FREAKY FRIDAY at Signature Theatre in D.C.- Page 2

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 8:50pm

Made it! Intermission now. Show is...interesting will post more thoughts after. Heidi and Emma are FANTASTIC. 

[freewilma]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 10:17pm

Pianolin717 said: "Has anyone purchased student tickets recently? They state in all caps it's for FULL TIME students but do they verify this? I remember years ago I thought they required you to bring in a trascript but I don't see that as part of their website. do they only check your ID?

 

"

I've purchased student tickets a couple of times in the past year or so.  When I went to pick up the tickets I just pointed at the group of students and that worked fine.  they were all full-time college / high school students.  they were all prepared to show their id's if needed too.  But definitely there was no expectation of showing a transcript.  If you call the box office I'm sure they'd be happy to give you more info.  

 

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 10:29pm

freewilma "I've purchased student tickets a couple of times in the past year or so.  When I went to pick up the tickets I just pointed at the group of students and that worked fine.  they were all full-time college / high school students.  they were all prepared to show their id's if needed too.  But definitely there was no expectation of showing a transcript.  If you call the box office I'm sure they'd be happy to give you more info.  "

awesome, I have my ID and just didn't want to get up there and then not be prepared! seeing it Friday, can't wait!

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 10:29pm

Freaky Friday is FUN. I had a smile on my face the entire time and laughed out loud many times. You'd have to be a pretty negative person to downright hate this show, which tries earnestly to be a good time. FF has had a number of adaptations, so for those who are curious for this plot set-up, here it is:

 

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Same set-up as always: frustated mom and angsty daughter. Mom's getting married this weekend; daughter isn't pleased. In this Friday, the two of them fight over a large hourglass (which I thought was a bit overly obvious, but okay), it shatters, and they're switched. Mom is a caterer. Daughter is 17 and in high school, and gearing up for the school's big annual scavenger hunt, which happens to led by the daughter's crush. They think that to revert back into each other's bodies, they have to find the second hourglass which the mom had sold...yada, yada. 

Heidi Blickenstaff and Emma Hunton: WOW!!! These ladies can belt their faces off, and thankfully, this show gives them plenty of opportunities to do so. Blickenstaff's acting choices in particular are just phenomenal. She is the tops, and I'll continue to pay top dollar to anything she's in.

Book-wise, my biggest issue (which I heard others talking about at intermission) is that the "switch" happens about five minutes into the show right after the opening number, which doesn't really give the audience enough initial character development before the two are in each others' bodies. I thought the rest of Act I had some messy spots (nothing terribly damaging), and that Act II was much stronger. The score is mostly throbbing and fun with the exception of one tender song that Heidi's character sings to the son. I liked the score better than If/Then, even if I'm still not a total Kitt and Yorkey fan.

My thoughts are still pretty scattered, so I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention a few things. If you have any questions about the show, feel free to PM me. I'm going back later in the run and I can't wait to see what they end up changing. Overall, I'm a fan. 

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 1:11am

Interesting to hear how the premise has been tweaked! The fortune cookie bit is a tad cringey from the remake, and in the original movie (and book??) it just happens out of the blue.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 1:23am

Is that the normal plot? Cause that sounds kind of awful? 

[gimlet2]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 1:03pm

Didn't see this mentioned yet: they're offering a $25 TodayTix lottery for all evening shows.

[newintown]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 1:11pm

"The fortune cookie bit is a tad cringey from the remake, and in the original movie (and book??) it just happens out of the blue."

The book is very different from all subsequent adaptations in that the mother (in the daughter's body) is absent for almost the entire narrative; when she returns, she reveals that she made the switch happen (she doesn't say how, in a typical bit of children's lit whimsy), and puts things right.

Thus, the book is entirely about the daughter's point of view and quest; dramatically, it's probably an improvement to make it a problem for both of them, rather than just one.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 1:54pm

Thanks so much for background on the book. Never knew it was a one-sided POV!

[araminta18]

Posted: 10/5/16 at 9:32pm

Just wanted to echo BroadwayConcierge's assessment--I also saw it last night.  Heidi and Emma were indeed amazing--honestly, the entire cast was great, even the boy playing the kid brother (I confess I was expecting him to be mostly annoying but he was endearing and funny instead).  It was a really fun night--tons of laughing and and Heidi's ballad in Act 2 was surprisingly touching.

