Vanier Collegiate will be presenting this year’s theatre performance, “Freaky Friday” at the Mae Wilson Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at 7 p.m.
The musical is a fantasy-comedy produced by Disney, based on the novel Freaky Friday written by Mary Rodgers (original author).
Freaky Friday is about a mother and a daughter who don’t see eye to eye. One day their bodies get swapped after breaking an hourglass. The daughter is in the mother’s body and the mother is in her daughter's body. Now they are living in each other’s body for the day and trying to understand each other's life. The story line is interesting and unique, with a lot of laughs thrown in. The play is ultimately about love and acceptance.
“We have really worked together to bring this musical to life,” Kelsey Warren, teacher at Vanier Collegiate Institute and stage director said. “I am so proud of the students and all the staff that have lent their talents to making the show a success.”
“I do my best to run the rehearsal with the help of the directors,” stage manager Emily Pouteaux said. She says her role as a stage manager is to run the rehearsals with the help of the directors. She is also making sure the lights and the curtains are in working condition. Costuming is one of Pouteaux’s favourite roles. “Costumes can say a lot about a character,” she said.
A character in the play and 10-year-old brother to Ellie, Fletcher is played by Marek Seargent. After his audition, Marek realized they wanted to give this role to him as it fits his personality, a perfect match to the character he is playing. The director said, “Hey Marek, I think you would be great for the musical.”
Marek said he has acted in school dramas and musicals back in grade five. “My first role was back in grade five and then I have kind of been acting ever since.” He said his biggest challenge for this musical was to learn how to sing and get familiar with his vocal range.
“It's cool, upbeat, contemporary musical; it’s really cool to be involved in something newer,” said Avery Seman, who plays Gretchen. The character Gretchen is somewhat of a best friend and a sidekick character to Ellie. Together they go on a grand adventure.
Summer Mercier plays Katherine the mother, as well as Ellie the daughter. She describes Katherine as uptight, very punctual and organized. When she switches to Ellie, she says it’s very different, it’s obnoxious and trying to be sassy, sarcastic and cool. It’s more of a teenage personality. She also says playing two different roles and learning about them is fun. “I really like playing around both roles.”
Emily Closs said she is playing the role of Ellie and makes the switch to Katherine now and then. She says her role is not easy, since one person must play two different characters. She mentions when she plays Ellie, she goes out of her comfort zone and the character fills up a lot of space. “She is big,” Closs said. She also said she wanted to act in this role to help her get out of her comfort zone. She says working in this play made her understand leadership and teamwork. “I have learned a lot about leadership and working in pretty big groups.”
“I am gonna put my heart and soul into it until it’s the best it can be,” Thomas Daintree said. He plays the role of Adam. Daintree describes Adam as laid back, but the character also cares about things and puts a lot of effort into it. “[(The song) is just the part of the show that I think will blow the audience away the most.” He also said much of the learning curve from working in this musical play taught him to get out of his comfort zone and try new things to gain new experiences.
List of Stage Crew:
- Stage Director/Choreography: Kelsey Warren
- Music Director/Producer: Monique Byers
- Backstage Director/Head of Crew & Costuming: Gillian Muench
- Stage Manager: Emily Pouteaux
- Assistant Stage Managers: Maria Pouteaux, Praizelle Gumacal
- Head of Running Crew: Bri Colenutt
- Assistant Head of Running Crew: Peter Gumacal
- Head of Costuming: Brynn Smith
- Make-up and Hair: Lisa Busta
- Head of Tech: Michaela DeCorby
- Media & Promotions: Samantha Douglas
- Choreography: Jessica Cripps, Jaylee Michel
- Backstage Set & Crew: Tyler Muench, Renee Kammer, Tim Kammer, Kenna Whelan, Nicolas Rouffiange, Luke Nickel, Vincent Eldstrom, Sophie Trzaskowski, Keaton Clark, Aleksa Aquino, Jessica Meyer, Eden Benson, Esther Okak, Adara Carver, Jaymeson Bateman, Blaze Colenutt, Elise Donaldson, Temi Ogundehin
Cast:
- Ellie: Emily Closs
- Katherine: Summer Mercier
- Fletcher: Marek Seargent
- Mike: Keaton Clark
- Torrey/Officer Sitz: Cadanse Herle
- Danielle/Laurel: Ava Carleton
- Louise/Ensemble: Tearza Hart
- Adam/Ensemble: Thomas Daintree
- Gretchen: Avery Seman
- Hannah: Sophie Byers
- Savannah/Ensemble: Kaleigh Day
- Parker/Ensemble: Sarah Gonzales
- Pastor Bruno/Mrs. Time/Ensemble: Kiara Benson
- Ms. Meyers/Ensemble: Natalie
- Grandpa Gordon/Ensemble: Maia Boyer
- Grandma Helen/Ensemble: Gabrielle Orino
- Cameos: Special appearances by the staff!
The musical will be performed at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Nov. 17, 18 and 19. Tickets are available at the Mae Wilson Theatre box office, at www.sasktix.ca or at Vanier Collegiate. Tickets are priced at $15 for general admissions and $10 for Vanier Collegiate students.
