Directors Note/ Content Advisory

Director's Note

Dear Students, Families, and Friends,

Freak the Mighty is a powerful story about friendship, courage, and the extraordinary potential that exists within each of us, especially when we support one another. This production explores the transformative friendship between Max Kane and Kevin Avery (Freak), two young people who learn to see beyond physical differences and societal expectations.

For our school, this story holds special meaning. Every 6th-grade student read Freak the Mighty as part of our core curriculum, making this book a shared experience that connects our entire student body. The novel has become a cornerstone of our middle school experience, sparking important conversations about empathy, friendship, and personal growth.

Content Advisory

Parents and audience members should be aware that our production addresses some mature themes consistent with the original novel. These include:

       References to family challenges, including parental incarceration

        Discussions of personal struggles with physical limitations

        Mild confrontational scenes depicting bullying

        Themes of loss and personal hardship

While we have carefully adapted the story for a middle school audience, we recommend the production for ages 10 and up. Parents of sensitive viewers may wish to discuss the themes with their children beforehand.

Our story challenges us to look deeper than surface appearances and recognize the unique strengths everyone possesses. Max, often misunderstood and labeled as learning disabled, and Kevin, living with a physical condition that limits his body but not his brilliant mind, discover an incredible partnership that transcends their individual limitations.

This production aims to celebrate the power of friendship, imagination, and resilience. We hope to show that heroism comes in many forms and that true connection happens when we choose to understand and support each other. By bringing this beloved book to life on stage, we're honoring a story that has touched the hearts of our students year after year.

As you watch our young actors bring this story to life, we invite you to reflect on the ways we can build bridges of understanding in our own lives and communities.

Thank you for supporting our young performers as they share this important story.

Warmly,

Caitlan Charters

Director

Donations

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Annabel Underwood

Gwen

7th grader Annabel made her stage debut this winter as Gerda in "The Snow Queen" She is now excited for her role as Gwen in this production. Annabel says her favorite part of the process was getting to meet new people and act with them. Annabel would like to thank- "MY CAT SKYLER AND AVA AND EZRAH"

Ava Materowski

Loretta

Ava is making her stage debut with us as Loretta. Ava is a 7th grader who loves music and has really enjoyed learning more about acting and the stage during this production.

Branson Waldron

The Gang

This is 6th grader Branson's very first role on stage! When asked he said his favorite part is his lines "Freak the mighty, Freak the mighty, Freak the mighty". Outside of theater Branson plays baseball. He would like to thank the crew for helping make and get the props and for also organizing everything.

Elliott Jensen

Blade

This is Elliotts second role in an OV production, playing Gary in last year's hit production of Spongebob Squarepants the Musical. More recently, Elliott played the role of Kay, in a local production of The Snow Queen. Elliott plays upright bass in OV's Orchestra and electric bass in the Jazz Band. As an 8th grader, he is looking forward to diving head first into Kamiak's Theater Program in the fall. Elliott would like to thank his mom and tech director- Mrs. Worthington for all her love and support, and his friend Eli.

Grayson H Middaugh

Iggy

Grayson is a 6th grader making his stage debut as Iggy. He has really enjoyed learning being on stage and acting. Grayson is part of the band here at OV and plays baseball. He would like to want to shout out his mom for encouraging him to audition for the play and his dad for supporting him when he wasn't sure if he could act in front of people.

Jack Lewis

Killer Kane

Jack’s enjoyed getting to know his other actors and working together to put on this wonderful, deep, emotional show. He’s loved working on the fight scenes and learning how to make it look intense and real but still have it be safe. He is also very proud of himself for designing the Freak The Mighty poster and merch! Jack is a part of Village Theater’s KIDSTAGE Institute, and has taken musical theater classes at Village Theater as well. He also takes singing lessons with Renee Robinson and has played the alto saxophone for 5-6 years. Jack would like to thank his wonderful family, he loves you guys, for always supporting his musical career and always showing up. He also would like to thank Ms Charters, his wonderful director for being with him these three wonderful years at OV. He has been in several other productions and you might recognize him from Olympic View’s Legally Blonde Jr as Ensemble, Olympic View’s SpongeBob the Musical as Mr Krabs, and Oliver Warbucks in Annie KIDS. He’d like to thank Eli, Avan, Elliott, and his friends and co-stars for making this wonderful production come together. Lastly he’d like to thank his singing teacher Renee Robinson for helping him be more confident in musical theater. And of course his wonderful son, Sam McDowell, he hope you keep doing theater.

Kaylani Lor

The Gang

This is Kaylani's first time on stage! She really enjoyed working with her peers and getting to act. Outside of school Kaylani loves to dance. Kaylani would like to thank her mom and dad for their love and support and Mrs. Charters for giving her this opportunity.