Also agree that we don't have enough time with each of them in their own bodies to really establish that they've switched--it felt a bit like they each were playing a stereotype of a mom/teen rather than this specific Mom or teenager.  Not because Heidi and Emma weren't great at playing the switched mom/teenager, but mostly there wasn't any specific tics or mannerisms for them to use when they "switched" bodies, if that makes sense.

But it was much better than I expected to be, and I'm going to try and go back later in the run.  I honestly walked out humming one of the songs, and still had it stuck in my head this morning!

[VotePeron]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 12:27am

Precursor: I f*cking LOVE pop-musicals. Especially good pop-musicals. And Freaky Friday is one of them.

The score is really remarkable. The songs are as catchy as other similar shows - Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, Bring It On, Legally Blonde - but have a range that gives the score a lot of dimension. The lyrics are witty and fun, but have the maturity of those in If/Then and Next To Normal. The show is PG, borderline PG-13, but this isn't a kids show. The themes of growing up both as a teenager and an adult are seamlessly mirrored throughout the show, with songs like I Got This vs. What You Got and both sides of Busted. Oh, Biology was my favorite song in the show.

The show is relatable, heartfelt, and accessible, without very rarely being cheesy. I think the book could use some filling in, which could ultimately eliminate any moments of cheesiness. The show is very short, about 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 15 minute intermission. The switch happens very suddenly, and they could easily add a scene in between the opening number and it to help establish us in the world more. From my understanding, this is a nearly original plot based around the scenario/world of "Freaky Friday," so it will definitely take you a minute to adjust to the fact that there is no rock band or fortune cookies. (Or any famous lines from the 2003 movie. I was desperately waiting for "I AM THE CRYPT KEEPER!" and it never came.)

If it's true that this is going to be the only professional production of the show for the time being, they really gathered one hell of a cast to do so. Heidi Blickenstaff and Emma Hunton were on fire in the lead roles, and were only lifted by the great talent around them. The rest of the adult ensemble each played at least 3 roles, all with really admirable commitment. The young ensemble did a fantastic job as well! Jason Gotay was flawless as usual, AND HE...

 

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sings an entire 5+ minute song/scene on a hoverboard & it was unbelievable!!!

So, yeah. I really enjoyed this show. What I admire most about the show is that it is pushing the genre forward of what is possible in musicals that are not only adapted, but have a pop score. The book needs some work, but the score is just incredible.  I really hope it has a great rest of its run at Signature, and I have no doubt it will do incredible in regional, community, and high school theaters everywhere. 

[Peter872]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 11:20am

Does anyone have the song list for the show? Thanks!

[mikey2573]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 3:47pm

If Disney really wants theaters to do this show, they will have to release a cast recording.  Has anyone heard if they are working on a recording?

[freewilma]

Posted: 10/10/16 at 9:14pm

Peter872 said: "Does anyone have the song list for the show? Thanks!

 

This is what was in the playbill on Friday night. The sheet does indicate that "Musical numbers are subject to change".

Act 1

Just One Day

The Switch

I got This

What you Got

Oh, Biology

Vows

Busted

Somebody has got to take the blame

Watch your back

Parents Lie

Just One Day (reprise)

Act 2

Im not myself today

Women and Sandwiches

Bring by baby (brother) home

Go

After all this and Everything

No more fear

Just One Day (reprise)/Today and Ev'ry Day

 

[funhamilton_rent]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 12:03am

Just One Day is a terrific song. 

Anyone have any opinions on the younger brother? His actor is my colleague's son but won't be able to make the show anytime during the run.

[freewilma]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 12:02pm

funhamilton_rent said: "Just One Day is a terrific song. 

Anyone have any opinions on the younger brother? His actor is my colleague's son but won't be able to make the show anytime during the run.

 

"

I thought the younger brother was terrific.  It is a role that could easily become cliche or annoying....but he did an excellent job walking a.  I only wish he'd been given more to sing.  I think think he only had one or two lines where he was singing alone.  His voice was lovely!  

I throughly enjoyed the entire show.  One of my concerns was it would feel too sweet and "Disney".  They have done a good job of keeping it tween-appropriate while still having some sass and edge.  Additionally, it managed to stay away from becoming too preachy.  The characters felt real and the issues they dealt with were heart-felt; regardless of the "magic body switch" storyline.  Emma and Heidi were both excellent and their voices blended like crazy.  Jason Goyta was an absolute stand-out as well.  

