“Just One Day” is All You Need to Fall in Love with Freaky Friday at Burlington County Footlighters!

by Lisa Palena

Based on the titular novel and subsequent Disney movies, Freaky Friday tells the story of Katherine and Ellie Blake, a mother and daughter duo who can never quite see eye-to-eye on, well, anything.  A surprising turn of events involving a magic hourglass leads to a body swap, causing the two to literally step into the other’s shoes.  But with Katherine’s second marriage only 24 hours away, the two characters know they only have one day to reverse the spell.  In taking the time to experience each other’s joys as well as their struggles, Katherine and Ellie gain a respect and understanding for the other that may not have been achieved otherwise.  This wholesome tale about acceptance, family, and unconditional love is a lighthearted experience, offering a new lens to an American classic.

When I arrived at Burlington County Footlighters, popular music from the late 1990s/early 2000s was playing, foreshadowing the time period in which this piece would be set.  As someone who graduated from high school in 2001, this reviewer enjoyed the inclusion of the preshow and intermission music- I felt instantly transported back in time.  It also felt appropriately tied to the setting of the hit Disney film version, starring Lindsay Lohan, produced in 2003.  The set, designed by Jim Frazer, consisted of 4 rotational triangular columns, a lifted platform across the back of the stage, and two doorways.  This organization provided ample stage space for actors to move around in and offered many opportunities for entrances and exits from all sides.  Additionally, the use of lighting (designed by Frazer and Heidi Kleber) within the columns and around the doorways and platforms made for some scenic magic throughout the show.  

In a show about mother-daughter relationships, the success really hinges on the casting of the two leads.  The musical itself needs actors who can play their ages plus or minus thirty years. Alex Davis as Katherine Blake and Julia Dennis as Ellie Blake (and vice versa) are an absolute joy to watch.  Their effortless chemistry is apparent from the opening number, their gorgeous vocals enhance the other’s in multiple duets, and they have a tremendous ability to showcase the layers of emotional growth necessary to bring the characters to their acceptance of the other person in the end.  We don’t see much of Davis’ Blake or Dennis’ Ellie because they spend most of their time onstage trapped in each other’s bodies, which is one of the pitfalls of the script itself.  However, even with their limited time as their original characters, Davis and Dennis provide enough insight to understand how the character is feeling in the present time.  As their swapped selves, both Davis and Dennis deliver fresh and fun ‘fish-out-of-water’ performances.  Davis’ ability to portray an adult playing a child playing an adult is unmatched- it’s a complex balance that if not expertly handled can come across as, well, freaky.  But Davis nails the persona of an emotional teen who feels every feeling extravagantly and who is desperately trying to find her place in the world.  Dennis does an excellent job providing a dual persona to Ellie/Katherine, easily showcasing the huffy, angry teen before switching to the mindset of an overworked, uptight parent.  One of the best scenes in the show involves a parent-teacher conference where the mother (daughter) is sticking up for the daughter (mother), confusing the staff members and leading to some memorable laughs- Davis and Dennis rightfully shine on their own, but their combined scenes make the show!

While the musical is traditionally billed for a fairly large cast (approx. 25), it was a pleasant surprise to see how that was changed for the intimate space at Footlighters.  Actors Jodi Zeichner, Amanda Dranchak, Steve Rogina, and Moe Copeland each took on multiple roles.  Their ease at switching between four different characters apiece was impressive, and they brought something unique to each one.  Zeichner’s portrayal of Ms. Meyers, the tough-as-nails gym teacher, was a standout performance, as many of us can relate to the fear of PE class, and she crafted that foreboding personality to a tee.  The student actors, consisting of Chase Engelson, Adrienne Nicastro, Lola Klemash, Cal Reich, Jessica Plaskon, Finn Hutchinson, and Lamar Bronson, did a fantastic job embodying various facets of teen personalities.  Every scene at the high school, while a bit stereotypical, brought the humor.  And that was due, in no small part, to the efforts of the student actors.  Engelson’s Adam, the school heartthrob and Ellie’s love interest, was a perfect blend of innocence and comedy.  Director Tom Shaw’s inclusion of a lighting change and the whole cast chanting his name to emphasize his role as the heartthrob was enhanced by Engelson’s personal fan club present at the show.  His duet with adorable Sammy Dranchak, who played Ellie’s younger brother, Fletcher, was hilarious and they played well off of each other.

Rounding out the cast was Adam Johnson, as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, and Amanda Barrish as Katherine’s plucky, yet anxious, assistant Torrey.  Both had a great rapport with Alex Davis’s Katherine (and Ellie).  Barrish’s comedic timing is unmatched, and her skill at presenting emotions through facial expressions was a highlight in her scenes.  Johnson’s Mike provides the yin to Katherine’s yang, and his heartfelt speech to Katherine (but really Ellie) in Act II delivered just the right amount of emotion without feeling overdone.

The production team did a wonderful job bringing this story to life in an inventive way.  Director Tom Shaw mentioned in his director’s note that their goal was to “capture the playful spirit and touching moments,” and they have done that here.  From the way scenes were crafted to the beautiful vocals, courtesy of Musical Director Rachel Stapleton, the audience is whisked into a fun fantasy world.  Costumes by Brooke Christine encapsulated a  perfect blend of 90s/2000s chic- from Ellie’s Nirvana shirt to the ripped jeans, we are taken back in time.  The props, gathered and created by Kevin Pavon, Krissy Ganotta, Tom Shaw, Sara Viniar, and Alex Keith, included a very impressive hourglass that lit to indicate the magic spell.  A wonderfully staged combat sequence in “No More Fear” was thanks to Sean McGarry, Dominic Ciarrochi, and Nicky Eldridge.  Stage Manager Sara Viniar, along with her Assistant Stage Manager Ashley Engelson, kept the scenes moving at a brisk pace, including the actors in scene changes, ensuring for smooth transitions.  

Everyone in this production deserves a round of applause for what they’ve created- a hilarious, heartfelt performance that offers magic and laughter for audiences of all ages.  You still have five more chances to see this show: today at 2 PM, Thursday, October 3rd, at 7:30 PM, Friday, October 4th at 8 PM, and Saturday, October 5th at 2 and 8 PM.  Tickets can be purchased online at https://tickets.bcfootlighters.com/show/freakyfriday.