Theatre Presents

In this article, Nathaniel talks about the upcoming theater show.

GPHS presents: Freaky friday

By Nathaniel Lee

The GPHS Theatre Department is at it again, this time working on Freaky Friday, written by Bridget Carpenter with music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The 90-minute musical is based on the 1927 novel by Mary Rodgers and tells the story of Ellie Blake and her mother Katherine. Performed by GPHS students in the Performing Arts Center, the show opens on Mar. 8, 2024 and will continue on the 9 and 10, as well as the 15, 16, and 17.

Music Theatre International describes the show as such: "When an uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right. Masquerading as each other, they must work together to solve the mystery of how to break the spell. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another in a way they never could have imagined. In the end, both learn the true power of love and the strength of the bond between a mother and daughter in this heartfelt and hilarious adaptation." Ellie (Olivia Wainscott) and Katherine (Alex Hanson) are polar opposites, and it is clearly evident in their strained relationship.

Left to right: Jay Grimm (Savannah) and Rubi Madrigal (Monica)Photo Credit: Nathaniel Lee
Left to right: Anabelle Gossett-Stern, Jaxon Arnette, Ian Herbert, and Rylie Revercomb; Center: Chris LofdahlPhoto Credit: Nathaniel Lee

The cast has been working for several months to bring this show to life, and the set helps the audience to visualize the scene even more. Eljay Wagerle (Officer Kowalski) said that what they have enjoyed most about the show is "The jokes that are made behind the scenes." Through music rehearsals, choreography rehearsals, and blocking, the actors have connected with their characters and figured out how to give them a unique voice and mannerisms. Seth Imel (Adam) said that he enjoyed "the connections made with people while rehearsing and watching everyone improve throughout rehearsal."

The show is directed by Julia Cuppy, with Jocelyn Schmidt and Tiana Eddy as choreographers and Jamie Banister as music director. Wayd Drake and Connor Pylant share the mantle of Technical Director, and Amber Medina-Montoya is the energy (drink) filled stage manager. With a crack team like this, the show is sure to be marvelous.

Students participate in the Myer's Fitness Challenge, a grueling P.E. testPhoto Credits: Nathaniel Lee

Be sure not to miss Freaky Friday, opening March 8. For more information, follow GPHS Theatre on Instagram @gphstheatre and go to the website gphstheatre.com to get tickets.

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