Wallkill Valley students to present 'Freaky Friday'

Wallkill Valley Regional High School’s Performing Arts Department is proudly presenting "Freaky Friday" on March 13-15 through March 15.

"Freaky Friday" is a musical adaptation of Mary Rodgers’ 1972 children’s novel and Disney’s subsequent 1976 and 2003 film adaptations. The story follows teenager Ellie Blake and her mother, Katherine, on the weirdest, strangest, craziest, freakiest day of their whole lives. On a fateful Friday the day before Katherine's wedding, something magical occurs when mother and daughter swap bodies. Under the direction of Ms. Christine Molnar and Ms. Jennifer Grabowski, the students have been hard at work rehearsing their singing and acting, while simultaneously practicing their dance routines choreographed by Mrs. Denise Kulhan and orchestral numbers with Mr. Jeff Colarusso.

While the singing, acting, and dancing take center stage, much work goes on behind the scenes as well. Students enrolled in Wallkill’s woodshop and art programs have worked tirelessly on building and painting the set with their respective teachers, Mike DeVore and Amy Fairweather, while Mrs. Mary Rose Potanka and her students worked with graphic designer Paul Kane and devised the musical’s logo, made flyers, and created a program for the musical.

Cast members have also gone out in the community to sell ads and ask for donations for putting on this year’s musical.

In addition, parents have graciously donated their time and efforts into the making of this production from helping assist in costuming and altering costumes (Mrs. Lori Tomlin) to working on the set/backstage, ticket and lobby sales, and supplying the students with dinners during Tech Week.

“Humbleness is key no matter if you are a lead, minor character, or ensemble, every single person contributes to making the show great, and it is important to remember that no one is above anyone else," sophomore Avery DelGuidice said. "We all work together in order to create an experience just as amazing for the audience as it is for us. Friendship is also a great factor that contributes to a successful musical. As a cast, having bonds with one another is crucial to our success. Lastly, I believe relating to your character and their story is so significant. Even though we’re all playing someone else, being able to connect to your character and all of their experiences is essential to move the audience emotionally and have them relate to the story we tell, which is so important when it comes to performing.”

Senior Kelsey Pedersen who plays Katherine Blake.

“Theater always has the power to bring people and communities together," she said. "The performances we give are incredibly important to who we are as individuals and how we come together as a united group. Every year the theater department at Wallkill Valley grows stronger, allowing more and more opportunities for students to embrace their passions and explore their talents on stage. We unite, not just as a cast, but as a family. And, it's not just our cast and crew; the families and members of the community, the local businesses and volunteers, and the school’s student body all help make our show amazing. The combined talents of directors, actors, and everyone involved are what make this show so special for us as performers, and create lasting memories for all who get to experience it.”

Other seniors who have principal roles in this year’s musical include Hannah Conklin (Torrey), Chris Flatt (Adam), Kayla Baker (Savannah), and Olivia Tomlin (Stage Manager). Wallkill is also lucky to have 11 year old Hayden Reid from Hardyston Middle School playing the brother Fletcher Blake.