Venice Theatre Opens 'Freaky Friday' With Body Swap Comedy

Venice Theatre opens its new production of "Freaky Friday" on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Raymond Center. The show marks the start of the company's 77th Season and runs through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026. The performance space is located at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in downtown Venice.

The musical is based on Mary Rodgers' novel and the subsequent Disney films. It centers on Katherine Blake, a meticulous mother, and her daughter Ellie, a teenager who thrives on chaos. The story begins with Katherine's wedding one day away. A burst of unexplained magic causes the two to swap bodies. Katherine must navigate the complexities of teenage life, while Ellie takes charge of the wedding preparations and her mother's adult responsibilities.

Sarah Robles-Wise plays Katherine, and Hannah-Rose Randi portrays Ellie. Both actors perform the dual roles, depicting the quirks and frustrations of the characters after the switch. Brad Wages directs and choreographs the production. Michelle Kasanofsky provides musical direction.

The supporting cast includes Joey Lockwood as Fletcher, Ellie's younger brother. Henry Barre plays Mike, Katherine's fiancé. Charlotte Crowley portrays Torrey, Katherine's assistant. James Fiorendeno appears as Grandpa Gordon, and Susan Mergens plays Grandma Helene. A multi-generational ensemble joins them on stage.

Bridget Carpenter wrote the book for the show, following her work on "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood." Tom Kitt composed the music, and Brian Yorkey wrote the lyrics. This team previously created the score for "Next to Normal." The musical score blends pop, rock, and humor to explore family dynamics.

Adult tickets cost $40. A $10 discount applies to the Oct. 31 performance. College students and educators pay $30. Children and teens pay $19. Ulla and Kent Crickard, Carole Freeland Raymond, and Dr. Shanaka and Rana Weerasooriya are the production sponsors.