Reviews: Mamma Mia! at Quince Orchard HS
Written by Aiden Brennan of Woodson High School
As the iconic opening notes of the eponymous 70's hit filled the theater, Quince Orchard High School's Mamma Mia! transported the audience to an energetic world populated by a unique cast of characters. Quince Orchard's production brought new life to this Mediterranean adventure full of joy, love, and of course, disco.
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical based on the works of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. Featuring music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, and a book by Catherine Johnson, it premiered in London's West End in 1999 and opened on Broadway in 2001. The story takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, and follows a young bride-to-be named Sophie as she tries to figure out which of three men from her mother's past is her father. What follows is a hilarious, disco-fueled journey through the ideals of family and love.
Katie Musick as Sophie Sheridan and Saura Herranz-Jimenez as her mother Donna both delivered a multifaceted and moving performance. Musick's youthful energy and sweet singing voice matched perfectly with the upbeat numbers such as "Honey Honey," but she balanced her performance with increasing desperation and stress as her well-intended plan to uncover her father’s identity spiraled out of control. Musick had excellent chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially her intense passion with Sophie's fiancé Sky (Myles Rathke) and her moments of vulnerability with Donna. Similarly, Herranz-Jimenez carefully balanced Donna's tough outer exterior with her deeply hurt, yearning interior. Her booming voice in "Money, Money, Money" communicated her frustration with her life, while her quiet, delicate notes in "Slipping Through My Fingers" showed her soft side as Donna reflected on Sophie growing up.
The most vibrant of Sophie's potential fathers was Harry Bright, played by MacArthur Maryn. Maryn's jovial British accent and dedicated execution of lively dance moves quickly endeared him both to the other characters and to the audience. His playful antics with Sophie, Sam (Andrew Shea), and Bill (Matthew Hausman) contrasted with the gentle warmth he shared with Donna. The highlight of Maryn's performance was "Our Last Summer" as Harry and Donna reflected on their time spent together. Maryn's goofy smile and bright, beautiful vocals warmed the hearts of everyone watching.
Disco’s infectious energy shone through the expertly choreographed dance numbers, crafted by student choreographer Nate Kauffman and dance captains Karolina Kellogg and Sophie Levine. Kauffman and his team worked to fit a large ensemble on stage and used classic disco moves for flashy and intense numbers. Particular standouts were "Money, Money, Money" where the dancers twirled colorful scarves and formed a mass around the exasperated Donna, and "Lay All Your Love On Me" where Sky's bachelor party gallivanted around the stage in swimming flippers.
Through the beautiful set, created by Evan Hays, Emma Londoño, Maddie Schully, and Sean Trainor, the audience was transported to the warm beaches and beautiful architecture of Kalokairi. The team used a central color palette of blue and white to create a cohesive appearance for both the interior and exterior scenes. The set featured many interactive elements such as a second-story balcony, doors and windows that could open and close, and moveable elements like a piano and a bed. This made the set into a living, breathing, changing locale that the characters lived in, rather than just a static backdrop for the actors.
Quince Orchard High School’s “Mamma Mia!” proved that disco—and the joy it brings—is alive and well, thanks to the cast’s infectious energy, stunning vocals, and dazzling choreography. The show's heartwarming message about the unbreakable bond between parent and child is similarly everlasting.
Written by Allie Vargo of McLean High School
Slam open the baby blue doors of the Taverna and shimmy your way onto the disco-lit dance floor. It's time for Quince Orchard High School's production of "Mamma Mia!"
The jukebox musical originally debuted on the West End in 1999, before making its way to Broadway in 2001. The show, which features music from the Swedish pop group ABBA, went on to become a movie in 2008, and will be receiving an upcoming Broadway revival in late 2025. Its plot follows the Greek wedding week shenanigans of Sophie Sheridan and her mother, Donna, as they try to determine which of three men is Sophie’s biological father—just in time for her own wedding to her beau, Sky.
In the role of Sophie, Katie Musick captured the audience's hearts with her melodies; her bright voice, youthful physicality, and vivid facial expressions imbued Sophie with the charming playfulness that makes her character (and her dreams) so incredibly endearing. From fixing her tavern to helping her daughter delicately step into her wedding dress, Saura Herranz-Jimenez expertly balanced Donna's complex range of emotions, shifting seamlessly from firm to nurturing. She left audience members wiping away tears, proving that the winner truly does take it all. Together, the mother-daughter duo's natural playfulness, easy banter, and beautiful vocal blend transported the audience into life on the Greek Islands.
But wait—here comes Donna and the Dynamos! These Super Troopers, including Herranz-Jimenez's Donna, Marisa Lippa as Tanya, and Shia Ringold as Rosie dazzled the stage with humor, wit, bell-bottoms, and the classic female flower power of the ‘70s. As Tanya, Lippa's assertive walk and haughty physicality immediately conveyed her effortless confidence. As Rosie, Ringold's animated expressions perfectly captured her character's blunt yet lovable charm. As a trio, the Dynamos blossomed in the light of each other's energy, providing a perfect depiction of true female friendship—navigating life’s highs, lows, and everything in between.
The story wouldn't be complete, however, without mention of Sophie's elusive dads. In the role of Sam, Andrew Shea's beautifully earnest vocals, smooth dance moves, and heartfelt push for Donna's love made him an all-around fan favorite. As the adventurous survival-guide expert Bill, Matthew Hausman won hearts with his rugged charm and infectious joviality. Finally, as "Headbanger" Harry, MacArthur Maryn masterfully transitioned from an uptight Bank of England employee to a mohawk-wielding free spirit, crafting a transformation that was both wholly engaging and entirely convincing.
The production's vocals were elevated by the incredible work of the 26-person QO Theatre Pit, whose vibrant melodies and consistently exceptional quality of play effortlessly enhanced every scene. Additionally, the show's choreography, designed by students Nate Kauffman, Karolina Kellogg, and Sophie Levine, provided captivating visual designs to the musical's largest numbers -- including animated dance breaks in songs such as "Money Money Money," "Under Attack," and "Does Your Mother Know." Finally, from hand-crafted Aegean fish to embroidered chairs and personalized cocktails, the production's props—designed by Jay Crotts and Miriam Mansfield—added the perfect finishing touches, creating an utterly immersive experience to all viewers.
From mistaken identities to strong female personalities to a classic story of self-love and discovery, what's not to love about the name of this game? So "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" more of Quince Orchard High School's "Mamma Mia!"