Mothers and teenage daughters rarely agree on everything. Now, imagine, just for a day, if they actually could step into each other’s shoes. That’s the heart of “Freaky Friday,” Venice Theatre’s latest production. You’ll find music, laughs, and just enough magic to keep things interesting.
Inspired by Mary Rodgers’ novel and the Disney films, “Freaky Friday” follows Katherine Blake, a stressed-out mom who has everything planned down to the minute, and her teenage daughter Ellie, who seems to thrive on chaos. Sarah Robles-Wise takes the stage as Katherine, while Hannah-Rose Randi plays Ellie. Katherine believes Ellie does not understand adult problems, while Ellie feels her mom has forgotten what it is like to be young.
With Katherine’s wedding just one day away, the tension boils over. Then, thanks to a little unexplained magic, their bodies swap. Katherine faces the chaos of teenage life, school drama, crushes, all of it. Ellie is suddenly in charge of her mother’s packed adult life, including pulling off the wedding. Living as each other, they each find out just how tough the other’s life really is.
Brad Wages directs and choreographs this lively production, with musical direction by Michelle Kasanofsky. Both Robles-Wise and Randi step up to the challenge, portraying not only their own characters but also each other’s quirks and frustrations after the switch.
The cast also includes Joey Lockwood as Ellie’s little brother Fletcher, Henry Barre as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, and Charlotte Crowley as Torrey, Katherine’s right hand at work. James Fiorendeno appears as Grandpa Gordon, with Susan Mergens as Grandma Helene, plus a dynamic ensemble that spans generations.
“Freaky Friday” features a script by Bridget Carpenter (from “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood”), with music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the team behind “Next to Normal.” The score mixes pop, rock, humor, and big-hearted tunes, bringing out the mess and meaning of family life.
Behind all the body-swapping comedy sits a simple truth: sometimes, real understanding comes from seeing things through someone else’s eyes. “Freaky Friday” is a highlight of Venice Theatre’s 77th Season, with something for parents, teens, families, or anyone who’s ever wrestled with growing up, or raising someone who is.
Freaky Friday
Book by Bridget Carpenter
Music by Tom Kitt
Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Based on the novel Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers and the Disney films.
The show opens Friday, Oct. 30, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, on stage at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W. in the heart of downtown Venice. Adult tickets are $40, with a $10 discount for the Oct. 31 performance, $30 for college students and educators, and $19 for kids and teens. Ulla & Kent Crickard, Carole Freeland Raymond, and Dr. Shanaka & Rana Weerasooriya sponsor the production.
Click here for more information about tickets and the Venice Theatre.
