The drama club is rehearsing the musical Freaky Friday, to be performed Nov. 14-16.  

The main characters in the play are Katherine the mother (Senior Vega Craig) and Ellie the daughter (freshmen Bianca Noclaewsky Kayat Bittencourt).

“Spending a day with each other’s mother/daughter, 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,” Director Taylor Mortensen said when describing the theme of the play. 

Sophomore Eli Ward, who plays Ellie’s love interest Adam, describes the character Katherine as  “uptight” and “professional” while Ellie is “rebellious” and “messy.” 

“The show is comical, but it’s also a story about empathy and understanding,” Ward said.

Rehearsals are ongoing and performances will be in the BHS auditorium on Nov. 14 & 16 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. 

Mortensen emphasized that it is important for the cast to learn the music. 

“This is the foundation of the show and we need to know the songs before we start acting,” she said. 

After they learn the music and the script, the cast will begin to run through the play and fix any trouble spots. 

Ward also emphasizes the importance of the behind-the-scenes work done by the stage crew.

To have a successful play, it is important to have a great team with good communication. 

“The crew is more than just important, they are essential,” he said. “Without a crew, there is no show. You may not notice their work from face value, but every element of the set, lighting, sound, costumes, and more are thanks to our incredible crew. As a cast, we have to do everything we can to help and support our crew.” 

Ward also enjoys working with the directors, Mortensen and her assistant director, J.J  Luster. 

“Both [directors] are incredibly talented actors and singers, and they have taught me a lot during my time working with them,” he said. 

The directors are among many who contribute to the success of the drama program. 

“We also have many people who work at the high school who help us out, like [Spanish teacher Topher] Helm, who helps with our production-related topics like securing the rights for our shows, handling budgets, communications and promoting the show.” Ward said. 

Helm also oversees the crew this year.

Cast members get a strong sense of community from participating in the shows. 

“They make new friends, get to create something incredible from just a framework, and they get to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Mortensen said.

The play also has some unique challenges this year. 

“This play will require the two leading ladies to play two different characters due to switching bodies,” Mortensen said. 

Ward believes that while rehearsing and performing in a play is a big time commitment, it is also very rewarding.

“If you’re considering it, absolutely go for it. Our club is focused on bringing people together and giving people opportunities to shine on the stage, so the more, the merrier,” he said.

“I hope the audience learns from this show that our differences should not separate us, but unite us,” Ward said. “Sometimes to understand someone, you need to put yourself in their shoes.”