LCVI Playmakers bring Freaky Friday to Academy stage

Nearly 30 years have transpired since Ernie Coombs, alias Mr. Dressup, graced the stage at the Academy Theatre. Delving into his famous Tickle Trunk, Mr. Dressup could don any costume and become someone else: a clown, the skipper of a pirate ship, or Santa Claus.

But what if this concept is taken a step or two further? What if, instead of merely dressing up as someone else, a person exchanges their body for someone else’s? That is the premise – albeit a somewhat avant-garde one – behind Freaky Friday, the musical LCVI’s Playmakers will be bringing to life on stage at the Academy Theatre next week.

Kawartha Lakes Weekly paid the school’s well-appointed drama room a visit not long ago and watched a large and enthusiastic company go through their paces at a rehearsal. Visible around the perimeter of the space are a smattering of props – a wooden bench, a wedding arch, and a bank of lockers – all of which hint at the varied settings in which Freaky Friday plays out. Posted on the lockers are playbills for Little Shop of Horrors and Clue, productions the Playmakers staged in 2024 and 2025, respectively. For those nearing the end of their high school career, these must surely be poignant mementos of pleasant memories spent in rehearsal and on stage.

But graduation is still a long way off on this overcast March day as cast members scatter into position at stage left and stage right. Volume checks complete, the cast bursts into song. Blinding cell phone lights illuminate the scene for a high-energy, carefully-choreographed choral number. Some of the performers form a human water fountain at centre stage for a scene in which other characters dive into the fountain (well, not literally – suspension of disbelief is a prerequisite to fully appreciate much of the Freaky Friday storyline). The student performers, consummate professionals at their craft, run through this scene multiple times. It is hard work, but they are clearly enjoying every bit of it.

“Because the story centres around a body swap, our lead actors had to develop a strong understanding of each other’s characters in order to portray them convincingly,” co-directors Lindsay Curran and Brittany Zablowsky tell Kawartha Lakes Weekly in an interview. “This required a lot of detailed character work, trust, and teamwork across the cast.”

Ella Wilson plays Katherine Blake, the perturbed mother of Ellie Blake, before switching personalities and performing the daughter’s character – but in the mother’s body. “It’s a little bit confusing, but the musical does a good job at making sense of it,” says Wilson with a chuckle. “Katherine is very uptight, strict, and wants her family to be a perfect family. But when she switches into her daughter, she gets this new personality that is sarcastic and comedic.” Asked how her character[s] will resonate with audiences, Wilson notes that unconditional love is a recurring theme: “Most teenagers go through phases where they are somewhat rebellious, but in the end family really matters.”

Joining Wilson on stage as Ellie Blake is Alyssa Whitehead, who speaks to the importance of seeing other perspectives reflected in the dramatis personae.  “I was raised by a single parent, so it means a lot to me to see this represented, to see all the hard work they have to go through – because it is hard work,” she tells Kawartha Lakes Weekly. This focus on empathy is something Charlie Warpula hopes audiences will discern as they watch the musical. “Not everyone is who you think they are; they have more layers to them. Never assume, and always get to know the person,” says Warpula, who takes on the role of Adam, one of Ellie’s classmates.

Curran and Zablowsky concur. “We believe audiences will not only be highly entertained, but Freaky Friday stands as a reminder of the importance of slowing down, listening, and seeking to understand the experiences of others,” they say. “In a time where empathy can sometimes feel in short supply, Katherine and Ellie’s story offers a powerful and timely message – everyone has a story, and we should first seek to understand before being understood.”

Wilson and Whitehead are among those who are bidding adieu to LCVI this year, and both speak highly of how the Playmakers have shaped and helped them grow as individuals. Though they won’t have the opportunity to see it come to fruition as students, those who follow in their footsteps may one day be able to bring plays and musicals to life in a dedicated performing arts space. Such is one of the long term goals at LCVI. “We aim to build a strong, sustainable program that encourages student involvement both onstage and behind the scenes, while fostering confidence, collaboration, and a lasting appreciation for the arts,” say Curran and Zablowsky.

Theatregoers will be able to see that spirit of confidence, collaboration, and appreciation for the arts come to life when Freaky Friday goes up at the FLATO Academy Theatre on April 23 and 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit flatoacademytheatre.com/whats-on/lcvi-freaky-friday.