Northlands Parkway Collegiate brings Disney’s Freaky Friday to life this weekend
Get ready for a comedic and heartfelt performance as Northlands Parkway Collegiate (NPC) students bring Disney's Freaky Friday to the stage this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall in Winkler. The show kicks off nightly at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available online, at the door, or by calling 325-5600.
Adapted from the beloved Disney Channel movie, Freaky Friday follows a mother and daughter who magically switch bodies and must navigate each other’s worlds. NPC Grade 11 student Maya Klassen, who stars as Ellie, the teenage daughter, describes the story as “a funny and relatable look at how no one’s life is easy, even if it might seem that way.”
Meet the cast
Maya and her co-star Dalliah Goertzen, who plays Ellie’s best friend Monica, shared insights into their roles and the fun of stepping into character. Maya explained Ellie’s complexity: “She’s intelligent but messy, and she’s struggling with grief after losing her dad a few years ago. It’s been interesting to portray her emotions and her dynamic with her mom.”
Dalliah said her character, Monica, is quirky and full of phobias. “She’s scared of almost everything,” she laughed. “My dad says I was typecasted, and I don’t disagree! It’s been super fun to play her.”
Behind the scenes
With a cast of 30 and a team of dedicated teachers and choreographers, the production is a true community effort. Choreographer Amanda Zacharias, who has worked with Disney, helped bring the musical numbers to life. “She’s taught us to use sharp movements to make everything look more dynamic,” Maya shared. “It’s like something out of High School Musical—very fun and high-energy.”
Rehearsals have been underway since September, and the students are confident they’re ready to shine. “We’ve spent countless hours together, and it’s brought us all closer as a cast,” Dalliah said. “We’re like one big family now.”
Why you should see Freaky Friday
Beyond its humor and catchy songs, the production resonates with real-life themes. “It’s surprisingly relatable,” Dalliah noted. “There are moments in the play where you’ll think, ‘Wait, that’s exactly how I feel.’”
Maya added, “It’s a great reminder that everyone has their struggles, and it delivers that message in a lighthearted way.”
Don’t miss this engaging and entertaining performance by NPC’s talented students. Get your tickets now to secure your spot for what promises to be an unforgettable show!