Freaky Friday Cast Biographies
Caroline Z.
(HAMORAH O'BRIEN/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is very excited to be part of Freaky Friday. In the past, she was an accomplished competitive gymnast. Other credits include, Bernard Zell varsity volleyball, Bernard Zell basketball, Oz Park Softball and Bernard Zell softball. She would like to thank Julie (Mom), Danny (Dad), and Andrew and James (Brothers). She would also like to thank her teachers and friends for making Freaky Friday possible.
Phoebe Z. (DANIELLE/STUDENT) is excited to be in the operetta. She has one sister named Paige. Outside of school she plays volleyball and in the winter basketball at school. She also plays Volleyball outside of school.
Paige Z. (DANIELLE/CHOREOGRAPHER) is super excited to be part of her second BZ in Hollywood production. In the past she has been Brickbra in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ production). Other things she enjoys are BZ Varsity volleyball and Basketball. She would like to thank Marcy (Mom), Michael (Dad), Jack (Brother), and Phoebe (Sister). She would also like to mention her friends and teachers because without them this show would not function.
Fabiana V. (KATHERINE BLAKE/SET CREW CO-HEAD) is super excited to be part of the Bernard Zell 2023 8th Grade Operetta. Previously, she was Samantha (a judge on Chicago Might Have Talent) and loved it. This year, she is excited to be taking on a bigger role. Her extracurriculars are Guitar, Volleyball, Singing, and Basketball. Fabiana would like to thank her parents (Jessica and Baltazar), her sister (Emma), and her nanny (Celia). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for everything that they do for her. Fabiana is super excited to be a part of the operetta for the class of 2023 and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Ethan T. (OFFICER KOWALSKI/PUBLICITY CREW) is so excited to be in his second Bernard Zell production. In the past, he has been Bumper in Pitch Perfect (Chicago Youth Theater) and Danny in Grease (Illinois Star Theater). He has also done BZ Varsity basketball, lego league, and President of the Tic Tac Toe Society of Chicago. He would like to thank Julie (Mom), Gary (Dad), Shane (brother), and Dylan (sister). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen. Finally he would like to thank his dog River for being a good girl.
Judah T. (MIKE/SET CREW) is excited to be part of his second BZ in Hollywood production. In the past, he played Larry in last year's BZ in Hollywood 7th grade production of Chicago Might Have Talent. Outside of school Judah plays a lot of basketball. He plays in a travel program in the city and also plays for the BZ school team. He would like to thank Ericka (Mom), Matt (Dad), Braedyn (sister), Rafi (brother), Dalia (sister), and Flint (dog) for their everlasting support and confidence in him. He would also like to thank his friends, non-immediate family members, and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen.
Lucy S. (KATHERINE BLAKE/DRAMATURGY CREW) is so happy to get to be in this amazing production! At Bernard Zell, she is the Student Council Secretary and a member of the Jewish Youth Climate Movement. Outside of school, she has been singing in the Chicago Children’s Choir for 6 years, was in Beber Camp’s production of Annie, and played Ivy in last year's 7th Grade Play! Lucy would like to thank her parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends for inspiring her to work hard every day. She cannot wait for this incredible production!
Zack S. (FLETCHER/COSTUME AND MAKEUP CREW CHIEF) is a student who is very excited to perform in his very first show. He has never performed in a show before but Zack was not fazed one time receiving a main role on his first ever show. Zack is a young 14 year old boy who loves to play sports especially baseball. Zack would like to thank his parents (Jodi and David) for supporting him throughout this process and always.
Benji R. (MR. BLUMEN/DRAMATURGY CREW) is so excited to be in his second BZ Hollywood production! At BZ he has engaged in many of their extracurricular activities such as basketball and track. He also plays football outside of school. He would like to thank his mom (Jeniffer) and dad (Justin). He would also like to thank his classmates for bringing together a great show.
Sam S. (MR. TIME/SET CREW) is beyond excited to be in the operetta this year. In the past, he has been in one production, the seventh grade play called Chicago Might have Talent. Some school sports he has done are track, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. He also plays baseball outside of school. Sam would like to thank his parents, Jodi and David, and his teachers, who have been so supportive of Sam throughout the process of developing the play.
Caleb R. (KARL/PUBLICITY CREW) is so excited to be part of the class of ‘23 operetta! In the past, Caleb has been William in Chicago Might Have Talent. Last year Caleb played Basketball and Volleyball for Bernard Zell. Caleb would like to thank his Mom (Katie), his Dad (Matt), his Brother (Owen), and his dog (Ruby). He would also like to thank his teachers for making this show possible.
