Gianbari Deebom

New Purdue acting graduate student Gianbari Deebom receives an AriZoni Theatre Award nomination for Best Musical Director for their work in Mesa Encore Theatre's Freaky Friday the Musical.

Freaky Friday the Musical tells the story of a headstrong mother and daughter forced to switch bodies and “walk in each other's shoes” for a day, a tale very familiar to many, including Deebom, who grew up with the 2003 film. 

“The concept of walking in another's shoes has followed me as an artist and easily fit the concept I had for this musical,” said Deebom, “So often, especially today, we are made to choose sides and seek refuge from 'the other.’ In directing this piece, I used the theme of polarity between the mother and daughter to examine not just family dynamics, but the real-world divisions that make us choose sides and not empathy.” 

As a multidisciplinary artist, director, and teacher, Deebom has focused their work on holistic storytelling and community-building through performance. She is inspired when clear and shared intention takes over the rehearsal process to create productions that are rich, complex, and deeply collaborative. 

Jennifer Giralo Photography

The AriZoni Awards are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performance, production, and design across the Phoenix, Arizona Valley. This nomination highlights Deebom’s artistry, leadership, and commitment to creating dynamic theater experiences for both performers and audiences. 

“I am so thankful for the nomination and for my cast and team at Mesa Encore Theatre, for trusting and sharing in the creation of art with me. Deebom added, “We have proved that through love, we can achieve anything.”

Jennifer Giralo Photography

The AriZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence ceremony will take place in October at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, AZ. For more information on the AriZonis, visit www.arizoniawards.net/ 

Deebom is now assistant director of Horse Girls by Jenny Rachel Weiner at Purdue Theatre, opening September 26th, 2025 in the Mallett Theatre. To continue following their work, follow @Ms.Deebom on Instagram.