10 Reasons to See "Freaky Friday" in the Park

Horizon Theatre's production of "Freaky Friday" is coming to Piedmont Park!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

For the fourth consecutive year, Horizon Theatre is sharing one of its super-popular musical comedies at the Park's Promenade. This year's show—one of the theatre's main stage plays earlier this year—has been met with hilarity, fantastic acting, super-fun musical numbers, and awesome reviews.

With only four performances, Wednesday through Saturday, June 20-23, this is a can't miss-show! In no particular order, here are 10 awesome reasons why you should see "Freaky Friday" in Piedmont Park...

1.) It's FREE! 

That's right. Horizon Theatre is giving away thousands of free tickets to see the four-day run of Freaky Friday in Piedmont Park. There's also reserved seating, for a nominal fee, closer to the stage, and if you're not a fan of sitting on the grass, you can buy reserved seats at a table near the stage or get a private table (for 6) also near the stage! I've sat on the lawn and reserved seats...whichever you chose, you'll have a great experience!

I think it's totally awesome is it that Horizon brings free theatre to our local community, and many others visiting Atlanta. "Thank you!", Horizon Theatre!

2.) The CAST is phenomenal!

The cast from the spring performance at Horizon Theatre in Inman Park/Little Five Points are all returning for the Piedmont Park run...I'm so excited! This was the largest cast to ever perform on the stage at Horizon Theatre and they truly are phenomenal. 

There are 19 actors in every performance, performing considerably more characters than that!

If you're an Atlanta theatre regular, you'll recognize names and faces of many of the cast, several of them multiple Suzi Bass award nominees and winners!

Jennifer Alice Acker, a personal favorite, is so incredibly talented and an amazing human being! She loves her craft, loves her fans, loves life and gives everything she has to every role she performs. Driven to continually improve (she's already AMAZING!), she's going to always deliver a magnificent performance! 

The spring show was the first time I'd seen Abby Holland on stage. She's AMAZING! Her voice is bold and beautiful and her acting is brilliant. I think you'll love her, too!

Christian Magby is multi-talented the likes you don't see very often. He acts, plays multiple musical instruments, writes, and he's one of the most personable artists you'll meet.

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

3.) It's in PIEDMONT PARK, "Atlanta's Favorite Greenspace"!

This is the fourth year that Horizon Theatre has brought one of their mainstage shows to Piedmont Park, which is in the heart of Midtown and easy to get to! The Promenade is near the Atlanta Botanical Garden—accessible from the Garden's entry road—and the Sage Parking Deck, accessible from Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive.

I've attended the last three Horizon Theatre shows in Piedmont Park and can personally attest to their being great fun...the shows and seeing them in the Park! [2015] [2016] [2017]

4.) There's something for EVERYONE!

Horizon Theatre has made a commitment to produce at least one play per season that multiple generations can enjoy together, and "Freaky Friday" is exactly that! Bring the kids, bring your parents, bring your friends of all ages!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

5.) You get to MEET the cast and take PHOTOS with them!

In the wonderful Horizon Theatre tradition, after the show you'll get to meet the cast and make photos with them! Being the celebrity-spotter I am, this perk is a huge one for me and I love seeing so many other theatre-goers talking with the cast, congratulating them on their performance and getting to know them a little more.

6.) You've probably seen the MOVIE(s)!

"Freaky Friday" has quite a fun history, having been a book; then a movie in 1976 starring a young Jodie Foster who would go on to win two Oscar Awards; then another movie in 2003 starring Golden Globe-winner Jamie Lee Curtis and actress/musician Lindsay Lohan. 

Now...it's a MUSICAL!!!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

7.) There will be FOOD and DRINKS!

You're going to get hungry and thirsty, right? Of course you will!

The grounds will open at 6:00pm (show starts at 7:30pm each night), so bring a picnic and enjoy! NOTE: Feel free to bring your own food, water and soft-drinks, but no alcohol and no glass, please.

There will be concessions, and beer, wine, water and soft-drinks available for purchase.

Remember, the earlier you arrive the closer you can get to the stage! But it's such a big show, they're all great seats. 

8.) The SET is awesome!

Twin sisters and Suzi Bass award winners Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay have done a magnificent job! I mentioned that this is the largest Horizon Theatre cast ever, and they brilliantly maneuvered the set at the theatre, but I'm super excited to see what they're do when it's in Piedmont Park. We're talking lots more real estate...more possibilities! 





9.) You're going to LAUGH!

