Freckleface Strawberry The Musical (Expanded Version)
In the musical version of the best-selling book, Freckleface Strawberry must learn to love her freckles and herself. (Expanded Cast Version)
Show Essentials
10
Roles
+ Ensemble
G
Rated
1
Act

Full Synopsis

The curtain rises on a schoolyard and the Harmony Hills Players. As the music begins, our cast appears. The kids are dancing, jumping rope and playing basketball ("Opening").

A young girl rides in on her bike. She tells the audience that she's just a normal kid like everyone else... except for how she looks! She has red hair and freckles ("Look at Me"). The school kids pick on her all of the time, and she hates the way that she looks.

The kids reveal to the audience that, because of her different looks, they named her Freckleface Strawberry ("Little Freckleface Strawberry"). After most of the group has left the playground, one of Strawberry's friends, Emily, reveals to the others her crush on Danny, a classmate of theirs ("I Like Danny"). Jake and Strawberry mock her for confessing!

Later that night in her bedroom, Strawberry imagines what it would be like to live a "freckle-less" life. Intent on changing her looks, Strawberry attempts to rub her freckles away and then hide them with coverup cold cream ("I Hate Freckles"). In the middle of her vigorous scrubbing, the Freckle Gangsters appear from underneath her bed!

The Freckle Gangsters have come to confront Strawberry about her disdain for the freckles. Led by Don Fontaine, the Gangsters explain that all they want is a friendship from her ("Freckle Mafia Song"). When Stawberry's mother comes in to take her to dance class, Strawberry complains that she has "freckle-a-titis" and is getting sick of looking at her face. Mother attempts to talk her down by telling her that the freckles are just part of what makes her so unique and special ("Perfect").

We now transition to ballet school. Strawberry runs in late while the Ballet Girl is singing and doing a beautiful barre ("Perfect – Reprise"). When the young girl hurts her ankle dancing around the stage, the other kids simply walk away, but Strawberry goes over to help her. Ballet Girl reveals to Strawberry that, while she might appear perfect, she actually feels very lonely and invisible ("Lonely Girl"). The two form an immediate bond and the Ballet Girl asks Strawberry to keep her confession a secret.

The next day at Strawberry's house, she stumbles upon a ski mask while cleaning up her room. Her imagination runs wild with all of the possibilities – all of the people she could be with the ski mask ("I Can Be Anything"). Strawberry heads off to school, excited and thrilled about all of the possibilities.

In school, we find a group of boys and a group of girls at their lockers. We see into their heads; their thoughts reveal a desire to be different from who they are actually are – they all wish to be more perfect ("I Wanna Be Like Them"). All noise stops, though, when Strawberry enters wearing her mask. The kids wonder who it could be, and Jake thinks that it could be an alien trying to take over the world ("Kid in the Mask").

The kids have now migrated to the classroom. Strawberry is the last in class to arrive. The teacher begins without noticing the mysterious "kid in the mask." She continues her lesson plan, despite the other students' attempts to tell her, and teaches about the importance of a creative mind ("Creative Mind Rap"). After her lecture, the teacher reviews the homework and asks students to share. Jake stands up and shares his poem ("Be Yourself"). The teacher is moved beyond words and pulls out her hanky; the classmates back Jake up.

Out on the playground, Danny is playing a fierce game of basketball with Harry. Emily immediately joins in ("Basketball"). When Danny begins to bother the Ballet Girl, Strawberry appears and spooks the kids off. Strawberry takes off the mask and the two sit down. Ballet Girl reveals that she her audition did not go well for the prestigious ballet company; Strawberry consoles and encourages her to pursuit what she loves ("Lonely Girl – Reprise").

Later that school day, Strawberry runs into her classmates. While she tries to explain that she is the masked person, they set out to find her ("Hey It's Me"). When her mother arrives, she finds Strawberry in the mask and attempts to show her that she felt the same way as a kid. She assures her that it will pass ("Once upon a Time"). Strawberry's peers run back onstage and are thrilled to see her! They invite her to play hopscotch and promise to be best friends forever ("When You Got Friends"). Then, Jake reveals to Strawberry that she isn't alone – there is something about all of us that we don't like, but it's what makes us different. The other kids join in ("Different... Just Like Everyone Else").

In the Epilogue, we are told that Strawberry went on to become a lovely young lady with a husband and two little babies. She lived happily ever after ("Happily Ever After").

