Review Roundup: FREAKY FRIDAY the Musical Opens at Signature Theatre- Updating Live!

Signature Theatre presents the world premiere production of Disney's Freaky Friday. Developed by Disney Theatrical Productions expressly for licensing to theatres, Freaky Friday features a book by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. This premiere production will be directed by Christopher Ashley with choreography by Sergio Trujillo. Freaky Friday runs now through November 20 in Signature Theatre's MAX Theatre. The show received its opening night this week and Broadway World has all the reviews as they roll in.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Paul Harris, Variety: But it's the enduring message of empathy and understanding that gives "Friday" its timeless appeal. It is exploited in this production with strong performances by leads Blickenstaff and Hunton, who are each believable in their demanding dual roles. ... "Friday" is not a perfect outing for Kitt and Yorkey. Although their 15 songs contain enjoyable melodies and stirring ensemble harmonies, they seldom deviate from the relentless pace that contributes to the show's overall frenetic feel. Kid-friendly songs like "Busted" and "What You Got" will hit home, but others feel trapped in sameness.

Peter Marks, The Washington Post: Composed with aplomb by "Next to Normal" songwriters Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey and bookwriter Bridget Carpenter, the musical, in a world premiere at Signature Theatre, where it officially opened Tuesday night, offers two marvelously sung, resonantly comical central performances by Heidi Blickenstaff and Emma Hunton. They play a suburban Chicago mother and daughter at each other's throats until the magical switcheroo that forces them to learn what it's like to live in the other's skin.

Jennifer Perry, Broadway World DC: Signature Theatre is very much at the forefront of developing new musicals and this time around it is doing so in collaboration with Disney Theatricals. Based on Mary Rodgers' novel and the two movies of the same name, the world premiere stage adaptation of Disney's Freaky Friday features some of Broadway and television's best creative talent, two extremely strong leads, and an infectiously energetic ensemble cast. The musical's appeal isn't only limited to the target teenage/millennial crowd. Any fan of contemporary musical theatre is likely to find something to appreciate in this adorable (but not cloyingly so) show.

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