Venice Theatre stages body-swap comedy 'Freaky Friday' amid pre-wedding chaos

Sarah Robles-Wise and Hannah-Rose Randi share the stage in Venice Theatre's adaptation of "Freaky Friday." The production centers on Katherine Blake and her daughter Ellie, who exchange bodies one day before Katherine's wedding.

Katherine is a detail-oriented mother who believes her teenage daughter does not grasp the weight of adult responsibilities. Ellie counters that her mother has forgotten the realities of youth. Their friction peaks when a magical event swaps their physical forms, forcing each to navigate the other's daily routine.

Katherine endures the pressures of high school social dynamics and romantic interests in Ellie's body. Ellie manages her mother's professional obligations and the logistics of the upcoming wedding. The characters discover the specific difficulties inherent in the other's age group.

Brad Wages directs and choreographs the performance. Michelle Kasanofsky provides musical direction. The cast includes Joey Lockwood as Fletcher, Henry Barre as Mike, and Charlotte Crowley as Torrey. James Fiorendeno and Susan Mergens play the grandparents Gordon and Helene, respectively.

The script is by Bridget Carpenter, with music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The team previously worked on the musical "Next to Normal." The story draws from Mary Rodgers' novel and the Disney film adaptations.

The show runs from Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W. in downtown Venice. Adult tickets cost $40. A $10 discount applies to the Oct. 31 performance. College students and educators pay $30. Children and teens pay $19.

The production is part of Venice Theatre's 77th Season. Ulla and Kent Crickard, Carole Freeland Raymond, and Dr. Shanaka and Rana Weerasooriya serve as sponsors.