Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Disney’s “Freaky Friday” takes the stage at Red Mountain Theatre this April 4-19
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Get ready to experience Disney’s “Freaky Friday” at Red Mountain Theatre April 4-19. If you’ve seen the movie, you know “Freaky Friday” is a production that will have you on the edge of your seat and laughing.
Read on to find out more about this can’t-miss production and the talented individuals behind it.
Disney’s “Freaky Friday” event details
- When: Friday, April 4 —Saturday, April 19
- Thursday–Saturday nights at 7:30PM
- Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2PM
- If your party is larger than 10 people contact themphill@redmountaintheatre.org
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre main stage, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Tickets start at $40 | Discounts for children under 12.
- Purchase tickets
You should know: BhamNow readers can get an exclusive discount of $7 off adult tickets using the discount code BHAMNOW at checkout.
What to expect
In this heartfelt and comedic production, an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies and have just 24 hours to put things right again.
As Katherine and Ellie navigate a day in each other’s shoes, they learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance, empathy and the love that bonds them. I personally can’t wait to take my mom to see this show—maybe we’ll learn a little something about each other!
Based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, this musical is a fun yet emotional journey through the ups and downs of family, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
Behind the scenes: A conversation with the cast
In a unique collaboration, Red Mountain Theatre’s “Freaky Friday” features a blend of talent, as students from UAB work alongside theater professionals. We sat down with the lead actors, Sammy Sledd and Valerie Accetta, to learn more about their professor-student duo.
Sammy is a junior musical theatre major at UAB, hails from Huntsville, Alabama, and has already made her mark on the stage in productions like “Sister Act” and “Fun Home.” For Sammy, the opportunity to collaborate with Valerie has been especially meaningful.
“We are in class with Valerie all the time, but to actually get to work with her on something like ‘Freaky Friday’ is incredible. Her process is really cool, and it’s great to see that the techniques we’re learning in class actually work when put into practice on stage.”
“A line from the show ‘It’s not the finding, it’s the searching’ really resonates with me. It’s about understanding others and trying to see life from their perspective. That’s a huge theme in this show, especially in the relationship between a mother and daughter.”
Sammy Sledd
Valerie, an experienced performer and Head of Musical Theatre transitioned from being an equity actress to teaching and has been instrumental in shaping UAB’s BFA musical theatre program. She has extensive experience in both performance and directing.
“Playing two characters simultaneously requires us to be in two different headspaces at once, which is both challenging and rewarding. I hope the audience sees how powerful it is to see the world though someone else’s eyes.”
“It’s wonderful to have the chance to mentor students in this way, and it’s equally rewarding to see them bring their talents to the stage in a professional setting.”
Valerie Accetta
Fun Fact: During early rehearsals, Valerie and Sammy would say the lines of the other person to divide and conquer since they play both roles!
Swap up your next night out at Red Mountain Theatre
With an all-star cast and a heartwarming story, Disney’s “Freaky Friday” at Red Mountain Theatre is truly a can’t-miss event. I always loved watching this movie as a kid, and I am so excited to watch this come together on stage!
Whether you’re familiar with the Disney movie or it’s your first experience, this production will leave you laughing and appreciating your family—just the way it is.
Get your tickets now for Red Mountain Theatre’s Freaky Friday, April 4th-19th, and join in on this magical, funny and unforgettable journey.
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