It’s time to dust off those bell bottoms and go-go boots and get ready to dance in the aisles! MN Drama’s Spring production of Mamma Mia! opens March 7th at Marple Newtown High School’s Performing Arts Center. The show takes audiences on an adventure to Greece with non-stop laughs and show-stopping dance numbers. Told through Swedish pop group ABBA’s timeless songs, Mamma Mia! is a story about love, laughter and friendship.
Defined as a jukebox musical, Mamma Mia! became a sensation on Broadway in 1999. For fans of ABBA, you can expect to hear more than 20 of their songs in MN Drama’s production of the musical including “I Have a Dream,” “Waterloo,” “Voulez-Vous,” and “The Winner
Takes It All” woven into the story.
Under the direction of Brian Walden and executive producer Tiffany Caprice, Mamma Mia! is MN Drama’s third production of the school year. This fall they wowed audiences with Puffs as well as a dinner theater-style production of Poof, a murder mystery brunch and fundraiser. Aside from the plays, students in the program have numerous opportunities to enhance their theater experience and hone their skills. “We really want to give students in the program hands-on learning opportunities,” said Tiffany. “It’s important to build community with some of the theater programs in our area.” They have workshops planned with West Chester University’s theater program and the People’s Light Theater and have had the opportunity to meet with dialect coaches and writers, and learn about stage management. “These opportunities not only improve their skills for our productions, but they can help students who may be interested in a career in theater,” she added.
The students themselves voted on the Spring musical this year. “We gave them the choice of High School Musical or Mamma Mia! and it was unanimous for Mamma Mia!,” explained Brian. “What’s fun about this show is that it’s all about the music. It allows the performers to showcase a
variety of talents like singing and dancing.” Students also have the ability to show off their leadership skills. For the third year in a row Kaylie Pohlig is serving as the show’s student producer along with assistant student producers Sheena Mol and Lucas Cavanaugh. Roham Shirazi earned the role of student director. After performing in MN Drama’s productions since he was in sixth grade, Roham said he was looking to challenge himself even more. “I’ve always enjoyed acting in the shows and this year, I wanted to explore the idea of how I could get even more involved in the program.” When Roham wasn’t performing his role as Sky, he had the opportunity to block scenes and dance numbers.
Mamma Mia! takes place on a Greek Island as the character Sophie, played by Junior Annastasia Cavanaugh, is dreaming of the perfect wedding to Sky. Sophie’s dream includes her father giving her away, but there’s one problem. She doesn’t know who her father is. Sophie’s mom Donna hasn’t told Sophie about her past, so Sophie sneaks a peek into her mother’s old diaries. That is when she discovers three possible fathers: Sam, Bill and Harry and she’ll go on a quest to find out which one it is!
Annastasia, who has been performing in MN Drama productions since her Freshman year said that the role of Sophie is a dream role. Even before earning the role, Annastasia worked for several months with a voice coach and is excited to perform the beloved ABBA songs. “I’ve always loved the Broadway and movie versions of Mamma Mia! and the role of Sophie really spoke to me,” she said. “I like the message of the show, which is about finding your independence.”
Senior Margaret Schiller plays Donna, Sophie’s independent single mom, who happens to be the former lead singer of a 1970s pop group “Donna and the Dynamos.” Margaret has always been a fan of the movie version of Mamma Mia!, especially Meryl Streep’s performance. “It’s been fun playing more of a ‘real person’ this year,” said Margaret, who played Morticia Addams in last year’s The Addams Family. “I am enjoying having to dig deeper and playing someone who has really lived a full life.”
The cast also includes Evangelia Papadopoulos and Kayley Brown as Donna’s best friends and Donovan Carmichael (Bill), Chris Fazio (Harry) and Teddy Pilko (Sam). Audiences may remember Teddy as “Lurch” from The Addams Family. “Sam has definitely been more of a challenge to act,” said Teddy. “He’s so normal compared to Lurch!”
Behind the scenes, Mamma Mia’s Stage Crew, under the direction of Junior Emily Grimm, keeps the scenes moving smoothly. From building the sets and managing props and costumes, their work with colors, lighting and design helps bring the vision of Greece to life.
With its talented cast and crew, featured dancers and musicians, Mamma Mia! takes the audience on an adventure that leads to a wedding, a dance party and a discovery that sometimes the best family isn’t made from just genes, but love. Opening night is Thursday, March 7th with performances through Saturday, March 9th. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the program, visit MNDrama.org.