Peoria, IL – August 1, 2022 – In 1972 Mary Rodgers wrote a book called Freaky Friday. Since then, four movies have been adapted from the original book: the first in 1976 featuring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, in 1995 featuring Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffmann, the most famous version was released in 2003 with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, and the Disney Channel Original Movie of the musical was released in 2018.
With a book by Bridget Carpenter and music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for their musical, Next To Normal;) Freaky Friday tells the story of overworked mother, Katherine Blake, and her teenage daughter, Ellie. When they accidentally break a magical hourglass, the two switch bodies. The two have just one day to put things right again before Katherine’s wedding.
Olivia Vicary plays the role of Ellie Blake and Ayana Thompson plays her mother, Katherine. Other notable actors include Samuel Pankey, playing Ellie’s brother Fletcher; Brandes Cayson, playing Katherine’s fiancé Mike; Jeremiah Noar, playing Adam- the student in charge of The Hunt; and Madisyn Martin, playing Torrey, Katherine’s assistant.
The cast of 30 brings this heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional musical to the stage under the direction of Peggy Breaux Hupp. “This is such a great story of a Mother and daughter experiencing what it is like to be in each other’s shoes. In 2016 this Disney show premiered on Broadway as a musical. The music adds humor and emotions to enhance the story. Our performance is a must see at the Corn Stock tent. The cast is unbelievably talented and includes incredible dance. You will not want to miss this show.”
Freaky Friday runs from August 5th through the 13th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students (18 and under).
Patrons are encouraged to come early and have dinner with the food vendors of the production, Touch of Grey Café and The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, dates of food vendor availability can be found on the Corn Stock website. Young’s Popcorn Heaven will also be on site with popcorn available to purchase before the show and during intermission as well as drinks from The Broadway Deli & Lounge and snow cones from Tropical Sno.
A summer-long raffle is also taking place with prizes awarded every evening – during Freaky Friday patrons could win a diamond pendant from Bremer Jewelry, two tickets to a show at Corn Stock’s Winter Playhouse, and a gift certificate to a local experience such as Hire A Housewife or It’s A Vibe Selfie Studio. At the conclusion of the run, all tickets purchased during the run of Freaky Friday are entered into a drawing for a pair of moon necklaces from Bremer Jewelry, a mother/daughter photo session with a local photographer, and a basket full of self-care goodies. At the end of the season, all raffle tickets purchased over the summer are pooled into a drawing for a trip for two to London taking place in December. For further information please call John Stuff, Theatre Manager at (309) 676-2196 or visit the Corn Stock website at www.cornstocktheatre.com
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Corn Stock Theatre is Peoria’s only outdoor community theatre where shows are presented under a big-top style tent. Located at 1700 N Park Road, in Peoria, Illinois, our main stage season features 5 shows each summer. The Corn Stock Theatre Center building, located just south of the Tent in Bradley Park, houses the Winter Season and the Corn Stock for Kids program. The winter season produces contemporary, adult content shows October – March, and the Corn Stock for Kids program produces two shows annually and a summer workshop for ages 7-18. Corn Stock Theatre is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization.