Freaky Friday Playbill

The Freaky Friday musical traces its roots back to the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, which told the story of a mother and daughter who magically switch bodies and are forced to walk a mile in each other's shoes—literally. The book’s mix of humor, heart, and generational insight resonated with readers and quickly became a classic. Its popularity led to several screen adaptations, beginning with the 1976 Disney film starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, followed by updated versions in 1995 and the hit 2003 remake with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.

Building on the enduring appeal of the story, Disney Theatrical Productions set out to reimagine Freaky Friday for the stage, aiming to capture its signature blend of comedy, chaos, and heartfelt family dynamics in a new musical format. The project brought together an accomplished creative team: Bridget Carpenter, known for her work on Friday Night Lights and Parenthood , penned the book, while the music and lyrics were crafted by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Pulitzer Prize–winning duo behind Next to Normal and If/Then . Their collaboration brought a contemporary pop-rock sensibility to the show, infusing it with energy and emotional resonance that spoke to both teens and adults.

Premiering in 2016 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, the musical received praise for its sharp wit, catchy score, and deeper exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. Unlike previous film versions, the stage adaptation leaned more heavily into the emotional growth of the characters, particularly the pressures of parenting and the complexities of adolescence. By updating the setting and sensibilities for a modern audience, while maintaining the core themes of empathy and understanding, the musical struck a chord with families and theatergoers across the country. Following its regional success, it was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2018, bringing its story full circle for a new generation.

Mikaylah O'Brien (Ellie Blake)  is excited to be playing the role of Ellie Blake in this production of Freaky Friday the Musical. She is a sophomore pursuing her BFA in Musical Theater. She was seen in 1776 the Musical (Richard Henry Lee) and The Frankenstein Project (The Creature). She wants to thank the artistic staff for all their hard work and dedication to this production and especially her family and her brother Josh for their unending support. She hopes you love the show! 

Karen Cohen+ (Katherine Blake) is excited to be taking part in her fourth FAU production.  Previous FAU credits:  Rumors, Radium Girls and 1776. Regional credits: Memphis, 42nd Street, and The Full Monty (LPAC); Sister Act (MNM); Cabaret (PPTOPA). Outside of the theater, Karen enjoys traveling with her husband and three children. 

Noah Huertas (Fletcher Blake) is excited to make his FAU MainStage debut as the youngest cast member without a college ID. He began performing at age four, starting as a runway and print model before moving into theater. Past roles include Young Simba ( The Lion King  Jr. ), Young Shrek ( Shrek  Jr. ), and a Bohemian ( We Will Rock You ). He also performed in the A-List International Acting Showcase at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, CA.Trained in improv, stage, screen, and voice acting, Noah looks forward to growing as a performer and pursuing acting long-term. Off-stage, he enjoys soccer, coding games, yo-yo tricks, and music production. He is represented by Avalon Artists Group (Los Angeles) and BMG Talent Group. Instagram: @noahangel15

Lionel Press (Fletcher Blake) a rising sixth-grade student in Delray Beach, is eager to participate in Freaky Friday, his first major musical production. He also trains in various dance disciplines at That’s Dancing in Lake Worth, where he is a member of the Fusion Force Dance Company. Also see him in print, modeling for Basic Fun toys and more! He loves everything about performing and is so grateful for this opportunity. Follow along on Instagram - @lionelpress

Gustavo Garcia+ (Mike)  New York-born and Florida-raised, Gustavo is proud to return to and pursue his MFA here at FAU. He has been performing for the last 10 years, and worn every hat in the theatre.
Keep watching live theatre. Credits: Violet, Radium Girls, 1776, The Frankenstein Project (FAU); Promises Promises, Sunshine Boys (WBTC); Christmas Carol (NCP); Fool For Love (TNT Co.)

