North Shore Music Theatre's 'Freaky Friday' Is a Fantastic Hit!

Be careful what you say or you just may switch places with your parent on the craziest Friday of your life.

North Shore Music Theatre presents Freaky Friday: A New Musical. Based on the beloved 1976 and 2003 movie adaptations of the same name, a struggling mother and daughter magically switch bodies. Believing that the opposite life won’t be difficult, Ellie and Katherine are in for the freakiest and most eye-opening Friday ever.

I was very surprised to learn that Freaky Friday was a musical. I was curious to find out how they’d make it all happen. Using a touch of theater magic, the show was filled with surprises, fabulous songs, dance numbers and even endearing moments that brought tears to the eyes.

Lindsay Joan (Ellie Blake) and Laurie Wells (Katherine Blake) are show stoppers the instant they turn into each other sharing strong scenes and even rock-tastic songs!

I was impressed at how natural Joan was at portraying an overworked mother trapped in a teenager’s body realizing how stressful her daughter’s life is. Joan’s confidence was inspiring.

Wells was hilarious acting as a believable and awkward teenager trying to grasp the adult world. Not only that, but Wells has a beautiful voice. One of the challenging, but fun parts about acting is that actors can be as over the top as they want to make an audience laugh.

In the role of her puppeteer little brother, AJ Scott (Fletcher) (also played by Jake Ryan Flynn on other nights) makes you laugh the instant he hits the stage. Scott was fun to watch as he was driving with his mother/sister up the wall. Great emotion and singing voice!

Sean Hayden is endearing as the father-to-be, Mike. Tara Tagliaferro was magnificent as the tough gym teacher. And I thoroughly enjoyed performances by Lindsay Alley (Torrey) and Annabelle Fox (Savannah). Everyone is so natural in their portrayals.

In theater, no part is small. Every cast member in Freaky Friday is given the chance to shine whether singing, dancing, or a memorable one-liner. I give props to those who have to do twenty push-ups onstage! That takes commitment!

I especially have to give a shoutout to ensemble member Aneesa Folds who brought down the house with her magnificent voice!

And expect an appearance by the amazing David Coffee who portrays a multitude of characters!

Audiences are sure to enjoy a number of songs such as "Just One Day," "Busted," and "Women and Sandwiches" a creative performance by Gerald Caesar (Adam).

For the set, childhood accessories such as a bike, basketball, and toys hung around the stage to remind audiences of their childhood. Don’t grow up too fast. Remember to appreciate your parents, kids, and grandparents every day.

Freaky Friday has several themes about the struggles of life, family, and ourselves. We cannot judge anyone from afar until we walk in their shoes for a day. No matter how many arguments you have with your parents at the end of the day its love.

Although some dark themes, Freaky Friday is a show for the whole family to enjoy. The message is strong and relative to anyone who is struggling. Don't ever give up because ‘you got this!’

Speaking of which, if you’re in need of a laugh, Freaky Friday will do the trick. You’ll find yourself quoting the show afterward.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, director Gabriel Barre, and a fantastic orchestra. You need more than one person to help bring the theater to life.

Take your family out to enjoy a showing of Freaky Friday at North Shore Music Theatre July 9-21!