The 2022 Senior School Production of Freaky Friday was considered to be one of the best Musical Productions Ivanhoe Girls' has created.
In a very Disney way, over the past two years, the things that are magical about live performance became forces for evil as we confronted the health crisis. And, there was a little less magic in our world as live performances everywhere were cancelled.
But the magic is back!
Freaky Friday was a magical show, both in terms of the supernatural events in the story, as well as the magic of love, family, forgiveness and empathy.
As I reflect on what these students have gone through to bring this to the stage, I am struck by the real magical moments they created: moments of friendship, teamwork and shared joy. The process has not been without its challenges, but like true heroes, they overcame every obstacle with an abundance of talent, patience, and empathy. Their work together is the true magic of this show.
To my fellow creative team - Sue-Ellen Shook, Chris Cox, Helen Mutkins, Natalle Leong, who worked tirelessly and supported these students so well: I have learned so much from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To our wonderful stage managers, band, lighting, sound and set teams and the army of backstage volunteers - I was blown away by your work. Seeing what you achieved, I suspect many of you are actually sorcerers. To see so many people working together so well is a joy and nourishes the soul after these trying times apart.
I am so proud of these students and I hope you were as enchanted as I am by the magic they have created.
Belinda Hanne Reid
Director
Ellie Blake begins to tell the audience about the worst 24 hours of her life.
Katherine, her mother, who is a wedding planner is getting married the next day. Fletcher, her brother, is annoying and her soon-to-be stepfather, Mike is overbearing. Ellie’s school friends want her to join them in The Hunt, a scavenger hunt that takes place around the city, however, it’s the wedding rehearsal and Katherine forbids Ellie to go. There is a confrontation when a magical hourglass is broken and Katherine and Ellie switch bodies.
Unable to switch back without the second magical hourglass, Katherine attends Ellie’s school and Ellie takes over Katherine’s wedding plans.
After a whirlwind day of confusion, mistaken identity, chaos and madness, the magical hourglass is found and Katherine and Ellie switch back to their original bodies. Ellie and Katherine realise how difficult each other’s lives are and decide never to take the other for granted. Katherine marries Mike and the wedding party celebrates.
This production is particularly special as it will not only be my last school production, but it is the first Musical after two years of lockdown.
This experience has been rewarding as I enjoy being involved in musicals and performing, but it has also made me realise how much everyone including myself has missed live theatre and music.
The best part about School Productions is that they are not about achieving excellence or wining, but rather it is an environment which encourages self-growth, teamwork and becoming confident in yourself. You become part of a creative team which collaborate and aim to put on the best performance and ultimately have fun along the way.
The production brings together people from various year levels and who all share the same passion for performing or creating. Over the course of the rehearsal period, the cast and crew become close friends and essentially a family who always support and look out for one another.
I am very grateful to Belinda Hanne Reid, Director, Mr Cox, Musical Director and Ms Mutkins, Production Coordinator for their dedication and hard work to put on such a wonderful production and make the whole process enjoyable. I encourage everyone to try out for next year's production as this was an amazing experience I will never forget.
Coco
Year 12
Lead
This year we had the honour of being Stage Managers for Freaky Friday. Having both been in previous school productions, this was a great opportunity to see behind the scenes and the immense talent everyone has to bring these shows together. From this stressful role we have learned to appreciate the talents of people both on and off-stage.
We are so proud of all of the hard work put in by this year’s crew and have loved watching everyone come together as a team. This experience has given us so many funny and heart-warming memories that will stay with us forever.
Most importantly, from being Stage Managers and part of the backstage team, we have made friends between year levels, and will always be grateful for these connections. We have loved being part of such a wonderful group of people and watching everyone find their niche through this production.
We are also incredibly grateful for the effort and care that Ms Mutkins and Ms Leong have put into coordinating backstage. Freaky Friday would not have gone ahead without them.
Georgia and Olivia
Year 12
Backstage Managers
Congratulations to all involved in the 2022 Senior School Production of Freaky Friday!