Permelia Riley

Mrs. Addison

This is Permelia's first role in an OV play! Her favorite part of being apart of the play as been building friendships with cast members. When asked she said- "I would like to thank my parents, Mrs. Charters, Mrs. Peretti, and Bubba"

Sam McDowell

Max

Sam is a 6th grader, in his OV premier- but he's not new to the stage, having appeared in productions of The Lion King and Aladin. Sam says his favorite part of the process is gathering up the props for the show. Sam loves to play soccer and draw in his free time. He'd like to thank his mom for her love and support and the cast and crew for being so welcoming.

Sajor Kanuteh

Dr. Spivak

Sajor isn't a doctor, but she plays one on our stage. This is Sajor's debut show, She really enjoyed memorizing her lines. Sajor loves to sing and would like to shout out the crew for being so helpful and making all the props!

Scarlett Pederson

The Gang

Scarlett is a 6th grader at OV, she participated in the winter production of The Snow Queen, as the Prince. Her favorite part of this show was working with the rest of the gang on their movements. One of her favorite after school clubs is the Rainbow Connections club, which she attends as often as occasion permits. Scarlett would like to thank her mom for supporting her in participating in the play.

Sophia Robertson

Mrs. Donelli

Last year Sophia worked as a stagehand for OV's production of Spongebob Squarepants the musical, then moved to on stage in a summer production of Robin Hood, as June the Forester. Outside of the theater Sophia likes to swim, play volleyball and make art. She would like to thank her parents for being very supportive, and of course her Dog and cats for being there for her.

Steele Stafford

Kevin

Steele is no stranger to the stage as he played the rainbow news anchor in Spongebob the musical, He was thrilled to take on the challenge of portraying one of our lead protagonists in this production. His favorite part was making new friends and seeing people that have the same interests as him. Off stage, he likes to go skiing up at Stevens pass with neighbors and also enjoys being in the scouting program. "I'd like to thank everyone being here today but especially my grandma who flew out from buffalo to come here! I'd also like to thank my family and the Ewoldts for helping me practice lines when I needed to. (thanks Elsie)"

Suzy Guzman

The Gang

Suzy is in 6th grade, so this is her first time acting at OV. She also played Bae the Reindeer in "The Snow Queen" this winter. She said her favorite part of this production is The firework/chasing scene where all the girls have to act offended when Freak says "You all throw like girls." Suzy is also in Band here at OV. She would like to thank her mom and her best friend Maria G!

Victoria Severance

Gram

After playing a Rockstar in last year's performance of "Spongebob Squarepants the Musical" Victoria was excited to try out a new type of role as Gram. When asked about the production process, she said her favorite part was "Blocking, it's just really fun". She would like to thank her parents for "Making me do this".

Caitlan Charters

Director

Mrs. Caitlan Charters is thrilled to bring her eighth school production to the stage! Since joining Olympic View Middle School ten years ago, she has found directing the annual school play to be one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching middle school. When not helping students discover the magic of literature in her classroom, Mrs. Charters can be found guiding young actors to find their confidence on stage. Her previous productions include "Aladdin Jr.," "Willy Wonka Jr.," "Into the Woods Jr.," "Matilda Jr.," and last year's unforgettable production of "SpongeBob Jr." Mrs. Charters believes that theater provides unique opportunities for students to develop empathy, teamwork, and creative expression while bringing stories to life. She is endlessly grateful to the dedicated parent volunteers, school staff, and especially the talented students who pour their hearts into these productions. A graduate of Portland State University with a double major in English and Theater, Mrs. Charters began her teaching career through Teach for America before earning her Master's in Education from Arizona State University. She lives locally with her husband Jim, daughter Darla, their rescue dog Nori, and sassy cat Taxco - her unofficial creative team who provide endless inspiration and support for her theatrical endeavors.

Becky Worthington

Technical Director

Becky has been doing tech since high school, started with Ushering, follow spot and front of house, and worked her way up to Technical and Stage management and directing. She has worked in both school and community theater and has a passion for bringing the art of stage production to her community. Her favorite part of the show was getting to know all the wonderful OV students and watching their enthusiasm and joy develop into something really meaningful and authentic. Becky works as a part time substitute paraeducator here at OV, but her real job is being a mom to her 7 children, 3 cats, 1 dog, and 6 chickens. She'd like to thank all the students for their hard work and dedication, as well as Mrs. Charters, without whom none of this would be possible. Becky would like to especially thank her mom Sue, daughter Emelia and husband Tyler for all their support and babysitting!!

Eli Rutten

Sound Lead

Eli has worked in many School and Kidstage productions like Legally Blonde, SpongeBob the musical, and Horton hears a Who, which he did lights and sound or Tech for all of them. He used to do Ballroom dancing but now he performs a lot of music from Band and SYSO (Seattle youth symphony orchestra). He would like to shout out Elliott Jensen, Jack Lewis, Ms Charters, Sam Mcdowell, and of course, Eli Rutten.