Eden R. (MONICA/HEAD OF COSTUME CREW) is super excited to be part of her second BZ Hollywood production. In the past, she has been Cynthia in Pitch Perfect (Chicago Emerald City Theater), A Teacup in Beauty And The Beast (Chicago Emerald City Theater). She would like to thank Hailey (Mom), David (Dad), and Sophie (sister). She would also like to thank her teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen. She is so excited to be in Freaky Friday, and can’t wait to put everyone's costumes together, since she is the chief of costumes!
Carson P. (OFFICER KOWALSKI/SET CREW CHIEF) is really excited to be part of his second BZ production. In the past he has been Kent Bosa in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ Theater). Other credits include BZ Varsity Basketball and the Madrichim Club. He would like to thank Marci (Mom), Todd (Dad), and Rocky (Brother). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance.
Nathan P. (FLETCHER/PUBLICITY CREW) is extremely excited for his role in the 8th grade play. Nathan loves to play basketball and to hang out with his friends. He gives his thanks to Mandee (Mom) Jonathan (Dad) Emmett (Brother) and Isaac (Brother). He also thanks all the teachers and faculty who made this show possible.
Alexa N. (KITTY/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is very excited to be in Bernard Zell’s Freaky Friday production. Previously, she has played the role of Tasha in Chicago Might Have Talent which went on stage last year. She plays volleyball and basketball for BZ and loves to hangout with friends and family. She would like to give a special thanks to her parents, friends, and teachers for supporting her throughout the process and for her friends and Ms. E for making the play come to life!
Oliver P. (LOUIS/PROP CREW) is thrilled to be a part of his second BZ Hollywood production. Last year he was in a show called “Chicago has no talent.” Other credit includes BZ basketball team, Chicago City Soccer Club, and a Bernard Zell student. He would like to thank his mom (Claudia), his dad (Josh), and his sister (Celia). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen and be great.
Rachel M. (ELLIE BLAKE/PROP CREW) is so excited to be Ellie in Freaky Friday for her second BZ Hollywood production. In the past she had been Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (Emerald Theatre) and Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton (Emerald Theatre). Other credits go to BZ basketball, BZ Softball, and BZ volleyball. Rachel Meyer would like to thank Trish (Mom), Jeff (Dad), Madeline (twin), and Andrew (brother). She would also like to thank Ms. E, all of her teachers, and her friends for helping to bring this show to life and making it happen. She couldn’t do it without all of your help!
Madeline M. (ELLIE BLAKE/COSTUME CREW) is excited to be In her first ever musical! She has loved singing since she was just 4 years old, and can't help but be excited to sing in this musical. She has taken choir at BZ and voice lessons when she is younger. Last year she was a Judge in “BZ Got Talent” and loved acting up on stage. Other credits involve soccer, and rock climbing outside of school, and in school softball, and volleyball! She would love to thank Trish (Mom), Jeff (Dad) Rachel (sister), along with all her classmates and friends for helping her make this happen!
Bella M. (SET CREW/PROPS MASTER) is super excited to be part of her first BZ in Hollywood production. Bella has participated in many different Edge of the Woods Theater programs, Seussical the Musical, improv at Piven, and something downtown. She would like to thank Ms. E (Mom), Jason (Dad), and Sophie (Sister). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen. Bella is so grateful for this opportunity at BZ.
Josie M. (TORREY/DRAMATURGY CREW CHIEF) is overjoyed to be a part of her second BZ Hollywood production. In past years, she has played Gail in Pitch Perfect (Camp Pinecliffe Production), Hermes in Hercules (Camp Pinecliffe Production), a dancer in the Aladdin and Dear Evan Hansen dance (Broadway Breakthrough camp), she had a stand up bit (Second City Chicago), and Patricia in BZ’s Chicago Might have Talent. More credits include BZ varsity volleyball, basketball, and the madrichim club. She would love to thank Jessica (mom), Josh (dad), Blake and Scarlett (sisters), and Blue (dog). She would love to thank all the teachers that helped this performance become what it is today. Josie Malkin has been looking forward to this since she was in nursery, and is so glad that 11 years later she gets to be a part of BZ’s Freaky Friday.
