When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before mom’s big wedding. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a hilarious, contemporary update on an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it is to be a family and experience each other’s lives first-hand, if only for a day.
“Delightfully spunky” with “timeless appeal” (Variety), Freaky Friday features a new book by Bridget Carpenter (Parenthood) and an original pop/rock score by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winners Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal). This dynamic story puts a fresh new spin on a “polished, peppy, modern fairy tale” (The Washington Post).
Age Recommended: Most enjoyed by children 8 and up.
Language:
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Ellie uses aggressive language towards her family members (“Shut it!,” ”You stink, Fletcher,” “I hate you,” “Stupid!”).
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An insinuation to a curse word is made by Ellie in Katherine’s body, but no curse words are used (“Will hunt for the glass and save my…butt.”)
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The phrase, “Oh my gosh,” is used.
Themes and Situations:
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Family conflict and difficulty adjusting to a step-parent
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There are mentions of Ellie’s father’s death throughout (the show happens years after death has occurred).
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Financial challenges are suggested
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There is intense bullying by Savannah, including calling Ellie a “loser,” smacking books out of Ellie’s hand, and elbowing Ellie in the stomach.
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There is a discussion of growing up and the development of hormones.
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Cigarettes and piercings are displayed in a negative light.
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There is a song entitled, “Parents Lie,” revealing common things parents misconceive to their younger children.
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A lack of body confidence is represented, but themes of loving your body are presented as a response to this.
Potential Scary Moments:
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Strobes and other lighting effects will be used to represent magic throughout the show.
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A magical hourglass is what causes Ellie and Katherine to swap bodies.
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There is potential for loud noises from screaming and props breaking.
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Savannah gets mildly violent when elbowing Ellie in the stomach, knocking items out of her hand, etc.
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A child goes missing. This conflict is resolved quickly and he is reunited with his family.
Other Cautions/Advisories:
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There are public displays of affection through kissing and hugging between love interests.
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During a magic trick, Fletcher pulls a scarf from his mouth, and he mocks “choking” during this trick.
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Being locked in a psych ward and medicated is mentioned after Ellie and Katherine “switch bodies.”
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Sarcastic remarks are made by Torrey regarding killing a child if they were to ever run away.
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A misunderstanding causes an insinuation that the physical harm of Katherine’s son has occurred.