Cate Gonzalez (Gretchen) is a Senior in the BFA Musical Theatre Program from Tampa, FL. Recent credits include 1776 (Roger Sherman/ Choreographer), Firebringer (Keeri/ Dance Captain), Xanadu (Ensemble/ Dance Captain) with FAU. And Ride The Cyclone (Talia/ Choreographer) with The Collective at FAU. She thanks her friends and family for their unconditional love and support. www.categonzalez.com 

Ashley Garnar (Hannah) is thrilled to perform in her second production at FAU! Most recently, she was the Understudy for 1776. Ashley would like to thank her family, friends, professors, and directors for their support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Raymond E. Adderly III (Adam) is a junior at FAU who is recently a BFA in Musical Theatre student. He is very excited to be in this show. His recent credits include: 1776 (Andrew McNair) , Firebringer ( Ducker), Ride the Cyclone (Ricky Potts).   He would like to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support. He would like to dedicate this performance to Beth K. Schwartz and Debbie Kull. 

Mack Moore (Savannah)  is over the moon excited to be part of Freaky Friday! Mack is a BFA Musical Theatre major going into their third year at FAU. Previous credits include 9 to 5 (Ensemble), Firebringer (Zazzalil), and 1776 (John Hancock). She sincerely hopes you enjoy the show!

Jonathan Leslie Palmer+ (Parker/Louis) is an MFA Acting student with a BA in Drama from Morehouse College. Recent stage credits include  Radium Girls  (Raymond) and  1776  (Josiah Bartlett) at Florida Atlantic University. He is grateful for the love and support of his parents and dedicates this performance to them—and to his beloved dog, Shabooski.

Jesa Hutson (Wells/Caterer) is a freshman BA Theatre major who is honored to be cast in her first show at FAU! Previous credits include The Addams Family (Wednesday) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). She would like to thank her family and friends for being her rocks, Ted and Caryl for giving her this amazing opportunity, and all of you for supporting live theatre. 

Elizabeth Shelby-Davis (Laurel/Caterer) is a senior majoring in Musical Theatre and is excited to perform in her first UT musical for Summer Rep!! Her recent credits include: Constance Blackwood (Ride the Cyclone), Firebringer (Kid 2/Molag Undestudy and Elphaba (The Legacy of Oz). She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her through her college career and hopes you always go and support live theatre. 

Toni Turiano (Torrey/Adam's Mom) is a senior BFA in Musical Theatre major graduating this summer! Past FAU credits include 1776 (Colonel Thomas McKean), Xanadu (Thalia/Thetis), and 9 to 5 (Roz). Thank you to her parents, her cat Ziti, and the FAU Theatre and Dance faculty. She has loved her time here and hopes you enjoy the show!

Jakari Dozié+ (Grandpa Gordon/Mr. Blumen/Well's Dad) is a first-year MFA candidate from Miami, Florida. In the spring of 2024, he graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance. During his time at FAMU, he starred in several notable productions, including Calming The Man, Sweet Mama Stringbean, The Waiting Room, Romeo & Juliet: A Miami Love Story, Two Trains Running, and Pipeline.

Casey Venema+ (Danielle/Mrs. Luckenbill/Mrs.Time/Gretchen's Mom) is a graduate student in the MFA-Performance program. She hails from Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked as a freelance actor, director, and intimacy director after graduating with a Theatre/Film and Media Studies degree from Bucknell University. FAU credits: Rumors (Chris Gorman), 1776 (Abigail Adams), Radium Girls (Mrs. Roeder/Madame Curie). Other acting credits: Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney); Sweeney Todd (Pirelli); Jesus Christ Superstar (Pilate); Twelfth Night (Sebastian); White Christmas (Betty Haynes). Follow Casey on Instagram @caseyvenem8!

Paige Rogers+ (Grandma Helene/Ms. Meyers/Savannah's Mom) (she/her) holds a B.A. in Arts Administration & Theatre and trained at The Actors Conservatory. FAU credits: Ben Franklin in 1776, Kathryn/Others in Radium Girls, Claire in Rumors. Previous Credits: Crimes of the Heart (Lenny), Me...Jane (Maisie), Girl in the Red Corner (Brinn/MMA Fighter). 