Eva L. (SAVANNAH/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is ebullient to be in this year's Bernard Zell 8th Grade Operetta! In the past, she has had pivotal roles in the 7th grade production of Chicago Might Have Talent and the Gus Giordano Dance School summer showcase, and is now ecstatic to up her game by singing AND dancing. Her many thanks go to Elizabeth (mom), Michael (dad), Drew (brother), and Mara (friend). And so, ready to let her mean girl, vox humana side shine through, Eva can’t wait to get onstage.
Jordan L. (GARY BRIGHTWOOD/MUSIC CREW) is super excited to be part of his first BZ on Broadway production. In the past, he hasn’t been in any plays but he plays baseball. He would like to thank Pam, Bryan, Emma, and Samara. He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen.
Lev L. (MOE/T-SHIRT CREW) and hasn't done any extracurricular at BZ but outside of school Lev plays hockey for the Chicago Stallions during the fall, winter, and a little bit of spring. Lev has grown up in Chicago. Lev loves going to Cubs games and Blackhawks games. Something funny Lev has done is picking up a rat in an alleyway for $500.
Jade L. (MS. MEYERS/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is super excited to be in her first operetta. In the past she has been in High School Musical (Emerald City Theater) and Hamilton (Emerald City Theater.) Other credits include BZ volleyball, basketball, softball, and a former competitive dancer of 10 years. I would like to thank my mom, dad, brother, and dog for being the best family ever! Also a huge thank you to my performing arts teacher Ms. Ehrlich for putting on this show and being so helpful and to my classmates for acting out the show and making this experience so much fun. I hope you all enjoy the play, thanks!
Reah K. (MONICA/SET CREW) is really excited to be part of the BZ Hollywood production this year! In the past she has been a Card for Alice in Wonderland (Dream Big Athenaeum theater) and ensemble member for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Dream Big Athenaeum theater). Some of the other things that she has done are the BZ Volleyball team, played guitar, piano, bass, and student council. Reah would also like to thank Irma (Mom), Rickordo (Dad), Sonia (Step mom), Gary (Gary), and Lauren (Sister). She would finally like to thank all of her friends and teachers for everything they have done and helped her with and making this performance happen.
Jakob K. (HAMOR O’BRIEN/PROP CREW CHIEF) is super excited to be part of his second BZ in Hollywood production. In the past, he has been in a play called BZ Might Have Talent (Benard Zell). Other credits include competitive tennis, BZ basketball He would like to thank Debra (Mom), Jonathan (Dad), Jordyn (sister), and Morgan (sister). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen. I am very excited to be part of this play.
Evan K. (LOUIS/SET CREW) is ecstatic to be part of his second Bernard Zell production. In the past he has been Jessy in Chicago might have talent. He has also been involved in BZ volleyball and BZ basketball. He would like to thank his parents, Neil (dad) and Rachel (mom). He would like to thank his friends and camp counselors for getting him to where he is now.
Gibson K. (RABBI/PUBLICITY CREW) is super excited to be part of this BZ Hollywood play. In the past, he has been in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ Production). He has done basketball at BZ. He would like to thank Sunshine (Mom), Scott (Dad), and Jordan (Sister). He is so happy he gets the chance to perform in the operetta.
Max J. (ADAM/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is beside himself to be part of his second BZ in Hollywood production. In the past, he has been Grammarly in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ in Hollywood.) Other credits include BZ JV Volleyball, phone addict, and Treasurer of the BZ student council. He would like to thank Rachel (Mom), Rob (Dad), Anna (sister), Elijah (brother), and Tommy (brother). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for breaking their backs, and switching too many plans to count to make this show possible.
Jackson H. (KARL/PROP CREW) can’t wait to be part of another BZ production. In the past, he played Jason Fanaroff in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ Theater). He has also been a part of BZ Sphero Club, Pit Band, and Student Council. He is also a student at the Chicago chapter of School of Rock where he plays guitar. He would like to thank Amanda (Mom), Jason (Dad), and Raya (Sister). He would also like to thank his friends and more extended family for providing help and support to make the operetta all it is.
Ben H. (STAGE MANAGER) is ready for the show to finally be here. Ben is most interested in the “behind-the-scenes” work that makes the show come together such as stage management, sound, and lighting. He gives special thanks to his family for coming out to support the show.
Dylan H. (MR. EHRIN/PUBLICITY CREW) is super excited to be part of his second BZ in Hollywood production. In the past he was Trent in Chicago Might Have Talent). Other credits include BZ basketball and Chicago Warriors basketball. He would like to thank Dara (Mom), Scott (Dad), and Zoe (sister). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for everything they have done to help make this performance happen.