Yes, it's a musical. Yes, it's about switching bodies. Yes, it's about the drama of a broken family—I come from one, so I know the hilarity that can come from that. It's ALL incredibly funny! You'll connect with this family, their friends, the wedding vendors, police encounters, and the wide range of relationships one encounters throughout life. Oh, and there's a high school scavenger hunt with a—by unanimous vote—totally hot list master...♫Aaaadddaammm!♫

10.) Horizon Theatre is GRATEFUL for your support!

Lisa Adler, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director, shares every opening night of every show that ticket sales make up for only about half of what it takes to run the theatre. Not everyone can see a show at the theatre, but most everyone can go to a free show...and then tell friends and family how great it was!

As a member of the Board of Directors at Horizon Theatre since August—and a patron of many years—we are incredibly grateful for your support, whether in ticket purchases, subscriptions and/or sharing how much you enjoyed your theatre experience with friends and family.

There you go...10 awesome reasons to come to Piedmont Park to see Horizon Theatre's production of Freaky Friday. I think you're going to love it!

Freaky Friday | Horizon Theatre

INTERVIEW: Actress Jennifer Alice Acker

I've been a Jennifer Alice Acker fan for years! 

She's currently starring in "Freaky Friday" at Horizon Theatre, the sixth show I've seen her in over the last few years. You can imagine how excited I was when she granted me an interview over lunch at 5Church Atlanta. 

Let's get right to that interview and then I'll share a little bit about "Freaky Friday", Horizon's newest must-see show!

Jennifer Alice Acker | Photo: Daniel Parvis Photography

wanderlust ATLANTA: Who is Jennifer Alice Acker?

Jennifer: I'm a person—I'm more than my career—a person who loves family life, being outdoors, art and music. I love being an actor, director, and theatrical educator.I love beauty.

I'm originally from Connecticut, went to Florida State, and moved to Atlanta in 2011.

wanderlust ATLANTA: Why acting? Why musicals? What was the catalyst that launched your acting career?

Jennifer: I started singing in high school, doing two shows per year, and I love music, but even more I love storytelling.I enjoy the expression of emotion, the transfer of emotion, helping someone through changing something in their lives encouraged by a character I've played on stage. That's amazing.

Musicals are fun, rewarding, and I find myself firing on all cylinders when singing on stage. I love the emotional honesty, the singing, and sharing a 'frequency' with other beings. At first, acting felt like a scary career choice. I felt vulnerable, like my whole person was on display to be judged. But people kept telling me, "You're really good!" 

Abby Holland (Ellie), Jennifer Alice Acker (Katherine) | "Freaky Friday" | Horizon Theatre

wanderlust ATLANTA: Tell us about your acting career, please.

     Favorite Role?

Jennifer: Katherine in "Freaky Friday", of course! 

Also, Maureen in "Rent". At first I felt reckless, but then there was a point in the production when everything gelled. It was one of those "F*ck it. Let's do this!" moments. I found my stride and it was so awesome!

(NOTE: Jennifer received a Suzi Bass Award nomination, for 'Best Featured Actress in a Musical', for her portrayal of Maureen in "Rent".)

     Greatest Challenges?

Jennifer: I think it's always confidence vs. ego. Too many egos = War of the Worlds! I think the truly great actors must be confident, yet not egotistical. They have to have lots of discipline, kindness, forgiveness, and trust.

     Greatest Successes?

Jennifer: The aftermath of landing the role of Juliette. People were coming at me asking about the iconic Juliette, offering opinions of what she should be. I didn't do that. I wasn't completely happy with the first few nights, but by the end of the run, I felt that it was one of my greatest performances.

     Most Desired Role?

Jennifer: I don't yet know when or where, but I want to play Hamlet! I'm not sure if I want to play him as a man or a woman, yet, either. As one of the most 'damaged' characters ever, it would be incredibly fascinating to portray Hamlet on stage. 

Other roles I'd like to play include Evita, Medea, and a couple of 'honorable mentions' would include the roles of Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Lady Macbeth.

wanderlust ATLANTA: "Freaky Friday" is the largest cast Horizon Theatre has ever had on its stage. What's that been like?

Jennifer: It's been crazy! There are 19 of us! It's also the biggest cast I've worked with in Atlanta. We've expanded the dressing rooms to the basement and we've started calling back stage the "submarine". There's no room for error; precision is a must! 

One of the interesting things is that because it's a larger cast we've not had the opportunity to get to know each other as well as we would have by now if we were a smaller cast. I'm trying to connect with everyone, but while the space restriction has made it a more intimate experience, it's difficult to really get to know everyone as much as I would like. Still, we're having a great time!

wanderlust ATLANTA: In "Freaky Friday" you play the mother of a teenage high school student. Who are you channeling?

