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CROSSBILL

Special 2022 Digital Version

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Synopsis

The new musical, Freaky Friday, based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films (and developed by Disney Theatrical Productions expressly for licensing to theatres), features a book by Bridget Carpenter - the co-executive producer and writer on the beloved TV hits, "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" - and music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey - the Pulitzer Prize-winning composers of Next to Normal and If/Then.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

Cast of Characters


THE FAMILY:
 

ELLIE BLAKE .........Nina Laverty(A) / Shelagh Laverty (B)
KATHERINE BLAKE.........Katherine Van Tassel (A) / Millie Carlson (B)
FLETCHER BLAKE...........Zara Baden-Eversman

MIKE........... Jahlil Coleman

THE STUDENTS:

ADAM...........Noah Brown

KARL ..........Mari Caldwell

MONICA..........Erin Palmer

SAVANNAH..........Javieliz Matos

KITTY..........Jada Parker

 

THE ADULTS:


TORREY...........Rose Bromage

DANIELLE ...........Juliana Garcia
LOU .................Angelique Raudales
MR. BLUMEN ..............Claude Saunders
MRS. LUCKENBILL ...........Yoselin Perez
SENOR O’BRIEN .............Claude Saunders
MS. MEYERS ...............Shelagh Laverty (A) / Nina Laverty (B)
OFFICER KOWALSKI..................Claude Saunders
MRS. TIME ................Kayla 
Mc Collough

DR. EHRIN............Dr. Akella (A) / Mr. Lourierro (B)

MINISTER.............Claude Saunders

 

THE ENSEMBLE:


CATER WAITERS.......Sofia Almieda, Yoselin Perez, Juliana Garcia, Javieliz Matos, Angelique Raudales

WEDDING GUESTS..........Full Cast

Musical Numbers

ACT I

  1. Prologue

  2. Just One Day

  3. The Hourglass

  4. I Got This

  5. Wedding Tango

  6. Oh, Biology

  7. I Got This - Reprise

  8. Watch Your Back

  9. Parents Lie

  10. Just One Day (Reprise 1)

 

ACT II

  1. I'm Not Myself Today

  2. Women and Sandwiches

  3. Go

  4. Tug of War

  5. The Other Hourglass

  6. Today and Ev'ry Day

  7. Just One Day (Reprise 2)

Notse From the Directors

We are so happy to bring you WCHS Lights Up Drama Club’s first live production since SISTER ACT in March 2019! This has not been an easy road, but we are thrilled to be back!

Freaky Friday may at first, seem like a strange choice for a musical adaptation. I myself was not convinced when we began discussing possible choices. When I realized however, that the universal theme of the show is “family”, in all it’s messy forms, it actually makes total sense. Freaky Friday follows stories of friendship, parent/child relationships, loss, grief and ultimately acceptance. I believe we can all relate to one or all of those things.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this tremendous cast and creative team! All my love and admiration goes to Sal, Jen and Matt. It has been messy at times, but through those experiences we have also built our own “family”.

I hope you all enjoy Freaky Friday The Musical!

Heather Bazinet  / Co-Director

Choosing a musical to cast, produce and direct sounds like it would be so much fun … right? With so many amazing choices and what seems like an endless amount of genres and themes available, you would think that making the “right” choice would be something natural, organic.

 

 “It’ll just hit you, and when you hear the right choice, you’ll know.” 

 

This was the romantic notion floating around in my sometimes boyish, and usually overly-optimistic mind just before meeting with my Lights Up creative #dreamteam during the summer months of 2021. After all, we’d tackled this challenge a handful of times before. We’d already taken an edgy, off-broadway trip down memory lane in 2018 with “Is There Life After High School?”, and felt the FABULOUS funk of disco nuns with 2019’s *award-winning performances and acclaimed* production of “Sister Act”, before biting off an enormous slice of musical theater history – and still earning acclaim** –  with 2020’s “How to Succeed in Business…without really trying” (which was shut down by the pandemic one day before opening night). We even made our own showcase/cabaret film in 2021, titled “A Light in the Dark,” which helped bring some much needed shine to our shut-in student actors.

 

It was no surprise then, that I assumed that our next venture into the catalog of Broadway Beauties would be a walk in the park. 

 

I was mistaken. Either that, or this park was an extremely easy place to get lost in.

