Theater Review: 'Freaky Friday' at Pomperaug High School

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The students of the Pomperaug Theatre Company will present “Freaky Friday The Musical” this weekend. Timothy Gaipa, an English teacher at the high school, makes his directorial debut with this wonderfully fun and technically challenging production.

The musical version of “Freaky Friday” is based on the 1972 novel of the same name written by Mary Rogers and the three Disney films. The show features a book by Bridget Carpenter and boasts music written by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Those of us with only a cursory knowledge of the plot can still delight in this magical and (still) relevant story of a mother and daughter that switch bodies on one important day in their lives. Broadway’s Heidi Blickenstaff took on the role of Katherine in the musical’s debut in Virginia.

The director points out that the gentle magic in the show “is well-balanced with their authentic and realistic worlds. This show investigates the drama that underlies most of our high school experiences while also paying tribute to how the lives of parents and the experiences of families can be shaped and reshaped, depending on all sorts of circumstances. (italics are Mr. Gaipa’s)

The first-time director also includes his thoughts on how the story ends. “The ending offers a powerful lesson in empathy and the critical importance of knowing another’s story–such a beautiful and relevant message in our 21st century lives.”

PHS senior Sara Gilchrist dives into the role of Ellie, the smart 16-year-old high school student who soon inhabits the body of her mother in “The Hourglass.” Gilchrist has the powerful singing voice and admirable stage presence to play this challenging role. Addie Evans begins the show as Elllie’s uptight mother Katherine, a neurotic wedding planner who is producing her own backyard wedding. Evans shows off her wonderful singing as she switches from her forty-year-old personality to that of her teen daughter. Both of these roles demand a range of acting ability that the two leads pull off with ease.

Cate Nespoli gets to play Ellie’s ten-year-old brother Fletcher, who uses puppets to express himself. Junior Zayden Woodhouse must age up to play the kind fiancé of Katherine and does well.

What a pleasure to watch Xavier Chu take on the role of Adam, the cool guy who serves as “The Listmaster” of the high school scavenger hunt. The talented Chu brings the right amount of charm to the role of Ellie’s crush and sings so well (“Women and Sandwiches”)

Senior Samantha Fig plays the alpha female student Savannah in a pink sparkly top, with Druvee Sreerama Haris and Mairin Beeky dancing as her Minions. Junior Savannah Paulus appears as Ellie’s friend Gretchen, Jules Hakim-Santiago plays Hannah and Gabe Walker plays Wells. My former cast mate Izzy Winer shines in three roles, school counselor (“Eight years until retirement”) Dr. Ehrin, Pastor Bruno and Officer Sitz. Isabella Yost takes on the roles of the journalist Danielle, the intense gym teacher Ms. Meyers and finally Officer Kowalski.

Kaelan Doyle is striking in the role of Katherine’s high-strung sous chef Torrey, as well as Adam’s mom. Dani Martino plays Parker and Louis, Beekey is a riot in the role of Grandma Helene, the empathic Mrs. Luckenbill, shop owner Mrs. Time, and Well’s Dad. Leo Marks takes on the roles of Grandpa Gordon, bio teacher Mr. Blumen and Spanish teacher Senor O’Brien.

Other delightful supporting roles are played by sophomore Anna Gilchrist as Laurel, Jordan Nicholson as fish vendor and Parker’s Dad, Savannah Torpey as Gretchen’s Mom, freshman Suzy Pavlock as Savannah’s Mom, Haris as a florist, Catherine Powers as Cater Waiter and sophomore Sarah Sugden as a security guard.

There are thirteen talented musicians in the Pomperaug pit that cover the charming Tom Kitt score. William Gracer plays keyboards.

The production is blessed with faculty members Madge O’Toole and Jeanne Hawley in the role of producers, and Nick Napoli as construction advisor. The student team has PHS senior Tooley Bergman as stage manager and tech director, and Sarah Sugden as assistant director and co-stage manager. The charming choreography is designed by Addison Evans and Sara Gilchrist. The multiple pieces of the set were designed by Bergman, senior Max Cardenas and junior Gaige Scherer. Claire Yorns is credited with the design of the printed and virtual program.

The contemporary costumes were designed by Clara Kromer, with makeup designed by senior Aimee Heck. The striking lighting designed by senior Eli Hornberger works well and there is good sound by junior Zoe Dailly and Colton Lorensen. Kudos to sophomore Charis Hubbard for the intricate prop design (including a breakaway wedding cake, a large blue hourglass, hula hoops and colorful lights sported by the scavenger hunters) and both Kaelan Doyle-Holter and Lucas Rosa on the excellent video design that takes us inside the Pomperaug campus and along Southbury roads.

As always, thank you to the Pomperaug production team for allowing me to attend the final dress rehearsal of their spring musical for my review. (I left the rehearsal with a craving for seven-layer bars.) The students have been rehearsing and preparing daily since January to bring this story to life on the large stage in their school auditorium. I enjoyed the lively and magical story and the fabulous (and challenging) music. Come witness this dedicated team of students create magic this weekend.

Performance Dates are Friday, March 20 – 7:00 PM, Saturday, March 21 – 7:00 PM, Sunday, March 22 – 2:00 PM

Pomperaug High School Auditorium, 234 Judd Road, Southbury

Tickets are $15 Adults, $10 Seniors, Staff, and Students

Tickets can be purchased online using the link. Walk-up tickets will also be available at the door (a $2 vendor fee applies). Purchase tickets online using the following link: Freaky Friday Tickets

Rehearsal photos courtesy of Madge O'Toole