In the Disney story, adapted for the stage, Evie plays Katherine Blake, a decisive, punctual, perfectionist single mother in her 40s who runs her own catering business and struggles to connect with her messy teenage daughter on the eve of her own wedding. Nia is Savannah, the brilliant, beautiful, aggressive, and highly competitive "queen bee" of Grover Cleveland High School who serves as the dramatic antagonist.
A resident of Grayslake and graduate of St. Gilbert Catholic School, Evie has enjoyed performing in musical theater since 4th grade. Her past Carmel Catholic productions include Elf, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Almost, Maine. Nia grew up in Zion and has trained 13 years with ALATS Dance company in Waukegan. She started acting six years ago and has made the Carmel stage her home, appearing in the Street Scenes Student Show (2025-2027), Seussical The Musical, The Wind in the Willows, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Almost, Maine.
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When you heard you were selected to play a main role in Freaky Friday, how did you feel? What do you like about the role and how has rehearsal been going?
ES: I was so excited when I found out I was chosen to play Katherine! Playing any part in a show is exciting, but the opportunity to play a lead is really special. I love how, even though Freaky Friday is a fun, high-energy Disney show, many of the characters and themes are grounded in reality. Rehearsals have been going really well; everyone's been working hard, and the process itself has been so much fun.
NG: I was particularly excited about my role as Savannah because I have never played a female character before. So getting the opportunity to play this absolute diva whose closet is entirely pink -- it's like a dream come true. I love getting to play a character that some might say is villainous. I try to understand her as if she were real, and if you ask me, Savannah isn't too terrible!
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Why are you excited for the Carmel Catholic community to see this musical?
ES: I'm excited for everyone to see how much work the cast, crew, pit, and directors have put into this show. Freaky Friday is such a fun musical, and I truly think it has something for everyone. It's been amazing getting to work with so many talented people, and I can't wait for everyone to see what we've put together!
NG: I can't wait for Carmel to see a musical with a recognizable name and a heartwarming story! It reminds you to treat others with kindness, what it's like to be in someone else's shoes, and to make time to let your family and friends know how much you love them!
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What are ways in which you have worked to be a leader on set? How is leadership important when staging a production?
ES: As an upperclassman, I think it's important to lead by example for anyone who is new to Carmel theater. For example, throughout the rehearsal process, I've tried to stay on top of memorization, come prepared, and be someone others can look to. I think student leadership is especially important in productions because sometimes asking a question to an adult can be intimidating, and it's helpful to have peers who are more experienced and can give advice or guidance.
NG: I am theatre board President here at Carmel, a title given to me via election by my peers. And I am also co-dance captain of this musical. I think showing student leadership is incredibly important in productions like this because it helps people speak up who might be too afraid to ask a director, and it helps the cast and crew stay productive while our adult supervisors are figuring out other things! I'm so grateful to be part of the student leadership in this show and I love my cast, crew and pit soooo much.
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Anything else you would like to add?
ES: I want to thank everyone who has put time and effort into making this show possible. Come see Freaky Friday, Nov. 19-22!