‘Freaky Friday’ cast and crew anticipate opening night
April 7, 2022 | By Abbie Kopelowitz | Community News Service This post was updated with photos from the performance (see below)
In a productive dress rehearsal Tuesday evening, actors from 7th through 12th grade finish performing Act One of “Disney’s Freaky Friday” opening tonight on the Harwood stage.
“Sing! It’s a big moment,” said Director Scott Weigand from his vantage point in the seats of the Harwood Union High School auditorium. Musical Director for his 13th year, Weigand is excited to tackle another production.
Opening tonight and running through Saturday, Tuesday’s run-through was one of the last rehearsals left with every member of the cast and crew refining their roles.
For Orchestra Conductor Chris Rivers, this is his 32nd Harwood show. He said the cast and crew have worked nonstop for days – including Monday’s all-day in-school rehearsal – perfecting their show in the run-up to tonight’s premiere.
“We strive to do the best to get through our stuff, get the lights on, and get everything working at the same time,” he said.
After an outdoor performance at Camp Meade in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is excited to return to the stage with an in person audience at full capacity. “All of them are excited, passionate, and working hard,” Weigand said. “It's nice to feel like we're back.”
Last spring’s musical, “The Fantasticks,” had only eight students in the cast. This year, Weigand said that 36 students auditioned, including the two leads, senior Wanda Sullivan and freshman Zoe Blackman.
“This is the first big onstage production with a larger cast that we've had in a few years,” Sullivan said. “I really think everyone will enjoy it.”
Auditions were open to middle schoolers this year as well and several were among the cast performing at the dress rehearsal on Tuesday. “It's great this year,” Blackman said, “especially having middle schoolers in the show. Actually being in a cast and being able to participate in this is great. I remember when I was in middle school and watching my sister, I was always just so inspired.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, a 1:30 p.m. matinee will be geared to younger audience members with presentations introducing the orchestra and a post-performance meet-and-greet on stage with the cast. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Community News Service is a collaboration with the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
Update: On stage
Photographer Gordon Miller captured these scenes of the production in progress. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, April 9, at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