Ryder Minden

Light Lead

This is Ryder’s 2nd year working on illuminating our stage after his debut work on SpongeBob Jr. last year. He has had a grand ole’ time being on the lighting crew and attributes his love for lighting to the Sun and Moon. In his free time, he likes to turn on & off light bulbs and sometimes replacing the dead ones; he ALWAYS chooses LEDs. Christmas is his favorite time of year because of all the…you guessed it…LIGHTS. He would like to thank his mom (and family) and Mrs. Charters ( who wrote his bio for him because he forgot to).

Alice Mae Drechsel

Set/Prop Crew

Alice is a 7th grader and new at theater. She really enjoyed painting and making advertising posters for the classrooms. Alice is also in OV's orchestra, playing the cello.

Artem Melnikov

Set/Prop Crew

This is Artem's first time working on sets/props, he really enjoyed making a display for the library to advertise the show. When not backstage Artem enjoys Fishing, Photography, and Archery. He'd like to thank Mrs. Charters and Mrs. Worthington!

Awa Ceesay

Costumes/Front of house

Awa appeared in this winters production of the Snow Queen, and now is enjoying doing costumes! Her favorite part has been matching the outfits to the actor. Outside of school she is in band and loves to sew. She'd like to thank Ms. Scott!

Bo Beattie

Set/Prop Crew

Bo is a 7th grader here at OV, this was his first time working in the theater. He enjoyed working on the armor. Bo stays busy doing 0 period jazz band, regular band and marching band! He would like to "thank Elliott because he was super helpful, and is my neighbor"

Bobby Tran

Set/Props Crew

Bobby is a 7th grader, and new to theater. He really enjoyed making advertising posters for this show. When not hard at work on his music (trombone) he is making internet videos and doing voice acting. Bobby would like to thank Lilianna for getting him to join theater.

Brady Keith

Grip, Set/Prop Crew

Brady is a 6th grader and was eager to participate in crew this year! She really enjoyed working hard to bring the sets to life! Outside of school Brady is an artist and avid soccer player. Brady would like to thank Mrs. Charters for this awesome opportunity in letting her help out with the props!

Finot Bekele

Costumes and Makeup

Finot is a 6th grader here at OV so new to our theater program, she really enjoyed selecting costumes. Finot plays the flute in band and outside of school dances Ballet. She'd like to thank her mom, dad and brother for all their love and support!

Joceylnn Frye

Set/Props Crew

This is Jocelynn's first time helping out as crew at OV. She made her stage debut in The Snow Queen this winter. Jocelynn said her favorite part was just having fun with the rest of the crew!

Joseph Tobin

Set/Prop Crew

Jospeh is a 7th grader and this is his first time working in the theater.

Razan Remas Mahfud

Grip, Setprops

Last year (2024), Razan had so much fun being part of the Spongebob Musical! She worked on the house and props crew, and it was a great experience. She loved being part of such a creative team and bringing the show to life. Her favorite part of the play Freak the Mighty was making the props. She finds it exciting and enjoyable to draw and paint while working with her friends. Razan attends crochet classes after school and occasionally participates in art activities. "I would like to give a shout out to Mrs. Worthington and Mrs. Charters. They are both incredible. Their dedication to making this film production possible for students, staff, and families is truly special. Thank you, Mrs. Charters and Mrs. Worthington! We appreciate all your hard work you put into bringing this vision to life I also want to thank my mom for always being supportive of what I do"

Riley Turplesmith

House/Set crew

This is Riley's first time doing crew for theater. Riley is a 8th grader at OV, he enjoys band and 4h Club. He'd like to thank Brady, Liliana, his mom, dad and Michael, for all their love and support!

Sirah Sowe

props/set

This is Sirah's first time helping out in theater. She really enjoyed helping to make some advertising poster and putting them up around the school! Sirah is also in band. She'd like to thank Mrs. Charters for letting us do this play!!

Maily Vo

Costumes and Makeup

Maily's favorite part of the show has been meeting new people! Outside of the theater she likes to play volleyball and tennis. She'd like the thank Ms. Scott!!

Oliver Glidden

Set/Prop Crew

Oliver is a 6th grader, he plays baseball and really enjoyed working with his friends on the set for Freak the Mighty. He would like to thank Joshua Mills.

Olivia Worthington

set/props

New to the theater, this is Olivia's first time helping out with sets and props! Olivia plays the clarinet in OV's band and is on the Wrestling team!

Zero Dauwalder

Set/Prop Crew

Zero might be new to OV theater but he is no stranger to the arts. He loves acting, writing, as well as listening to and creating music. Zero's favorite part of this production has been working with his fellow peers. He'd like to Shout out to Mrs. Charters as she is his first period ELA teacher and overall favorite!

Photos