Casting
← Back to Freckleface Strawberry The Musical (Expanded Version)
Cast Size: Flexible Cast Size
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown

Strawberry
Our story's star character, she is an energetic girl who is self-conscious about her freckles. She is teased about them constantly. Defiant, imaginative, caring.
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Danny/frankie Freckle/tap Dancer
As Danny, an All-American sports star who secretly wishes he was smarter. Envious of Jake's smarts. Frankie is a slick gangster from Brooklyn. The Tap Dancer is an alter ego during a dance.
Gender: male
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Baby Brother
Strawberry's baby brother.
Gender: male
Age: 1 to 3
Harry/don Fontaine/clown
As Harry, he is Strawberry's good friend. Idolizes Danny and his popularity with everyone. Goofy and boyish. As Don Fontaine, he is a smooth talking leader of a gangster squad. A cross between Marlon Brandon and Don Corleone. The clown is an alter ego during a dance.
Gender: male
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: A5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Jake/fredo Freckle/sherlock Holmes
As Jake, one of Strawberry's friends who is loyal and kind. He is very book smart, but idolizes Danny for his athletic abilities. As Fredo, he is an over-enunciating gangster. Sherlock Holmes is an alter ego during a dance. Lady Gaga is an alter ego during a dance.
Gender: male
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Ballet Girl/francine Freckle
As Ballet Girl, she is in Strawberry's ballet class. A pretty, hardworking and flawless dancer. Her competitive attitude is polarizing, however. As Francine, she is a squeaky member, with a Brooklyn accent, of the freckle gangster squad.
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Jane
Strawberry's friend. She is a bookworm mature for her age. Tall and awkward.
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Teacher
A zany and energetic educator at school. Uses rap to excite her students.
Gender: female
Age: 35 to 45
Mother
She is loving to Strawberry and understanding of her embrrassment. Kind, nurturing, motherly.
Gender: female
Age: 35 to 45
Emily/guitar Player
Strawberry's classmate who makes fun of her red hair and freckles. Adores boys, especially Danny. Popular and pretty. Yearns for Jane's brains and work ethic.
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Ensemble
Flora, Dora, Gabby, Lionel, Sarah, Janelle - Strawberry's Classmates
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Full Song List
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Opening
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Look At Me
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: I Like Danny
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: I Hate Freckles
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Perfect
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Lonely Girl
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: I Can Be Anything
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: I Wanna Be Like Them
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Kid In The Mask
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Creative Mind
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Be Yourself
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Basketball
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Lonely Girl (Reprise)
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Hey, It's Me
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Once Upon A Time
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: When You Got Friends
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Different
Freckleface Strawberry The Musical - Expanded: Happily Ever After

Show History

Inspiration

Freckleface Strawberry is a direct musical adaptation of the children's book of the same name written by actress, Julianne Moore. Moore based the book on experiences that she had as a child with red hair and freckles. She wanted to write a book that emphasized a message of self-acceptance and self-confidence. Rose Caiola picked up a copy of the book and was inspired to turn it into a musical. The initial workshop of the musical involved 23 child actors, although the producers eventually decided to use adult actors in only seven roles.

Productions

Freckleface Strawberry, with music and lyrics by Gary Kupper and book by Gary Kupper and Rose Caiola, opened at New York's New World Stages on October 1, 2010. It closed six months later and eventually moved to the MMAC Theater at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, where it played until July 1, 2012. After closing, a national tour launched. The tour is notable for casting child actors in the child roles, whereas the roles were previously being performed by adults.

Critical Reaction

"Freckleface Strawberry stands out! Funny, fast-moving and it will entertain children of all ages!"
– The New York Times

"Every kid should see it! Our kids loved it and so did we! A simple message delivered in the most entertaining way!"
– The Daily News

"A delightful confection with high-energy and infectious warmth! Whether you have freckles or not, you are bound to fall in love."
– CurtainUp

"Fantastic! Loads of fun! An interactive sparkle fest that delights children, amuses adults, and teaches both groups a li'l something about self-esteem and image."
– Backstage Magazine

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Billing

Requirements

You must give the authors/creators billing credits, as specified in the Licence Agreement, in a conspicuous manner on the first page of credits in all programs and on house-boards, displays and in all other advertising announcements of any kind. You agree to supply to the Licensor full details of all such material for Licensor’s approval prior to printing and distribution and supply two (2) copies of the program after printing.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.
You agree to bill the Play and the Authors in all programs, houseboards, displays and in all advertising and all paid publicity, in the following manner:
FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL
(100%)
 
Music and Lyrics by GARY KUPPER
Book by GARY KUPPER & ROSE CAIOLA
(50%)
 
Based on the Books Written by Julianne Moore
And Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
(50%)
 
Conceived for the Stage by Rose Caiola
(50%)
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Authors agree that in advertisements of 1/4 page size or less, or in circumstances when, in accordance with industry standards, only the title of the play, performance dates and venue are provided, the following "shortened billing" is permissible without further need for approval:
FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Included Materials

ItemQuantity Included
LIBRETTO/VOCAL BOOK20
PIANO VOCAL SCORE2
TYA PERFORMANCE TRACKS1

Production Resources

Resource
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON?
LOGO PACK
LOGO PACK DIGITAL
PRODUCTIONPRO-DIGITAL SCRIPT/SCORE
REFERENCE RECORDING
STAGE WRITE APPLICATION

STANDARD ORCHESTRATION

InstrumentationDoubling
DRUMS