Want a taste of Greek summer in mid-October? Look no further than Kellett Theater and check out the Westminster Players’ production of Mamma Mia! Set in the beautiful Greek island of Kalokairi, this playful musical centers around a girl named Sophie looking for love, life, and her true father all around light, entertaining, and upbeat music. Full of summer vibes and fun times, this is the perfect show to relax and fall into the romance, intrigue, and mystery of one’s life.
A need for lighthearted pleasure sparked the idea for this musical. Last year, with the Players performing Titanic, a heavier show, a contrast was needed.
“It’s a little bit more flashy and fun,” said director of the show Mrs. Morgens. “We contrast the year before.”
However, pulling off a high school show is no undemanding feat, and it comes with many complications, not unlike the planning around the main character Sophie’s wedding.
“Our singing can’t just be good. Our singing has to be excellent,” says Morgens.
Rehearsals usually run from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m., giving the cast and crew countless hours to find the caliber of talent expected from the Westminster theater, while also bonding the cast and crew together and forging strong relationships. These long hours spent on perfecting the show are sure to come through in the final production, and the community created throughout this process lasts long past closing night.
The directors are not the only ones hard at work behind the scenes. A show is a team effort, and all parts are vitally important, whether they are acting on the stage or calling cues in the light booth. The dedication from the many students involved in the production allows creativity and personal flair added to the original script.
“We make new moments out of a script that everyone knows,” says Morgens. “The way that shows work is that you take a script and make it your production of Mamma Mia!.”
“It doesn’t have to be super serious,” says freshman student choreographer Tess Hogan regarding the emotions of the show and how people approach it. “I like choreographing with the lyrics, like what they are, instead of just doing choreography.”
By having students like Hogan take on a direct leadership role in this musical and shape it to their liking, the creative freedom is endless. Kids from all grades have the opportunity to spread their individuality through this production, adding their own personal touch to this classic musical.
“Having every kid know that they are valued and their contribution is really, really, really important is awesome,” Morgens says. The closeness of the cast fostered in the long hours of rehearsal opens a space of freedom for all and allows everyone to play their own part in shaping this incredible musical.
“I’m just really excited to see how the show will come together,” says Hogan, “When we know all the stuff and we can put our own spin and flair [on the show].”
But when all the time for rehearsal is gone and the show dates creep closer, what’s in store for viewers?
“For me, one of my favorite parts of rehearsal is when we really pull together some incredible singing,” says Morgens. When all the hard work and dedication pays off, it’s truly the greatest reward to watch everything come together. Be ready for ABBA songs, fun dances, and a classic show made new by the cast and crew.
As the school year kicks into full swing, summer can feel like a distant memory. But it doesn’t have to be. Head to Kellett Theater on Oct. 22-25 to enjoy the lighthearted and summery Mamma Mia!, and fall into the time of your life.
Edited by Oliver Chen
