Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's spotlight is Pella High School of Pella, Iowa, and their production of Freaky Friday: A New Musical. Adapted from the Mary Rodgers novel and hit Disney films, Freaky Friday features a book by Bridget Carpenter and music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The musical tells the story of a mother and teenage daughter who magically swap bodies. With just one day to make things right, the two must learn to have compassion for the other's struggles, to practice self-acceptance, and to realize that a mother-daughter bond is built on mutual respect and unconditional love.
Theatre director Suzanne Jones shared with Playbill the many creative choices her students made in the production.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Suzanne Jones: I have been teaching at Pella High School in Pella, Iowa since the 2007-2008 school year.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
I was inducted into the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame on November 16th, which was a proud moment.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
Our high school has about 850 students, and we have an award winning marching band, a thriving vocal music program, and our visual arts students regularly win awards at district contest. The arts are alive and well at Pella High.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
We picked Freaky Friday because we knew that we could cast it and people of all ages have positive associations with the story.
What are your students loving about the show?
The kids love the songs and also love that our costumer decided to put the students in school uniforms, which makes our production unique from many others.
How did the students participate in the design of the production?
Students created stuffed frogs for the dissection scene, painstakingly painted striped "wallpaper," played in the pit band, ran lights and sound, and a student even called the show. We work to make everything as student-run as possible.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
This was the first year that we have sold advertising for our program. The ads look incredible in the PLAYBILLDER format!
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.
