This spring production of “Freaky Friday” is sure to be a hit: simply take it from any one of the romping musical’s own cast members (March 21-23).
The general lesson to be taken from the musical’s slightly unorthodox style is to expect the unexpected: wackiness is sure to abound in any tale of a mother and daughter pair who switch bodies, as the cast members have agreed.
“It is probably one of the funniest shows I know,” said junior Cameron D’Ettore.
Performing the role of Torrey – a neurotic, anxiety-ridden wedding planner – D’Ettore assures viewers his character will be a major source of amusement.
Senior in the play Ginny Bueller responded in a similarly enthusiastic manner.
“I think the show is overall just really fun: It’s fast paced [and] funny and I think people who do come to see it will have a lot of fun with it [too].”
Becky McCoy – public speaker, frequent writer, occasional photographer, and mental health advocate – returns once more to direct the show. She has brought her distinctive style for three years now, combining both leniency and a strong sense of direction.
“Her style… [it’s] very unique. She’s like, ‘okay, let’s try this’. And then if this doesn’t work, we’ll change it,” said D’ettore.
Musical director Emily Lattanzi style pairs well with McCoy’s flexibility, but also offers a slightly more hands-on, nudging students with gentle direction and redirection when needed.
“Bottom line, regardless of anything, it’s fun,” said senior Kyle Gentile of Ms. Lattanzi’s style.
The energy was infectious in the room when this reporter happened upon their music rehearsal, the foot-tapping anthems taken on by an eager cast.
The uniquely modern songs included in the show, featuring unexpected jazz and country flavorings, though not your usual “Fiddler on the Roof” fare, will prove just as endearing to theater-goers, all sure to leave humming these contemporary tunes.
Unfortunately, the show has not entirely been a process of endless smiles and zany giggles: sickness has struck the cast, amongst other difficulties.
A rehearsal on Feb. 17, for instance, brought together a mere six members of the cast, far down from a total cast of 18 – a cast which had “never” been entirely together according to Ginny.
Yet through it all, a definite feeling of “team” has come about; cast members describe a still-growing bond that unites the show’s members, even in times of difficulty (such as the memorization of complex choreography and polyharmonic melodies).
Creative experimentation is not only allowed, but encouraged, fostered by a nurturing director who allows actors their much needed artistic latitude.
“We’re all one big family. We all work together. It feels like a very safe environment where I can have fun, let loose, relax,” said sophomore Zoë Dykas.
The prospectives for this endearingly nonsensical show are grand. Many audience members are expected to join in the silliness, invited into the delight via the occasional ballads and many pop songs that will drive this important show.
Though silly, the message is of the utmost