 

The ideas brought forth in our team meeting were diverse and wonderful, surprising, yet familiar, and after the minutes had morphed into hours, I found myself looking around the room, at the once-eager, now exhausted expressions of my talented team, realizing ... that we had absolutely no idea what show to choose.

 

Maybe we should meet again? Think about this a bit more?

 

And then, it hit us. We realized that what we were looking for was right there in front of us. In our everyday lives. In our relationships with our children, families, significant others. It was right there in the love, and frustration, and freakish nature of living life in a post-2020 America. 

 

And the rest, as they say...well, you probably know where I’m going with this. 

 

As I drove home from that meeting, I remember the simultaneous feelings of fear and excitement that come with the start of each drama season. I imagined what the reaction of our students would be when they heard the announcement of the show. And as I glanced in the rear view, I pictured the colors and magic of the world they could create on stage, bright lights washing over them like a warm blanket of accomplishment. I saw students finding their place in the world through the words of the characters. I saw the bonds of life-long friendships about to begin. I saw actors once again ON STAGE, performing for a LIVE AUDIENCE. I saw our show, or at least a version of it, one that fuels this fire burning in my soul.

 

I saw...MAGIC.

 

What I didn't see, not yet at least, was the opportunity to let our departing seniors shine brighter than ever before, through our choice to double cast the lead roles of Ellie and Katherine Blake. I didn't see the parallels from my own life that would play out on stage, the actors somehow channeling my wife and teenage daughter – despite the fact that they’d never been directed to do so. I couldn't possibly see, or even guess, the affinity I’d develop for this seemingly simple, yet elegantly entertaining tale of what it means to wish for more time, to love a child, to appreciate a parent, to lose a father, or to gain a new hope, even after all had seemed to be lost. “Freaky Friday: The Musical” has all of those things, and so much more.

 

And I am so grateful that we can now share this with the world.

 

I’d like to share my love, gratitude, and respect with Heather, Matt and Jennifer – my team. Without all of you, this world we envisioned could never exist. 

 

I’d like to thank New Haven Public Schools, Ellen Maust, Edith Johnson and the Wilbur Cross leadership team for their support and guidance.

 

I’d like to acknowledge my family – Adrienne, my wife, and Sienna and Scarlett, my girls. You three are the best part of me.

 

I’d like to thank my student actors and crew members – you all inspire me every day. You teach me so much more than I could ever teach you. Trust your process, and I promise, you will all SHINE brighter than you could ever believe. 

 

Finally, I thank you, the audience, for sharing this time in your life with us. 

 

*2019’s “Sister Act” was nominated for 7 HALO Awards, including Best Musical, and winner of Best Actress in a Musical (Brianna Chance 2019) and Best Supporting Actress in a Musical (Melissa Cisija 2019). 

 

** 2020’s “H2$” was nominated for 5 HALO Awards, winning two: Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Manny Gonzales, ‘20), and Best Actor in a Musical (Brandon Oliveras, ‘20).

-- Salvatore DeLucia (Co-Director / Head of Dramatic Arts WCHS)

Meet the Cast of "Freaky Friday: The Musical"!

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Katherine Van Tassel

"Katherine" / Class of 2022

Kate is a senior at Wilbur Cross High School and has loved performing with the Lights Up Drama Club since her Freshman year. Some of her favorite roles include Rosemary in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Penny in Hairspray, and now Katherine in Freaky Friday. Kate would like to thank her family, friends, and the drama club for all their support over the years.

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Millie Carlson

"Katherine" / Class of 2022

Millie is a senior here at Wilbur Cross High School and at the Educational Center for the Arts. A few of their favorite roles include Hedy LaRue in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Tina in Sister Act, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Lady Macduff in Macbeth, Helen in Trojan Barbie, and Ladybug in James & the Giant Peach. Millie would like to thank the Lights Up Drama Club for all of their love and support and wish them the best for future projects.

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Shelagh Laverty

"Ellie" (Cast B), "Ms. Meyers" (Cast A)
/ Class of 2022

Shelagh is a senior at Wilbur Cross High School and has been doing theatre since she was 4. She does theatre with ECA and sings with Performing Arts Studio Be. She would like to thank her parents, her vocal coach Michelle, her amazing cast, crew and directors of Freaky Friday and the best other Elle I could ask for, Nina Laverty.

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Nina Laverty

"Ellie" (Cast A), "Ms. Meyers" (Cast B)

/ Class of 2022

Nina is a senior at Wilbur cross and ECA as a theatre major and had been part of the lights up drama club all four years of high school. She has also performed with PA studio Be for six years. I would like to thank my family, my amazing cast, the lights up family, my studio Be family, and my ECA family.

