Reviews: Mamma Mia! at Woodgrove HS
Written by Sophia Holoviak of South Lakes High School
Here we go again—it’s Woodgrove High School's production of Mamma Mia!
This jukebox musical, written and based on the book by Catherine Johnson, first premiered on stage in London's West End in 1999. The musical has also since been adapted into a movie musical released in 2008. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the musical uses fan favorite songs from the Swedish pop/dance band ABBA. The musical follows the story of Sophie, a young girl living on a Greek island, who on the eve of her wedding decides to find her father to walk her down the aisle. However, chaos ensues after she invites the three possible candidates without telling her mother, Donna. As Sophie tries to figure out who her father is and move onto her new life with her soon to be husband, Donna rekindles a romance and teaches the audience a thing or two about giving love a second chance.
Lauren Pyles encapsulated the youthfulness and optimism of Sophie. Pyles's energy and excitement captured the youthfulness of the character and created lively dynamics between Sophie and the cast as a whole. Pyles’s emotional range effectively captured the shift in Sophie from a naive girl looking to find herself, to a confident woman sure of who she is.
Equally as talented were Kristian Holland, Chris Shuffleton, and Jack Vosburgh in the roles of Sophie's three potential fathers, Sam (Holland), Harry (Shuffleton), and Bill (Vosburgh). Shuffleton's adept comedic timing left the audience in stitches, and with an impeccable British accent maintained in both speaking and singing, Shuffleton encapsulated the fan-favorite character. Kristian Holland's deftly portrayed Sam’s emotional journey, depicting the growth in the character from a man unable to grapple with the past to one who is fully willing to embrace his new daughter and even take a second shot at love. Also of note was Vosburgh's portrayal of the well-travelled Bill, with a carefree personality on stage bringing the adventurous spirit of the character to life. Through maintaining character, whether it be singing or dancing, the three actors contrasted each other to create a brilliant dynamic which left the audience wanting more of these comedic father figures.
The production was only enhanced by its fabulous technical elements. One notable element was the choreography, created by choreographer Caty Jewell with assistance by dance captains Maggie Bugaj, Rory Schriver, and Jordan Smith. From impressive partner dancing to handstands with flippers on, the choreography perfectly matched the upbeat songs of the show and elevated each production number even further. The performance was also heightened by the lights, designed by Sean Harris and executed by Owen Heironimud, Dylan Keefe, and Evelyn Ostantowske. From a beautiful sunrise to well-executed moving spotlights, the lighting team created beautiful backdrops which enhanced the performance.
Overall, with outstanding talent from the cast and incredible technical elements from the crew, the entire company of Mamma Mia! left audiences taking more than a “chance” away from this show. From songs making audiences want to get up and dance, to heartfelt moments which pulled on heartstrings, the entire company left the audience saying "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" more of this iconic musical.
Written by Hannah MacMillan of Independence High School
The sandy shores awaited visitors and boats filled to the brim with passengers made landfall as the breeze blew softly. There was a wedding on the horizon, but Sophie still had one question: who is her father? Come find out the “Name of the Game” at Woodgrove High School for their performance of Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a story told through Abba's greatest hits from the 1970s; from stage to screen, it has remained a classic. The production follows a young woman named Sophie and her mom, Donna. Sophie's getting married, and Donna's never been (and never wants to be) married. But Sophie can't commit to her fiancé, Sky, until she knows who her dad is, so she invites all three possible fathers to her wedding. A simple solution to a plaguing question, but at what cost to those around her? After realizing that having love in life is enough, Sophie is the one unmarried, and Donna's quick "I do" warms hearts and inspires adventure.
Lauren Pyles as Sophie portrayed a young, naive woman in need of something more to add meaning to her life and choices she makes. Utilizing a soft and light voice, Pyles's performance was truly a dream. At a culminating moment of wedding day emotions and dreams coming to fruition, both Pyles and Ava Welsh as Donna had moments to shine in "Slipping Through my Fingers". The duo's connection was not only tear-jerking but reminiscent of a chance to live out dreams.
When dreams come true, the Dynamos sparkle and shine. Ellarie Mesecar and Emma Edwards as Tanya and Rosie, respectively (Donna's best of friends), outshone even the brightest disco ball. Both as a duo and separately, Mesecar and Edwards were humorous every moment on stage. In Tanya's star number, "Does Your Mother Know?" Mesecar carried a strong and grown vocal control while still dancing and emoting like a true diamond. Likewise, Edwards was cooking up something special for Rosie's cookbook during "Take a Chance on Me" with quick and humorous dance movements as well as expressions, equaling as such to the powerful vocals. And, of course, the question remains: who is Sophie's dad? Well, Sam (Kristian Holland), Harry (Chris Shuffleton), and Bill (Jack Vosburgh) make up the trio of could-be dads. This trio was the perfect addition to Sophie's wedding day.
However, no dream can come true without the talents of tech. Each member of the choreography team (Caty Jewell, Maggie Bugaj, Aurora Schriver, and Jordan Smith) designed and coordinated each movement on stage with flair. From daring lifts and sleek spins, the choreography was truly spectacular. Working in tune with the choreography was the costuming team (Rory Fricano, Nix Ochs-Thomas, Olivia Sulllivan, and Madeline Rogers), who designed and created Grecian costuming with a hint of the 70s. One of the most notable costumes was the Dynamo's trio costumes that sparkled and shimmered.
Mamma Mia! was not only a dream but showed they even the most outlandish ones can come true (like having three dads instead of one!) The cast and crew of this show remind us with every moment to take a leap and take the future, even if you're scared.