New musical theatre company Theatrical have debuted their Victorian premiere of Freaky Friday; a musical based on the novel by Mary Rodgers and hit Disney film starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. This modern take set in present day is directed by Bronte Regos Thiele and features music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (If/THEN, Next to Normal). The Chapel Off Chapel production takes the body-swapping comedy to new heights – bringing both heart and soul as hilarity ensues.
Lead characters Ellie (Lyla Digrazia) and Katherine (Stephanie Powell) soar as stand outs in the performance, perfectly contrasting the struggles of adult responsibilities and adolescent relationships in high school. The production is supported by a stellar cast who manage to strike the right balance of comedy we’ve known to expect from this story, while tackling bigger themes around grief and mourning.
The beauty of the story is the audience’s opportunity to watch Ellie and Katherine navigate and understand each other’s lives, and the empathy that is central throughout the show by walking a mile in each other’s shoes. Supported by a number of hysterical tracks including Oh, Biology, Not Myself Today and Women and Sandwiches, this light-hearted comedy understands what audiences love about the novel and Disney film and bring them to life.
Overall, Theatrical’s production of Freaky Friday is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun night out in Melbourne. Tickets are on sale now via theatrical.com.au
Performance Dates Wednesday 7 September, 7:30pm (preview) Thursday 8 September, 7.30pm (opening night) Friday 9 September, 7.30pm Saturday 10 September, 1.30pm (matinee) Saturday 10 September, 7.30pm Sunday 11 September, 5pm (early evening) Wednesday 14 September, 7.30pm Thursday 15 September, 7.30pm Friday 16 September, 7.30pm Saturday 17 September, 1.30pm (matinee) Saturday 17 September, 7.30pm Sunday 18 September 1.30pm (matinee)
Freaky Friday Cast Ellie: Lyla Digrazia Katherine: Stephanie Powell Mike: Michael Gray Fletcher: Nathaniel Calleja Adam: Thomas Martin Savannah: Kate Thurkle Gretchen: Charlotte Willis Hannah: Maggie Lynch Torrey: Tach Sutton Danielle: Jessi Neilsen Carreño Dr Ehrin: Jack Lear Mrs Luckenbill: Isobel Smart Parker: Michael Polines Wells: Peter Overton Laurel: Sarah Genis Grandma: Melissa Cox Grandpa: Warren Overton
About Theatrical Theatrical is a not for profit and registered charity from Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar (If/THEN, Little Women), an independent musical theatre company with a mission to provide opportunities for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups who might not otherwise have access to participate in musical theatre. theatrical.com.au / @theatricalinc
Photo Credit: Nicole Cleary