Jennifer: My own mother. And I've been playing roles as a mother since I was 15. To portray the the mother-daughter, daughter-mother relationships, I pulled from my own relationships with my mother and grandmother. Playing the daughter, well, I'd "observed" what a bratty kid was like when I was growing up, so that part was pretty easy.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's your favorite scene in "Freaky Friday" and why?

Jennifer: The scene right after we switch bodies when we have to very quickly switch gears, right in front of the audience! Abby and I worked on our characters' charcteristics, explored tactics, planning next scenes...and it's been a lot of fun to perform with such responsive audiences.

Jennifer Alice Acker (Katherine), Brittani Minnieweather (Torrey)
"Freaky Friday" | Horizon Theatre

wanderlust ATLANTA: What advice would you give an aspiring actor/actress?

Jennifer: Commit! Trust what you're doing. An audience can tell if you're not comfortable, so you have to be committed. If acting isn't for you, you can change your mind, just not in the middle of a performance. Again, commit, commit, commit.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What do you do for fun? To relax?

Jennifer: I like to eat, drink cocktails, and watch a good show with my fiancé. When we have time, we'll spend an evening watching a movie or catching up on a series, with a cocktail, and enjoy some lively discussion afterward. I also love fashion and although I don't go shopping often, when I do I go hard! I love being near the water...Sweetwater Creek State Park locally and the beach when I can get away. And I enjoy hanging out with friends!

"Freaky Friday" Cast | Horizon Theatre

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's next for you?

Jennifer: Professionally, I feel called to be a director. Personally, the next stage is "home". I'm in the middle of some personal growth, working on getting fully grounded. Some of the words that could describe my current path include simplicity, joy, intentionality, mindfulness...I'm working hard to be an agent for my own life.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What questions has a journalist never asked you that you wished they had?

Jennifer: "What scene actors have changed you?" 

There are those brilliant moments in acting when a fellow actor changes you. It's a wonderful surprise when it happens. Working with Ben Thorpe, he challenged me to be the most honest version of myself. Working with Jonathan Horne, he challenged me to be the most compassionate, kind person I can be. When these moments happen, they're profound and cherished.

Joseph Masson (Fletcher), Christian Magby (Adam) | "Freaky Friday" | Horizon Theatre

About "Freaky Friday"

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before mom’s big wedding. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the two hit Disney movies, is a hilarious and heartfelt update of an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it takes to be a family when they experience each other’s lives first-hand for just one "Freaky Friday".

"Freaky Friday" Cast | Horizon Theatre

I've already seen "Freaky Friday" twice, plus the Sneak Peek—when you get to see a few numbers and meet cast and crew. And I'm certain I'll go again...it's truly that fantastic! 

Get ready to massage your face cheeks after the show. You're gong to laugh, laugh some more, and laugh again. There may be a tear or two, but you'll find yourself mostly surrendering to the fast-paced hilarity breezing by before you. 

It's true, when sitting in the front row for one of the performances, I caught a breeze coming from all the activity on stage!

A little about some of the cast...

Jennifer Alice Acker (Katherine) is phenomenal, doesn't miss a beat! From overprotective mom to rebellious teenager to compassionate mother, Jennifer convinces audiences that she's all of that and more. And that lovely voice!

Abby Holland's voice is simultaneously powerful and elegant. She's vibrant, vivacious, and victorious as a singer and actress. You can't help but love her character.

Christian Magby (Adam) is as energetic and brilliant as ever. Keep your eyes on his career. He's already done so much, but it's only his beginning. Randi Garza (Savannah, Alexandra) is 'Mean Girls' come to life, totally convincing as a stuck up, snotty popular high schooler, yet a total delight in real life.

Jeff McKerley (multiple characters, the cop being a favorite) is as amazing as ever, true to what his Atlanta fans have come to love. Jill Hames (multiple characters) is amazing also, working in perfect harmony with counterpart Jeff's characters, yet standing out on her own.

Brittani Minnieweather (Torrey, Ms. Meyers) will have you in stitches! Whether sweating on the gym floor or frantically planning a wedding, Brittani is brilliant!

Joseph Masson (Fletcher) I'd seen in "Sweeney Todd" and he's even more wonderful in this play. He's 1,000% into his role and his acting is meticulous. And you can totally tell that he's having a blast!