Naomi H. (MS. BLUMEN/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is delighted to be in her first BZ musical. She has participated in the BZ play Chicago Might Have Talent and Emerald City High School Musical. Another credit is her dancing experience. She would like to thank Kerri (Mom), Martin (Dad), and Jake (brother). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen.
Sadie G. (MS. LUCKENBILL/PROP CREW) is super excited to be part of her second Bernard Zell production. In the past, she has been a basketball player in a high school musical at camp (Chippewa Ranch camp for girls) and for her older brothers BZ in Hollywood production, she was also a nun in the sound of music for her older sister BZ in Hollywood production. Other credits include the BZ varsity volleyball team, BZ varsity basketball team. She would like to thank Rebecca (Mom), Gregg (Dad), Samantha (older sister), Benjamin (older brother), and Stella (younger sister). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for everything they have done to help this performance happen. Working through the struggles of the play is beyond worth the results and she can not wait.
Makayla G. (MS. LUCKENBILL/SET CREW) is very happy to experience her once in a lifetime eighth grade operetta at BZ. In the past, she has played a judge in Chicago Might Have Talent that took place at BZ in 2021. Other things she likes to do is BZ volleyball and basketball! She would like to thank her teachers, friends, and family for making this happen.
Georgie G. (SAVANNAH/COSTUME AND MAKEUP CREW) is so stoked to be in a second BZ production. In the past, she has been in the Bernard Zell 7th grade play. Georgie also does BZ basketball and rock climbing. She would like to thank Lindsey (Mom), Jeff (Dad), and Ms. Ehrlich (performing arts teacher). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for everything they have done for this show. Georgie is very proud of her friends for working very hard to make everything perfect.
Tate G. (RABBI/PUBLICITY CREW) can’t wait to be part of his first musical. Last year Tate was in Chicago Might Have Talent, so Tate would say that he has some acting experience. He would like to thank Lindsey (Mom) and Jeff (Dad). He would also like to thank his friends and teachers for their support. Tate is very excited to be in this musical!
Maya D. (KITTY/CHOREOGRAPHY CREW) is thrilled to be in her second BZ in Hollywood production. She has been on the BZ varsity volleyball team and is very excited for the BZ varsity basketball season. She has been doing school sports since 5th grade including basketball, volleyball, softball, and track. She would like to thank Adam (Dad), Merritt (Mom), and Abby and Chase (Siblings). She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for making this all possible. Maya is extremely excited to be Kitty in this production.
Judah C. (ADAM/SET CREW) is delighted to be a part of Freaky Friday in his second BZ Hollywood production. Last year, Judah played Todd in the BZ performance, Chicago Might Have Talent. He is profoundly grateful for this production to be able to happen on stage. Judah would like to thank his parents and siblings; Debbi (Mom), Aaron (Dad), Gabe (Brother) and Noah (Brother) for their incredible support. He would additionally like to appreciate everyone that made this production possible.
Sadie C. (MS. MEYERS/PUBLICITY CREW CHIEF) can not wait to be a part of the Bernard Zell production of Freaky Friday! In years before she has been Zoe in Chicago Might Have Talent (Bernard Zell), sibling cast in Frozen JR. (Bernard Zell), and sibling cast in Fiddler on the Roof (Bernard Zell). She has also been a part of BZ Varsity Volleyball, BZ basketball, BZ track, BZ softball, 312 Field Hockey, and student council. I am grateful to Rebecca (Mom), Greg (Dad), Charlie (Brother), Elsie (Sister), Fannie (Dog), my teachers, and my peers for supporting me along the way.
Tova B. (TORREY/COSTUME CREW) is super excited to be part of this BZ production. In the past, she has been Chloe Cassidy in BZ Might Have Talent. Other credits are being on the BZ Varsity Volleyball team, Head of Internal Events on student council, and outside of school #13 on the Hamlin Park Pride. She would like to thank Melissa (Mom), Gilad (Dad), and Maddy, Sarah and Jack (siblings). She would also like to thank her friends for always being there for her and teachers for making this all possible. Tova is so excited to be Torrey in the play!
Jeremy A. (MIKE/PUBLICITY CREW) is super excited for this years BZ operetta. In the past he has been in Chicago Might Have Talent (BZ production). He has also done BZ basketball in the past. He would like to thank Heidi (Mom) and Ben (Dad). Jeremy is so excited to perform in this year's operetta.