Freaky Friday Musical Will Become a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2018
(© Tricia Baron)
Another Freaky Friday is in the works. Based on the Mary Rodgers novel that inspired films in 1976, 1995, and 2003, this new version will take off from the stage musical that played at La Jolla Playhouse earlier this year and premiere as a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2018. The musical features music and lyrics by the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal and If/Then duo of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, and book by Bridget Carpenter.
Heidi Blickenstaff, who originated the role of Katherine in the musical, will star in the TV movie adaptation, with Cozi Zuehlsdorff playing Katherine's daughter, Ellie. Rounding out the cast are Ricky He as Ellie’s friend Adam, Alex Désert as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, Jason Maybaum as Ellie’s little brother Fletcher, Kahyun Kim as Katherine’s high-strung business associate, Dara R. Moss as Savannah, Jennifer LaPorte as Monica, Isaiah Lehtinen as Karl, and Sarah Willey as Kitty.
Steve Carr will be the director and executive producer of Freaky Friday, directing a teleplay written by Carpenter. Susan Cartsonis and Thomas Schumacher will also be executive producers. The rest of the creative team will include Emmy nominee David Lawrence (music), two-time Tony nominee John Carrafa (choreography), Perry Andelin Blake (production design), and Academy Award winner Angus Strathie (costume design).
