Last month, the musical “Freaky Friday” made its on-stage debut in Hawaii at the Mamiya Theater, under the direction of Kyle Kakuno and with the company Mo’olelo Studios. Characters Ellie Blake and Katherine Blake were brought to life by Caris Leong and Tori Anguay De La Cruz.

As this was the first time “Freaky Friday” was performed in Hawaii, the actors and producers agree that the cast felt a lot of pressure.

“Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and sometimes you can get in your head,” said Leong, referring to the fact that actors begin to doubt themselves and their performing abilities. “Some things I do to overcome it are breathing backstage and not second-guessing myself. It also helps to be surrounded by such supportive people.” 

Leong’s past theatre experience included “Matilda” and “Oliver” at Diamond Head Theater, “Spelling Bee” and “Legally Blonde” at Punahou Schoo,l and “Freaky Friday” at Mo’olelo Studios.

“Freaky Friday” started as a 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, from which many film adaptations were made. The most popular film in 2003, by Disney, starred actors Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. The story is about a busy mother and her teenage daughter, who switch bodies due to a magic hourglass. The two are then forced to live and understand the perspective of the other for a day. They also only have one day to put things right before the mother’s wedding.

This was De La Cruz’s first show in about a decade. She said that managing production commitments with motherhood and a full-time job was challenging. 

“I think if you have a passion for what you do, you make the time,” she said. “This is the first show trying to balance work, kids, and home life…It was hard, but I’m thankful for my family supporting me.”