIDAY is my life. Well, minus the switching bodies with my mom and misplacing my brother. So it was amusing for me and my mom to experience the Alley Theatre's production together.

We saw ourselves in the characters of Emma and her mom. Disagreements over hair (pull it away from your face!) and clothes will probably always happen and I'll still mess with the radio in her car. But, I realized that sometimes, it's a good idea to see where she's coming from... maybe it will help both of us survive.

Based on the children's novel by Mary Rodgers, the Alley's production of FREAKY FRIDAY is an adventure filled with catchy songs and a talented cast! The musical is the story of chaos and shenanigans as Ellie (Emma Hunton), a teenager, and her mother, Katherine (Heidi Blickenstaff), switch bodies for a day.

From the first song, "Just One Day," the music and songs (by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey) really enhanced the show. The cast showed its vocal range throughout the production. One of my favorites was "Oh, Biology," a song about our changing bodies and dissecting a frog; believe me, it works.

Another audience favorite was "Busted" about parents and kids finding out things the others do or have done in secret. We learn Katherine smokes and Ellie has a "tramp stamp." Ooh, busted! And I have to give credit to "Go." Adam, Ellie's crush, sings about going where you'd never thought you'd go ... and following your dreams. Always an excellent message and it was even cooler because he was on a hoverboard the entire song. Adaaaam!

The use of a spinning stage was very creative. It allowed for easy changes between scenes and actors' transitions. It was really effective, especially in scenes where Ellie and Katherine share the stage at school and home.

The message of body positivity was on point. I know what it's like to feel awkward and unhappy with my own body. A show like this reminds you that it's OK to be different and own it! Lines like "this is as good as it gets" when talking about teenagers liking their bodies got a lot of laughs. Later, the teens strip down to their underwear while taking photos for a scavenger hunt. Huh? I understand where the show was going, but maybe it wasn't the best way to get there.

Overall the show was fun and I enjoyed it! I'm a fan of the movie, so I wasn't sure what to expect in a musical version, but I loved it and the cast recording is already on my Spotify playlist.

FREAKY FRIDAY continues at the Alley Theatre through July 2, 2017. 615 Texas Avenue. Please call 844-321-979 or visit alleytheatre.org for more information.



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