The Kitt / Yorkey score is very strong and at times gave glimpses their work with Next to Normal; especially in some mother/daughter songs as well as the teen boy character played by Goyta.

I've already got tickets to see it a second after the official opening.  Highly recommended for ages 8 and above....but it's great for adults attending with no kids too.  

[HGR2]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 11:08pm

I saw it tonight.  A very fun time. Heidi and Emma really shine.  If I had one comment?  Heidi and Emma carry the show.  You need two very strong leads to carry this show because so much depends on them.  I thought Jason Gotay was fantastic(Adam).  Jake Miller does great as Fletcher (the younger brother.)  A wonderful show to watch. If you were to ask me for one change -  I would love to see Alan Green get one more song/moment as the father - that seems like a character that could gain a few dimensions. 

Tomorrow I will buy tickets to see it again.

[itis2l84u]

Posted: 10/11/16 at 11:34pm

Has anyone done rush for this or the $40 tickets before the show? I have tickets for a friend and I to see a Saturday matinee, but since the metro is so messed up lately my mom is now driving me to the show. Instead of her waiting around I was hoping to get her a cheap ticket but I've never rushed anything before anywhere.

[gleek4114]

Posted: 10/12/16 at 2:25am

Does anyone know if this specific production is the same one that will play San Diego and Cleveland in the coming months? Cleveland is about a 5 hour drive for me, but I would be extremely tempted to make the trek if Heidi and Emma continue developing the show, or if the new cast gets me as, if not more excited.

 

Also if anyone who is seeing the show in DC might be able to grab me an extra playbill, I would be very willing to cover the shipping cost. Pease PM me if you can help. Thanks!

[freewilma]

Posted: 10/14/16 at 10:39am

Tickets for Freaky Friday popped up on Gold Star this morning for select performances.  If all the $40 tickets have sold out (and you're not a student) this is probably your best chance for a discount price. https://www.goldstar.com/events/arlington-va/freaky-friday-tickets?mal=1

[HSky]

Posted: 10/14/16 at 2:39pm

funhamilton_rent said: "Anyone have any opinions on the younger brother? His actor is my colleague's son but won't be able to make the show anytime during the run."

There are two boys cast as Fletcher but I saw Jake Heston Miller last Saturday and thought he was adorable. I loved him as Oliver last year at Arena Stage and was pleasantly surprised to see him in the cast. (There's no mistaking that blond hair!) He's so charming.

I agree that the switch happens quite fast without much time to establish a baseline for the characters, but Heidi Blickenstaff and Emma Hunton still do a wonderful job of adopting the appropriate body language and tone for their reversed personas. If they could work in a little bit more about the family dynamics (both past/present) near the top of the show, I think that might serve the story a little better.

"Parents Lie" was one of my favorite songs but I also have to throw in a shout out to Heidi's vocals in "Bring My Baby Home".

I'm curious to know how kids are enjoying it. The ones in front of me seemed a bit fidgety (maybe slightly too young to get the teen angst?) but I definitely thought it was resonating with adults.

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 10/26/16 at 9:03pm

Reviews coming in: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Review-Roundup-FREAKY-FRIDAY-the-Musical-Opens-at-Signature-Theatre--Updating-Live-20161026

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 11/2/16 at 12:37am

I saw it last night. I won the lottery and had great seats. F 111 and 112. Loved the show. Loved the music. I had watched the movie with Jamie Lee and Lindsay about 100 times so it kinda threw me a bit with the differences(Hourglass instead of fortune cookie,tattoo instead of belly button piercing, no band(instead they did a scavenger hunt)...etc.)

 

As for people saying the switch happens too fast it did in the movie too.

[bruzson]

Posted: 11/2/16 at 8:58am

Saw it Sunday night and there were plenty of empty seats, perhaps due to Halloween eve (eve).  Show was fun but pretty forgettable.  A very contrived storyline and fairly predictable pop songs that had absolutely no thematic unity, the show barrels along well due to the terrific lead performances.  But this is really like a 3rd rate 1960s show that might have gotten a cast recording but dumped in the remainders bin after a few months.  Teen in front of us spent a lot of the show texting (whether that indicates interest or boredom, I can't say).