By Nicole Nalty
Freaky Friday has a long history with Disney fans: The film was first brought to the screen in 1976 in the Disney film starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster. Then in 1995, Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffman took over the lead roles in a Disney Family Movie for ABC; and in 2003, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan headlined the Walt Disney Pictures feature film. Earlier this year, D23 members caught the stage musical Freaky Friday at The La Jolla Playhouse. So, it’s safe to say that Disney fans of all ages will be so excited (we know we are!) for the new contemporary musical comedy set to premiere as a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2018!
Based on the stage adaptation (which was, of course, based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the films we listed above), Freaky Friday will star Heidi Blickenstaff, who originated the role in the stage musical, as Katherine, and Cozi Zuehlsdorf (Liv and Maddie) as Katherine’s daughter Ellie. Rounding out the cast are newcomer Rickey He as Ellie’s friend Adam, Alex Désert (Let it Shine) as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, Jason Maybaum (Raven’s Home) as Ellie’s little brother, Fletcher, and Kahyun Kim (Austin & Ally) as Katherine’s high-strung business associate. Additional cast members include Dara R. Moss as Savannah, Jennifer LaPorte as Monica, Isaiah Lehtinen as Karl, and Sarah Willey as Kitty.
Freaky Friday will be directed by Steve Carr, who will also serve as executive producer, with a teleplay written by Bridget Carpenter, who also wrote the book for the stage musical. Also joining the Freaky Friday team are Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award®-winning composers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), who penned the music and lyrics for the stage version. Emmy® nominee David Lawrence (Descendants, High School Musical) will compose the score. Susan Cartsonis (Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, What Women Want) and Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions (The Lion King, Aladdin and Frozen opening on Broadway in spring 2018), are also executive producers. Two-time Tony nominee John Carrafa (Into the Woods) is the choreographer, and Perry Andelin Blake (Middle School – the Worst Years of My Life, The Wedding Singer) is the production designer. Academy Award® winner Angus Strathie (Moulin Rouge) is the costume designer.
We can’t wait! Stay tuned for more updates from Freaky Friday.
