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| Olivia Jane Mell as daughter Ellie (left) and Lynda DiVito as mom Katherine have the battle that switches their bodies. |
Upsets
and insights ensue when a teenager and her mom inadvertently switch bodies in
“Freaky Friday.”
Center
Repertory Company is presenting the 2016 musical iteration of the story by Mary
Rodgers and Disney Films. The result is lots of fun thanks to an outstanding
production featuring a topnotch cast.
In
this version (unlike the films), the widowed mom, Katherine Blake (Lynda
DiVito), is a caterer who’s going to cater her own wedding the next day. It’s
no surprise that she’s uptight. Her daughter, Ellie (Olivia Jane Mell), isn’t
helping much.
When
a prized hourglass splits in a tugging match between them, they suddenly find
themselves occupying each other’s bodies but looking like their original
selves.
Hence
it’s left to Ellie to take Katherine’s place and try to keep things running at
home. Katherine must go to Ellie’s high school and confront her friends, rivals
and teachers.
Lots
of laughs follow. One of the funniest moments comes when Katherine, acting like
her daughter, tries to read her young son, Fletcher (Tyler Patrick Hennessy), a
bedtime story but must hold the book far away because she’s farsighted.
The
hourglass has a twin, but Katherine sold it to an antique store that has closed.
Therefore, as Ellie, she persuades her friends to go on a treasure hunt to find
it in Chicago and undo the spell.
Although
it’s a fairy tale, the updated book by Bridget Carpenter has some serious
aspects to go with all the amusement. Mainly they stem from the lessons that
mother and daughter learn and that improve their relationship.
The
music by Tom Kitt, with lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is upbeat and fun. It’s
enhanced by excellent singing plus the small pit orchestra led by musical
director Daniel Feyer from the keyboard.
Also
noteworthy is the well-executed choreography by Jennifer Perry.
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| Tyler Patrick Hennessy (left) is Fletcher and Dave J. Abrams is Adam. |
Director
Jeff Collister has assembled an energetic, likeable cast. Besides the two
principals and the remarkably poised young Hennessy as Fletcher, some of the
more notable main characters are Katherine’s fiancé, Mike Riley (Noel Anthony);
and Ellie’s boyfriend, Adam (Dave J. Abrams).
Several
ensemble members play multiple roles. An audience favorite is Katrina Lauren
McGraw, especially as Ellie’s demanding gym teacher, but everyone else is
worthy of applause, too.
Production
elements complement the show, especially the colorful costumes by Victoria
Livingston-Hall. The attractive, flexible set is by Kelly James Tighe with
lighting by Kurt Landisman and sound by Jeff Mockus.
Running
about two and a half hours with one intermission, family-friendly “Freaky
Friday” will continue through June 30 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601
Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.
For
tickets and information, call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.CenterREP.org.
(Photos by Kevin Berne)
(Photos by Kevin Berne)