Carson Carter+ (Dr. Ehrin/Pastor Bruno) is a graduate theater performance student. He was recently seen here at FAU in Rumors (Glenn Cooper), The Frankenstein Project (Pete Harrison), 1776 (John Dickinson), and Radium Girls (Lee). He looks forward to sharing the work that he and his colleagues have done this summer. Enjoy the show!

Sophia Kleinman (Officer Sitz/Srta O'Brien/Security Guard) 

Josh Wilde+ (Officer Kowalski/Parker's Dad/Security Guard) is from Buffalo, NY and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College in 2019. Select theater credits include Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), for which he won an Artie for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical," The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack), Angels in America (Louis), and Ragtime (Henry Ford/Ensemble). Josh recently served as Secretary for the "Association of Regional Theatre Artists of Western New York" (ARTA).

Maya Sharma (Young Actor Supervisor, Understudy) 

Act I

"Just One Day"  -  Ellie, Katherine, Company

"I Got This"  -  Ellie, Katherine, Adam, Savannah, Students, Teachers

"What You Got" .-  Katherine, Torrey, Danielle, Louis

"Oh, Biology"  -  Ellie, Adam, Wells, Savannah, Gretchen, Parker, Students

"Vows"  -  Mike

"Busted"   -  Ellie, Katherine, Adam, Gretchen, Hannah, Savannah, Wells, Parker, Parents, Students

"Somebody Has Got to Take the Blame"   -  Katherine, Ellie, Dr. Ehrin, Señorita O’Brien, Mrs. Luckenbill

"I Got This (Reprise)"   -  Katherine

"Watch Your Back"   -  Ms. Meyers, Ellie, Adam, Gretchen, Hannah, Students

"Parents Lie"   -  Katherine

"Just One Day (Reprise)"   -  Company

 

Act II

"I’m Not Myself Today"  -  Katherine, Ellie, Torrey, Company

"Women and Sandwiches"   -  Adam and Fletcher

"Bring My Baby (Brother) Home" -  Katherine, Ellie, Mike, Officers

"Go"   -  Adam, Ellie, Gretchen, Hannah, Wells, Parker, Company

"After All of This and Everything" -  Katherine

"No More Fear" -  Ellie

"Today and Ev’ry Day" -  E llie, Katherine, Company

Jason Goetz-Stern (Asst. Technical Director) (he/him) is a second-year MFA candidate in Design and Technology concentrating in Technical Direction. He has been Technical Director for FAU's production of Twelfth Night and Radium Girls. He graduated from FAU in History. He recently accepted a job at Illinois Wesleyan University for after these summer productions! 

Casline Saint Hilaire (Asst. Stage Manager) is a senior in BA Theatre. This is her last semester in FAU before graduation. She was seen in Dances We Dance and RDTE. She hopes you have fun and enjoy the show!

Gianella Yanez ( Asst. Stage Manager) is a Senior BA in Theatre with a minor in Dance and Acting for the Camera. This is her last semester!. She is very grateful for the opportunities she has been given in the school and all the wonderful and talented people she has meet over the years. She thanks her family for always believing in her and supporting her dreams!

Neveah Metelus (Light Board Op), is a senior continuing to finishing her major in Theater and minor in Dance. She is excited to be crewing her 6th show! Her past shows she’s crewed in were Peter and the Star-catcher (Dresser), Xanadu (Follow Spot), Firebringer (Hair + Makeup/Dresser), Radium Girls (ASM), and The Frankenstein Project (Props Crew). She hopes that you all will enjoy the show!!

Marissa Spurr (Follow Spot Operator) is an upcoming Junior getting her BFA in Musical Theatre. She is very excited to be learning and operating the spotlight for this fun production. You may have previously seen her in The Frankenstein Project (Mary Shelley), as well as Firebringer (Jemilla). She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Roselene Dufresne (Follow Spot Operator) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Lauderhill and is thrilled to be a part of another production at FAU. This will be her third production at FAU since she has worked on The Frankenstein Project (Run Crew) and Rumors (Props Crew). She is excited for you to see the show and hopes you enjoy!

