Originally a popular comedic fiction book and later adapted into multiple movies, Freaky Friday has long been a beloved family story about communication and empathy. The plot follows a mother and daughter (Katherine and Ellie Blake) who, after an argument, switch bodies. This “freaky” accident allows the daughter and mother to deepen their relationship as they develop a deeper understanding of one another. This spring, Westridge’s Theatre Department is bringing that classic story to the stage. From March 13 to March 15, the cast will perform the musical adaptation of Freaky Friday by Tom Kitt, Bridget Carpenter, and Brian Yorkey.

Some filming for the 2025 film Freakier Friday, the sequel to the 2003 Freaky Friday (with both movies starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis), took place in Los Angeles and Hollywood, with many location shoots near Westridge. Although Freakier Friday was unrelated to the selection of the musical Freaky Friday, the new film has built up some excitement for the Westridge production. 

At Westridge, students in the theater production class play an important role in selecting the spring musical. “Every student in that class has to write a proposal of a play or musical title that they think we should consider for the future,” said Director of Theatre Mr. Brandon Kruhm. 

These proposals allow students to have a voice in what is ultimately performed on stage. After reviewing student suggestions, the theatre faculty and staff use the ideas to determine which should be performed. Sometimes, a local theater’s performance of a musical prevents the rights to that musical from being granted to Westridge’s Theatre Department. This year’s musical was provided by theatrical licensing agency Musical Theater International (MTI). Mr. Kruhm explained that to obtain the script, the Theatre Department had to contact the company, which owns the rights to that musical, and confirm that Westridge could use the script. 

With the script confirmed, the musical can be put into action, with auditions organized, cast assembled, and dances choreographed. The audition process is designed to help the directors and leadership team assess who fits best in each role. “For the musical, we’re assessing people’s ability to sing, dance, and act all at the same time,” said Mr. Kruhm.  

For some students, the auditions can feel nerve-wracking. “The audition process is a little bit stressful,” said Ela K. ’28, who was part of the musical, Newsies, last year and plays Parker in Freaky Friday. Tessa R. ’28, who is performing in a Westridge musical for the first time, says that callbacks were the toughest part of the audition. “They give you all these things that you have prepared for overnight,” Tessa R. ’28 recalled. “You have to sing songs you haven’t practiced and do scripts with other people.” 

Others, including Layla R. ’26, who plays Ellie Blake, have a more enjoyable time auditioning. Layla recalls auditions as her “favorite part of the whole process.” 

Throughout December, the cast focused on learning the songs for the musical before moving on to reading over the full script on the first day back from winter break in January. 

After winter break, the cast started learning the dances for the musical, as choreography plays a major role in the production. This year, the choreography was designed by Dance Teacher Ms. Jackie Lewis, who considers the skill level of the cast when creating the choreography. “I work very, very closely with Mr. Kruhm,” said Ms. Lewis. “He writes out in-depth notes of what he sees as a director, and from there, I take his vision and create it into a piece.” To design the choreography, she took the time to listen to all the music and find themes. “It’s a coming of age situation, and [there are] a lot of friendship themes and feeling confident in your body,” Ms. Lewis said. 

As opening night approaches, it is to be noted that this musical is one of many adaptations of Freaky Friday. “There’s a lot of movie adaptations of Freaky Friday, so just be prepared if it’s not necessarily the same thing,” said Ela, who encourages the Westridge community to watch the musical. 

Freaky Friday the Musical will run in the Performing Arts Center from March 13 through 15. Tickets go on sale on February 12 and can be purchased here.