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Spotlight Players to Hold Auditions for "Freak Friday, the Musical"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/07/2025

(MATAWAN, NJ) -- Calling all adults, teens, and an outgoing 9 to 11 year old  boy who loves to act, sing and dance.  Spotlight Players is thrilled to announce auditions for Freaky Friday: The Musical – the hilarious, heartfelt body-swap comedy from Disney with libretto by Bridget Carpenter, the co-executive producer and writer on the beloved TV hits, "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood", with music by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning team behind Next to Normal and If/Then.

Auditions will take place Monday, May 19th from 6:30pm-10:00pm and Tuesday, May 20th from 6:30pm-10:00pm at First Presbyterian Church (883 Rt 34) in Matawan, New Jersey. Callbacks will be Wednesday, May 21st by invitation only. Please prepare a short vocal selection in the style of the show and bring printed sheet music in the correct key—a piano accompanist will be provided. Teen actors should be prepared to dance; adult actors will not need to dance. Please email questions to [email protected]

When mom Katherine and daughter Ellie magically switch bodies, their lives spiral into a hilarious and heartfelt whirlwind. Katherine must survive high school, while Ellie juggles adult stress, a looming wedding, and real-world responsibilities. Through the chaos, they learn to see each other—and themselves—in a whole new light, in a story that celebrates empathy, growth, and the messy magic of family.

Packed with catchy pop-rock songs, high-energy choreography, and a ton of heart, Freaky Friday is a musical adventure about learning that, no matter how different we seem, family is the ultimate common ground. Get ready for a story that’s funny, touching, and totally relatable — because sometimes, walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is the only way home.

Spotlight Players is a welcoming, inclusive community theatre committed to diversity and representation on stage and off. All ethnicities, body types, gender identities, and experience levels are encouraged to audition.

The creative team includes Producers Mike Leonard, Dorothy Gallop, and Alex Fritsch; Direction by Chuck Cutaia-Hamilton; Musical Direction by Justin Ryan; Choreography by Isabella Taylor; and Assistant Direction by Lizzy Stefanic.




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Rehearsals begin either May 31 or June 2. In June, rehearsals will run Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 10:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. In July, rehearsals will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 10:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Tech Week will take place July 26–30. Performances will run August 1–10 at the Presbyterian Church of Matawan.

Spotlight Players is a community theatre in Monmouth County that primarily rehearses and performs at the First Presbyterian Church in Matawan, New Jersey.  Founded in 1997 by local community members, Spotlight ultimately strives to entertain, to educate, and to enrich the community.

They provide theater to local audiences, enhancing their area’s cultural appeal by putting on shows that are moving, thought-provoking, and enjoyable. Through the process of running the organization, they provide their members with a hands-on learning experience in all aspects of theater, from the artistic and technical challenges of acting, directing, lighting, and set construction, to the practical considerations of advertising, publicity, and budgeting. In doing so, they enrich the lives of those who see their shows and those who work on them.

Through production of theatre classics, children’s shows, musical revues, and original  works, they aim to allow and encourage members of the community to grow and develop while taking artistic risks.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical" this weekend

(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 17-18, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School with a different cast each night. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Off Book Productions present "The Women of Congress" outside HACPAC

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Travel back to 1776 with Off Book Productions for a free outdoor musical performance of The Women of Congress at the at the Atlantic Street Park at Hackensack Performing Arts Center. Performances take place Wednesdays July 15th and 22nd, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"

(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Long Drive Home" by Stephen Kaplan

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr."

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ



 

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