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Zara Baden-Eversman

"Fletcher" / Class of 2025

Zara is a freshman at Wilbur Cross Highschool and has been doing musical theater since kindergarten. She did choir in the past and has been going to a theater program every summer. One of Zara’s favorite roles was Erzulie in Once Upon an Island. Zara would like to acknowledge Neighborhood Music School for getting her interested in the arts and she would also like to acknowledge Lights Up Drama Club for giving her an opportunity to be a part of this amazing show.

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Jahlil Coleman

"Mike" / Class of 2024

Jahlil has been involved in stage acting forr three years, but this is his first year doing a high school production -- and his first year in a New Haven school. He would like to thank the WCHS lights up drama club for the experience

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Mari Caldwell

"Karli" / Class of 2022

When Mari first came into the drama club as a freshman she was sister act and played the role of sister Mary Lazarus freshman year and was nominated for best dancer. This is her last play in high school theater she loved all the memories she made here and  even though Covid hit her during her sophomore year of How to succeed she still kept acting and pursuing the art she wants to thank all  of her directors for making her into the actor she is she also wants to thank her dad and stepmom for pushing her to continue and her mom and grandma and aunts for support and her all 3 of her older siblings for listening to her sing and dance around the house for fun and Zahara for not being able to do her play H2$!Instagram —> @whoa_mari_ 

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Erin Palmer

"Monica" / Class of 2025

Erin is a freshman at Wilbur Cross high school. She’s been performing at the New Haven Academy of Performing Art(Nhaopa) since 2017. Erin’s favorite roles were Thing in The Addams Family, and Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act. She actually did Freaky Friday at Nhaopa and she played Karl. She’s very excited about her first performance at Wilbur Cross.

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Noah Brown

"Adam" / Class of 2023

(aka. Mace Windu) I’m a junior at Wilbur cross this is my first performance with Cross. I also preform at Eca and my most recent role was George Gibbs in "Our Town". I would like to thank the entire ensemble for making my first performance such a fun and memorable experience.

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Javieliz Matos

"Savannah" / Class of 2025

Javieliz is a freshman at Cross who has always loved to sing. "Freaky Friday" is her first show and she is very excited to be a part of the Lights Up Drama Club! She is grateful to have met such amazing people along the way and hopes to do more musical theatre in the future.

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Jada Parker

"Kitty" / Class of 2022

Hi, I’m Jada, I’m a Senior. I really enjoy acting, singing and dancing. I have had a lot of fun being in this play this year. Just wanna give thanks to all who have participated in bringing this play and performing back to life.

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Rose Bromage

"Torrey" / Class of 2023

Rose is a junior at Wilbur Cross High School. She has had a passion for performing for as long as she can remember, and first took the stage as a fairy in Pinocchio in third grade. Later going on to play Wendy in Peter Pan and Marty the Zebra in Madagascar Jr, Rose realized that acting was one of her passions, in addition to singing. Rose would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her journey (not just in theatre) and for their never ending love. When she is not taking the stage, she enjoys writing for the school newspaper. 

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Juliana Garcia

"Danielle", "Ensemble" / Class of 2022

Juliana Garcia is a senior at Wilbur Cross High School and this is her first year being with the Lights Up Drama Club at Wilbur Cross High School. She enjoyed working with her peers and playing the role as Danielle. She wishes she would’ve started earlier in time with Drama.

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Angelique Raudales

"Lou", "Ensemble" / Class of 2025

Angelique is a freshman at Wilbur Cross High School and has not been in any performances before. "Freaky Friday" is Angelique’s first musical/ theatre performance and she is very excited for the opportunity she has been given to be in Freaky Friday. Angelique would like to thank the cast and crew of Lights up drama club for making this a great new memory and awesome experience.

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Claude Saunders

"Mr. Blumen", "Senior O'Brien", "Officer Kowalski", "Minister"  / Class of 2025

Claude is a sophomore at Wilbur Cross High School and ECA (Educational Center for the Arts) and has been performing since 1st grade. He has Preformed in Various school plays in Worthington Hooker k through 8 as well as worked with the Long Wharf Theater company. Claude’s favorite role was the role of Johnny Jack in the performance of the play Revels.