A number of Horizon Theatre's Apprentice Company members are in this performance and they're fantastic! I've not met all of them, but I have had the pleasure of getting to know a number of them, each a distinct actor/playwright/director, yet they're symphonic on stage.A few personal favorites are Shaun MacLean, Alexis Young, Maariyah Espinoza, and Sloka Krishnan. I hope to get to know the others while they're still here. 

So, I hope you enjoyed the interview with Jennifer. She and I were always cordial at the theatre, but now she feels like a friend. She's one of those people who is warm, inviting, and one that makes an effort to make a connection. We talked about life, we talked about philosophy, and we regaled our mutual love of theatre. If you ever befriend each other, you're in for a magical, uplifting experience.

Now, get yourself to Horizon Theatre...there are only three more weeks to see "Freaky Friday". It's perfect for a group of friends, a mommy-and-me night, girls night out, a first date...pretty much anyone who likes to laugh will love this show! #htcLetsGetFreaky!!!


NOTE: I was voted to Horizon Theatre's Board of Directors last fall, however I've been a fan of and dedicated patron of this theatre for many years. My opinions on this blog are absolutely my own.

The Ballad of Klook and Vinette

The American debut of The Ballad of Klook and Vinette has been magnificent! You can still see it at Horizon Theatre through Sunday, February 18, 2018, and believe me, this is one that you do not want to miss! 

Klook and Vinette | Horizon Theatre | Photo by Russell Scott

I've been a Brittany Inge fan for years and will make every effort possible to see anything she's in. She's not only an incredibly talented actress—with a spectacular voice—she's a kind, grateful, and fun human being. As Vinette, she's strong, vulnerable, passionate, hilarious and her beautiful voice is perfect for this role.

British playwright Che Walker, who came across the 'big pond' to direct his play, gives us incredibly sophisticated dialogue, but no so complex that you're not offering the actors a hearty laugh at the appropriate times, of which there are a lot!  

The question has been posed, "Is Klook and Vinette a musical or is it a play with one long song?" The songs meld with the dialogue so well, you sometimes don't realize that a song has started. The lyrics are beautiful and heart-touching, as well as clever as the dialogue.

Klook and Vinette | Horizon Theatre | Photo by Russell Scott

This was my first time seeing Imari Cheatom perform—aside from seeing him in Django Unchained—and I sincerely hope it's not the last! Imari is a shy individual, but a brilliant actor. 

You feel Klook's emotions, particularly the stronger ones, right from your seat. You feel his excitement over meeting Vinette, you feel his love for Vinette, and you feel his love for what he must do in the grand finale. You're going to feel everything!

The set is minimal, lending focus to the performers and the story being told. With that said, the giant 'Phoenician blinds' are used to set incredibly dramatic scenes at the opening and as the play closes. The only props in this play are two wooden stools. They're used quite a lot, but you rarely even notice that they're there. 

Klook and Vinette | Horizon Theatre | Photo by Russell Scott

In its American debut, The Ballad of Klook and Vinette is heartwarming, heartbreaking, hilarious, and saddening. From their hilarious meeting over carrot juice, to Klook's encouragement for Vinette to pursue a previously shelved writing career, to a fire fight with local authorities, you're going on an emotional roller coaster ride...one that I believe you will find enchanting and one that touches your heart.

I expect this play to be around for a very long time. It's such that you can plop it down practically anywhere and it'll fit right in. It debuted in London and with the insertion of "Southeast Atlanta" you would never know that it wasn't written for the Atlanta stage.

Christian Magby, the music director and playing keyboards in Klook and Vinette, is an artist of many talents. The first time I met him, he was doing the music for 'Da Kink in My Hair while simultaneously presenting a musical in the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival. He's at it again! While he's working on The Ballad of Klook and Vinette, he's simultaneously rehearsing the role of Adam in Freaky Friday, the next show coming up at Horizon Theatre! 

Klook and Vinette | Horizon Theatre | Travis, Brittany, and Elisa

I've said it time and again, one of the things that I LOVE about Horizon Theatre is the post-show opportunity to meet the stars, offer a word of congratulations, and snap a photo with them. In the photo above, that's me, Brittany Inge, and a playwright friend of mine Elisa.

You have only two more weekends to see The Ballad of Klook and Vinette! Get your tickets now to see it by Sunday, February 18 at Horizon Theatre!

Disclaimer: While I am a member of the Board of Directors at Horizon Theatre, the opinions shared here are my own and not influenced by my position or by the theatre. I've been a strong supporter of the performing arts throughout Atlanta for many, many years.

Blackberry Daze Showcases the Best and Worst of the Human Heart

BANG! 

