When an uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
THEMES and Genre (Comedy)
Empathy
Power of Love
Familial love
Grief
Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes
CHARACTERS
THE FAMILY
Ellie Blake (16) Smart, funny. Wears baggy/rumpled clothing and her hair hasn’t seen a comb in days. Still grieving the death of her father.
Katherine Blake (Ellie’s Mother) Decisive, lovely, punctual. Girlboss. Simultaneously preparing for a wedding and a huge debut for her business.
Fletcher Blake (Ellie’s younger brother) Eccentric, naive. Obsessed with puppets, especially his favorite puppet, Angry Bob. (Option to direct cast)
Mike (Katherine’s Fiance) Confident, charming, and kind. A calming force for Katherine and Fletcher.
THE STUDENTS
Gretchen (Ellie’s Best Friend) Intense, emotional, and lacking confidence. Swedish.
Hannah (Ellie’s Best Friend) Hacker-geek, nerd girl
Adam (Ellie’s Crush) Listmaster; runs the big scavenger hunt. Paragon of adorable cool.
Savannah (Ellie’s Nemesis/Mean Girl) Brilliant. Aggressive. A winner.
Parker (Ellie’s Friend) Completely average. Best friend with Wells.
Wells (Ellie’s Friend) Dorky, but not meek. Best friends with Parker.
Laurel (Student) Unimpressed
THE ADULTS
Torrey (Katherine’s Assistant) High-strung perfectionist
Grandpa Gordon (Katherine’s Father) Grumpy, stubborn, and old-school
Grandma Helene (Katherine’s Mother) Fiercely opinionated, but only because she cares
Danielle (Weddings Magazine Journalist) Polished; grimly cheerful
Louis (Weddings Magazine Photographer) Seen it all; loves his job
Dr. Ehrin (School Counselor) Test-obsessed; overworked
Mr. Blumen (Biology Teacher) A cynical lifer
Pastor Bruno (Wedding Officiant) Cheerful; loves weddings
Mrs. Luckenbill (English Teacher) Empathetic, cares about her students
Senor O’Brien (Spanish Teacher) Quick to argue
Ms. Meyers (Gym Teacher) Extremely intense; a yeller
Officer Sitz (Police Officer) Never received sensitivity training
