I had the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal and I have to say this show is a gem and absolutely worthwhile. For anyone who has been closeted away from live theatre for too long, it is a wonderful treat to see and hear the cast of ‘Freaky Friday’ on stage.
The director, Erin McLean, well known for her great abilities as a performer, has done an excellent job on this production. The cast, from top to bottom, put all their hearts, expressions and voices into this play. And what voices they have!
I have always been partial to musicals. What makes some musicals stand out, of course, is the musical score and the voices of the performers. And, in Freaky Friday, there is an abundance of good songs and the Leduc Drama singing talent is impressive. Carly Pettitt plays Ellie, the stressed-out daughter and Erin Raine plays Katherine the control-freak mother. They are not just the lead actors, they are real stars. I am always amazed at the talent that some people have and sometimes all you can do is to sit back and be in awe and be entertained by them. (And maybe secretly wish you had a fraction of their talent yourself!). Honourable mention to Scott McKenzie who always gives his all in his dramatic and musical efforts and also to a rising young star named Lucas Paterson who plays Adam.
There is a cast of 21 plus a very good band, and many others in the background who have made possible this fantastic production, not to mention the welcome appearance of the Connectivity rope skipping team. There are some familiar faces in the show and many new ones as well. The whole cast is so important that it is a shame all cannot be highlighted. It is always wonderful to see Leanne Hiebert, who took on several roles, back on stage. Len Marshall and Keith Gummer also again brought their experience and talent to the stage. Again, it’s unfair that everyone can’t be mentioned. But the good news is that you can go see the show for yourself and enjoy everyone’s performance.
Freaky Friday is great! Congrats to all involved. It’s real and it’s happening at the Maclab Centre starting tonight.