Just in time for Mother’s Day, the San Juan Community Theatre’s spring performance, opening May 9, focuses on a mother and daughter who are literally placed in each other’s shoes in “Freaky Friday, the Musical.”

“It’s funny, this is a musical I was not expecting to enjoy — I read it because it was recommended to me. I’m not a fan of the films, I hadn’t read the novella — I think I assumed it would be another lackluster movie musical,” said Co-director Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey. ”Then I read the script and I found it very funny, and the music just gets caught in my brain. There are so many fun numbers!”

Co-director Cris DuVall is new to directing community theater. “This show has been a collaborative effort with input from every actor, crew member and even my dog. It’s truly magical.” DuVall said. “Nathan and I began with the concept of each character’s desire to be seen for who they really are. I believe they all go where they never thought they could.”

For those unfamiliar with the fantasy comedy, the story focuses on Ellie Blake, played by Alison Power, and her mother, Katherine Blake, played by Penelope Haskew (Power’s own mother). Struggles to understand each other come to a head leading to a body swap and a very freaky Friday, the day before Katherine is to get married, a wedding that Ellie is not happy with. As a result, comedy ensues as they are forced to live a day in the life of the other, as they try to figure out how to reverse the situation and return to their own bodies.

The show, Kessler-Jeffrey explains, focuses on the mother/daughter dynamic in a way that respects both the complexity and humor of family relationships.

“[It] explores the literal experience of walking in another person’s shoes for a day. That’s a pretty simple concept, but as we were working on the conceptual ideas for the show, we kept coming back to this very human need to be known and loved for who we are,” Kessler-Jeffrey said. “Developing empathy for others isn’t enough — it’s the desire to feel like we can be accepted and appreciated by others while being fully ourselves.”

The music cannot be beat. “The songs are absolute bangers — I complain about them getting stuck in my head, but that wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t such a fun show,” Kessler-Jeffrey said adding that some of his favorites are “Oh Biology” and “Go.” “The first follows Katherine, inhabiting her daughter’s body, in biology class at school. The second follows the students on their epic scavenger hunt which leads us to the climactic confrontation of the show,” he said.

DuVall’s favorites include “Women are Sandwiches” for the metaphors. “What You Got” for the sassy vocals, “Bring My Baby Brother Home” for the choreography, “Oh Biology” (frog souls) and “Go” for the fun! “Basically all of them,” DuVall concluded.

The cast is large, and attempting to schedule around 24 busy people’s lives was one of the biggest challenges, according to DuVall. “The success has been getting them all together for this great show.”

Changing perspectives, according to Kessler-Jeffrey is the theme of the theater’s season. “ I hope that ‘Freaky Friday’ continues that conversation. If there’s one thing I think coming together to experience the performing arts is adding to our cultural conversation right now,” he said. “It’s the development and celebration of empathy. Communicating through screens makes it much more challenging to understand another person’s perspective, especially since so much meaning is carried through body language and tone. I hope that by coming together and being face-to-face with one another, we build understanding and community.”

“Freaky Friday” runs through May 25, Tickets are available at www.sjctheatre.org. Check the theater’s social media for updates about a fun mother/daughter scavenger hunt and event for Mother’s Day this year on May 11.

Don’t be afraid to watch more than one performance. “The wonder of live theatre is that it’s never the same show twice. I hope everyone keeps coming back for all the lovely nuances that make SJCT so irresistible,” DuVall said.

Another fun aspect in a small town, is watching family, friends nad neighors on stage, so check out the full cast list:

Ellie Blake played by Alison Power.

Katherine Blake played by Penelope Haskew.

Mike played by Patriqi Holahan.

Fletcher Blake played by Daniel DeYoung.

Torrey played by Kelly Harrison.

Adam played by Sidney Herda.

Gretchen played by Ashlynn Wilson.

Hannah played by Avaline Anderson.

Savanna played by Olive Uri.

Parker played by Aurelia Goodremont.

Wells played by Liam DeYoung.

Louis/Sitz played by Floyd Bourne.

Laurel played by Lilleigh Hasty.

Danielle/Mrs. Luckenbill played by Carrie Jewett.

Ms. Meyers played by Corinne Morell.

Grandma Helen played by Lynda Guernsey.

Mrs. Time played by Kailey Genther.

Grandpa Gordon played by Richard Meenan.

Mr. Blumen/Kowalski played by John Magee.

Dr. Ehrin/Wells’ dad played by Charley O’Kelly.

Pastor Bruno/Student played by Clayton Banry.

Cater waiters: Olive Uri, Aurelia Goodremont, Liam DeYoung, Lilleigh Hasty and Kailey Genther.

Florists: Azariah Frease and Hazel Wight.

Savannah’s Gang/Students: Lilleigh Hasty, Azariah Frease and Hazel Wight.