Anna Fox (Sound Board Operator) is a rising senior BFA in Musical Theatre. She is very excited to be working on this amazing production.

Alexys Fenning (Scenic Painter) is a junior in BFA in Theatre Design and Technology with a minor in film. She is focusing on scenic design and costume design. Currently, she is a painter for the shows and also works on constructing the costumes. She is proud to be working on her designs for future FAU productions. 

Nick Russo (Automation Operator, Deck Supervisor) is a Junior BFA in Theatre Design and Technology. Last semester he was seen in FAU’s production of 1776 (Stephen Hopkins). He has previously worked for Universal Parks and Resorts on the creative team. After graduating, he plans to work in scenic automation aboard cruise ships, as well as teach theatre in the future. 

Ellis Temlak (Crew) is a senior BA in theatre major. He is super happy to be involved with his first production here at FAU. He is a professional film and stage actor most recently seen on stage at fourth wall theatre's production of The 39 Steps (Richard Hannay). While his first time crewing, He is excited to be working with such an amazing ensemble of people to bring you this wonderful show. Lets get Freaky.   

Sky Thomas (Crew) is a junior theatre BA Major. They are excited for this opportunity to help crew another show and help it come to life! They hope you enjoy the show!

Valentina Rodriguez (Crew) is junior BFA in Performance major and is thrilled to be backstage in this production of Freaky Friday. She has has been involved in productions such as Footloose, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Radium Girls. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Micah Vitale (Wardrobe Head) is a BFA Theatrical Technology major with a focus in Costume at FAU. She has served as Wardrobe Head for The Frankenstein Project, Assistant Wardrobe Head for Radium Girls, and a Dresser for Peter and the Starcatcher. Micah is excited to continue growing her skills in costume construction and is thrilled to be a part of Rumors. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lin Assunção (Hair and Makeup Head) is a Senior BFA in Theatre Design and Tech Major from Deerfield Beach, excited to work in their seventh production at FAU! Credits including Xanadu as Dresser, 1776 as Wardrobe Head, and Rumors as Assistant to the Costume Designer. They hope you enjoy the show.

Devyn Llewellyn (dresser) from St. Augustine, is a senior BFA Performance major and is elated to be a part of her third production at FAU. Her last productions with FAU were 1776 (wardrobe assistant) and Rumors (wardrobe head). She's excited to work on this fun show and can't wait to see everyone there!

Sara Martinez (Dresser) is an upcoming junior pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre, and is thrilled to be crewing for her 5th production at FAU. She has also performed in a variety of shows such as Mamma Mia! (Ensemble), Elf The Musical Jr. (Matthews, Ensemble), Footloose (Ensemble), Spring Awakening (Ilse U/S, Ensemble), and FAU’s Dances We Dance Spring 2025). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Christian Ramos (Props Crew) is a rising sophomore BFA Design and Technology Major and is thrilled to be a part of his third department show at FAU. He has previously worked on Rumors (Assistant Stage Manager) and 1776: The Musical (Props Crew). Outside of the department he has worked on The Last Queen of San Domino: Reading (Stage Manager) with the FAU Theatre Lab and Ride The Cyclone (Assistant Stage Manager/SFX Op/Video Wall Op) with The Collective. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Cesar Rodríguez Blandon (Usher)  is a junior from Lake Worth, FL, pursuing a BA in Theater. While new to stage productions, Cesar has experience acting in commercials and is excited to contribute behind the scenes as part of the crew for this show.

Hannabelle Horace (Usher) is a rising junior BFA in Performance. As an aspiring artist, she would like to thank all of the people who have supported her journey in music and theatre. Previous Credits: Lady of the Lake in Spamalot Jr, Chorn in Firebringer, and Queen Aggravain in Once Upon A Mattress.

R. Owen Alonso (Usher) is a Senior at FAU, double-majoring in Theater Studies and Film, Video & New Media. He performed in FAU’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, One Man Two Guvnors, Peter and the Starcatcher, Xanadu, and Firebringer. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous love and support throughout his life.