A man is shot dead. This musical is not a classic whodunnit murder mystery, but we are greeted with the mystery of who shot playboy Herman Camm (T.C. Carson). You'll soon learn that it was very likely one of three women...nightclub Blues singer, and Herman's lover, Pearl (Brittany Inge), Herman's wife Mae Lou (Naomi Lavette), or Mae Lou's daughter Carrie (Ayana Reed). 

There's no shortage of drama in this show, but there are a few laughs along the way, too. And it's overflowing with talent!

Now in its final week at Horizon Theatre, Blackberry Daze is one of the finest plays of the summer, and a Suzi Awards recommended show!

Blackberry Daze | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Greg Mooney

I've been a Brittany Inge (Pearl) fan for some time now, but particularly for this show. Well, that's not true...she's AMAZING in every show I've seen her in (Father Comes Home From the Wars; Significant Other)! And what a spectacular voice! She's absolutely charming in real life, too.

In Blackberry Daze, Pearl may come across as flippant and carefree, but the acting is so perfectly nuanced that you almost don't know that the character has feelings that run incredibly deep. Deep enough to commit murder, perhaps.

One of the many things that I love about Brittany is that she wholeheartedly owns whatever role she's playing. From a tipsy, laughter-loving bridesmaid to an emotionally-wrought Civil War slave to a curves-in-all-the-right-places nightclub Blues singer, Brittany always delivers a superb performance.

Blackberry Daze | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Greg Mooney

If your heart doesn't break while watching this performance, you're just not human. The performances are so amazing, it throttles and breaks your heart. I've been called devoid of emotion while others have seen more than their share of emotion from me. This show had me in tears. But it gifted plenty of smiles and laughs, too. 

The first question I asked Ayana Reed (Carrie) after the show was, "Broadway or Hollywood?" She's extraordinarily talented. She can take her acting career anywhere she wants!

Ayana completely and wholly immersed herself into the character of Carrie. You did not see an actress on stage performing Carrie...you saw Carrie. Ayana's range of emotion, expression and steadfast commitment to her character's persona elevates the theatre-going experience to multitude of feel-it-deep-in-your-heart emotional states.

It turns out that Brittany and Ayana have been best friends since high school, but were surprised when they learned that they would be acting together in this show! It's a small world.  

Blackberry Daze | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Greg Mooney

Christian Magby (Willie/Simon) gives a solid, enthusiastic performance! Especially amazing because he was the music composer for Mother of God, one of the three official selections for the 2nd Annual Atlanta Theatre Musical Festival, which was staged during the run of Blackberry Daze. That kind of energy for me seems like a distant memory, but I never had Christian's amazing talent.

Christy Clark (Ginny/Annie May/Hester) also is magnificently brilliant. Her transition from character to character is remarkably seamless, giving each a masterful, unique performance. Her characters are not in-your-face, but would leave a void, would be missed, if not in the story.

Blackberry Daze | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Greg Mooney

I had the great pleasure of meeting Ruth P. Watson, the author of Blackberry Days of Summer, the book on which Blackberry Daze is based. She's also the co-playwright of the stage musical. Perhaps one day she'll be the co-screenwriter for a silver screen version. 

I'm not sure if it was at every performance, but when I went, during intermission, she was autographing copies of her book. Of course I got one and enjoyed a lovely chat with Ruth.

In an interview, Ruth said, "...Most all the characters remind me of somebody I do know from my community in Lynchburg, Virginia. Maybe somebody around the corner I knew. Maybe a lady two streets over, but it remdinds me of somebody that I ran into in my life." 

I can hardly wait to finish the book! AND it's part of a series, so there's more to this story!

Blackberry Daze | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Greg Mooney

If you've never seen Naomi Lavette (Mae Lou) onstage before, after seeing this show you'll never want to miss another of her shows! 

I'm not a parent, but Mae Lou's love for her daughter comes through loud and clear. The heartbreak her husband brings her (I've had more than a couple of step-fathers, so I got this part) breaks your heart. Mae Lou is a quietly complex woman, wise beyond her years.

So, who shot the that womanizing bastard Herman? I'm not one to spoil the ending, so I'll just invite you to see the show or read the book. I think you'll be grateful and delighted for either...or both!

Blackberry Daze is playing at Horizon Theatre through Sunday, August 27. This show has consistently sold out and is sold out for the remainder of the run, but if you've not seen it, I encourage your to contact the box office to ask about the waiting list. And do check out their upcoming plays!

Allow me, please, to leave you with a video trailer of Blackberry Daze...