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Yoseline Perez

"Ms. Lukenbill", "Ensemble" / Class of 2025

Yoselin is a freshmen at Wilbur Cross High School. This is my first musical.

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Kayla Sonjay McCollough

"Mrs. Time" , "Ensemble" / Class of 2023

Kayla is a sophomore at Wilbur cross high school. She is creative, and a good drawer, cook/Baker. Kayla likes Mr. DeLucia's acting class, and "Freaky Friday" is her first musical stage performance.

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Sofia Victoria Almeida

"Ensemble" / Class of 2025

Sofi is a Sophmore at Wilbur Cross, she has done dance since the age of 3 and this is her first time taking part in a musical. When she came from Ecuador she had to take a break from dance because of its expenses but thankfully the Wilbur Cross theatre program was an opportunity to do something related to dance in her sophomore year.

Meet The Lights Up Team

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Salvatore DeLucia

Dramatic Arts educator & Co-Director of Spring Productions.

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Heather Bazinet

Co-Director & Co-Producer of Spring Productions.

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Matt Durland

Music Direction for all Lights Up Drama Club performances.

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Jennifer Kaye

Choreographer/lighting director of Spring Productions.

Production / Creative Team

Producer/ Co-Director......................................................................Salvatore De Lucia
Producer/ Co-Director......................................................................Heather Bazinet
Musical Director....................................................................................Matt Durland
Choreographer......................................................................................Jennifer Kaye
Scenic/Art Direction............................Kaylee Zawadowski ('23) & Mr. De Lucia
Costume Design and Mantience.............................................Heather Bazinet
Costume/prop technician............................................................Lily Bazinet

Sound Director / Technician.........................................................Rich Ives
Lighting Direction & Design/Technician..............................Jennifer Kaye
Lighting Technician...........................................................................Marty Garcia
Set Construction..........................................Mr. DeLucia's Technical Theatre class
Tickets/Marketing...............................................................................Salvatore De Lucia
Videography.............................................................................Salvatore DeLucia / Jaime Bazinet
Stage Managers...............Kayee Zawadowski ('23) & Bryan Calderon Bendergas ('23)


Special Thanks to: Principal Edith Johnson & the Wilbur Cross Leadership Team, Ellen Maust, The WIlbur Cross Art and Music Departments,  Adrienne De Lucia, Debbie Bartone, and many more who help make the Lights Up Drama Club work.

"Freaky Friday: The Musical" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

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THE
Lights Up
ORCHESTRA

Keyboard/Conductor: Matt Durland

 

Reed: Emily Lombardo 

 

Woodwind: Rachel Popolitzio 

 

Cello: Hunter Zandieh

 

Trumpet: Dave Parsons 

 

Trombone: Mitch Mangan

 

Guitar: Zach Fontanez 

 

Bass: Josh Jackson 

 

Drums: Jordan Aaron 

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Our Lights Up Crew

Co-Stage Managers: 

Kaylee Zawadowski ('23)

Bryan Calderon Bendegas ('23)

Running/Backstage Crew:

Andrew Leavitt Cardone ('24)

Johanna Sampetro ('23)

Stephanie Deleon ('24)

Leny Arias ('25)

Ranya I. Tarabar ('25)

Claire Zenisek ('25)

Gyovony Ellis ('23)

Thomas Kirk ('22)

Amaris Kirk ('22)

Shining the LIGHTS UP on our sponsors!

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Break a leg!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Freaky Friday!

 

And shout out to Noah - way to go!

From Dad, Mom, Bella and Eli

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You are awesome, Zara! I'm so proud of you!

Love, Mom

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Congrats to Lights Up!

The Fine Arts Department of Wilbur L. Cross High School is proud to support the Lights Up Drama Club and thier 2022 musical performance of "Freaky Friday: The Musical"!

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The Wilbur Cross Music Department and Marching Band proudly support the amazingly talented performers in the Lights Up Drama Club! Break Legs in your 2022 musical performance of "Freaky Friday: The Musical"!

Welcome back to the live stage!

Congratulations to the student actors and crew members of WCHS's Lights Up Drama Club!

Break a Leg!

FHCHC

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Congratulations, Rose Bromage!

And the entire cast and crew of "Freaky Friday"! So proud of your accomplishments. Love, Grammy

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(203) 745-4843

631 Middletown Ave

New Haven, CT 06513

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Rich,
Thank you for helping us sound great! 


From,
The Actors of the WCHS Lights Up Drama Club

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