Freaky Friday

For the most part, Fickman’s direction lands well and matches the overall vibe of the show. The music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey respectively, sometimes feel like they need to tap the brakes slightly. The emotional punch we expect from the score doesn’t always come through. One real standout, however, is ‘Women and Sandwiches.’ It’s a genuinely sweet moment where Ellie’s brother and her love interest Adam (Max Mirza) connect at a bus stop during ‘The Hunt’ the school’s annual scavenger hunt as well as allowing Mirza to showcase a tender, sweet heartfelt vocal. 

Set design and costume design by David Shields keeps things simple, much like Fickman’s other high-school fan favorite, Heathers. With set pieces wheeled on by ensemble members and a handful of rotating elements, we spend most of our time between the family’s home and the high school. It works well enough, but it doesn’t quite hold the audience’s attention the way it could. A bit more variety in the staging and locations would have gone a long way in keeping things visually engaging. The choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento however, was captivating, bursting with energy. While the production may not have had any huge, show-stopping numbers, the moments that involved the ensemble were by far the strongest. The choreography was slick, sharp, and impactful, bringing real life and excitement to the stage.

Jena Pandya and Rebecca Lock as Katherine and Ellie deliver a truly stellar performance, capturing the ups and downs of the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of the story. Their chemistry on stage feels natural and relatable, making the family dynamics genuinely heartfelt. On top of that, both bring impressive vocal chops to the table. Jenna’s warmth and strength shine through in every note, while Rebecca’s voice carries both energy and emotion, making the musical numbers feel vibrant and alive.