Live Performance Review - Freaky Friday
Images courtesy of Fuller PR.
When I first heard that there was a Freaky Friday musical, I thought “that makes so much sense”. Both the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, as well as the classic Disney film starring Lilo and Queen Jamie, would make the perfect source material for a musical. The story would totally allow for the fun upbeat ensemble songs that would have people jumping in their seats, as well as the more touching, heartfelt moments that would make for the perfect ballad, or mother-daughter duet. So, what I was expecting from this night out at the theatre, was high energy, excitement, tenderness and maybe a few good one-liners. I can happily say, that’s exactly what I got.
Following in the footsteps of other more recent musical adaptations of iconic 2000’s teen flicks, (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde) this Freaky Friday musical is injected with the perfect blend of sincerity and a winking self-referentiality that acknowledges that most (if not all) of the audience, knows how this story is going to turn out. Do not dismay however, this isn’t simply a line for line rehashing of the Disney favourite, in fact I was surprised to discover this musical bore practically nothing in common with the movie we all know and love. What was the same was of course, the mother- daughter switcheroo, their tumultuous relationship, and the time crunch of needing to switch back to their old bodies before Catherine’s (the mother) wedding the next day. I was happy to see the questionable Orientalism of the original Disney flick had been removed, and replaced instead with a magical hourglass, which I promise is not as lame as it sounds. The hourglass was a gift to daughter Ellie (Lyla Digrazia) from her late father, that immediately breaks after causing the mystical body switch to happen. Ellie however, remembers that the hourglass was part of a set, and thinking that the other must be able to switch them back, rejoices as the end of this freaky day is seemingly near. However Catherine (Stephanie Powell), must sheepishly let her daughter know that merely a few weeks ago, she sold the other hourglass, as she was tight on cash. Realising that the other hourglass could be anywhere by now, a frantic search awaits the pair of them, after Catherine must go to school as Ellie, and Ellie must give an interview for Wedding Magazine as her mother of course. And with that, hilarity ensues.
What also, obviously, sets this musical apart from its 2003 counterpart, are the songs (duh!). Now yes, the Disney film had some iconic rock chick bangers (any ‘Take me Away’ fans??), but that was worked into the plot of the film. This musical allows, as all musicals do, for the inner monologue of each character to be explicitly front and centre at all times. We immediately understand the context of this rocky mother-daughter relationship, which stems from the fact that Ellie is astounded that her mother could have found a new partner so soon after her father passed away. This degree of intimacy puts you directly into the shoes of these characters faster, and really lets you know who they are, from the minute the curtain rises.
Now, I would be completely remiss to not discuss the leads, and their incredible singing voices. Honestly, if you take anything away from this review, it should be that Lyla and Catherine brought the house down. The entirety of the musical rests upon their shoulders, and it was completely satisfying and thrilling to watch them hit impossible note after impossible note. I know they would have made Lindsay and Jamie proud.
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Freaky Friday runs 8-18 September at Chapel Off Chapel. For tickets and more info, click here.