Mamma Mia! was performed at Osbourn High School from April 16th to 18th at 7 pm. This musical follows the story of Sophie, a twenty-year-old soon-to-be bride, who invites three men, who potentially could be her dad to her wedding. Her mother, Donna, is clueless to this as she rushes to plan the wedding.

The musical was first performed in 1999 in London, and it made Broadway in 2001. Mamma Mia! has grossed $2 billion worldwide since premiering in 1999, according to Musical Theatre International. The musical includes infamous ABBA songs, like Money Money Money and Dancing Queen.

“The version that is licensed for us is the standard live soundtrack of Mamma Mia! So, it sounds a bit different from the original ABBA tracks, for those have the original singers. This is arranged a bit differently for it to be performed as a musical. But it is also different from the original soundtrack recording for any of the other productions. So, it’s the generic Mamma Mia! soundtrack, but it’s the one the Musical Theatre International licenses the rights to,” said Theatre teacher and director, Mr. Scofield.

While there is a musical, there is also a movie about this. The movie, although, is different from the musical. The movie removes iconic scenes from the musical, like Under Attack and Knowing Me, Knowing You.

“The movie is already a bit different from the musical. So we’re literally just following the script. I have not gone back and watched the movie. I’ve been just following and reading through the script and doing my own thing for it. In between the songs, you have enough dialogue to get from one song to the next. I’m just really following the energy and momentum of the different songs and letting them tell the story,” said Scofield.

Many people were cast for this show, 26 to be exact. Everyone who tried out (pretty much) was put in the show. Many others wonder how they did this or how they had enough confidence to try out.

“The most challenging aspect, as an actor, is channeling your character and memorizing lines. Once you’ve memorized everything and have gotten into a good flow, you’re good to go,” said sophomore Jackson Doll.

“I think the most important part of being an actor is entertaining the audience and making them feel a certain way. Whatever the theme of your character or scene is, it is how you should make the audience feel in that moment. Channel that,” said Doll.

“I would say to be yourself. The people you’re auditioning/acting for might look scary, but they have dealt with nervous actors before. Just interpret your character the way you want to, take the feedback they give you, and don’t stiffen up. Having the nervous mentality get to your head is what messes you up,” continued Doll.

“To not be afraid to take a chance! The entire musical is about different characters being brave and putting themselves out there, from Sophie to Sam; they’re taking risks,” said senior Ash Stoner.

Mamma Mia! has many characters and also has a large ensemble. The average Mamma Mia! cast is 21 or more, according to Musical Theatre International. So, Osbourn’s cast was in the perfect range. The main cast has a huge role in this musical (obviously). Sam, Bill, and Harry are the three possible dads, whose personalities range from outgoing to quieter.

“Donna really is the heart and soul of the show, and she gets to sing the most famous ABBA songs. I think for goofiness, Pepper makes me laugh the most. It’s sort of a tie for just laughing and being goofy, probably Pepper, but Donna really is the core and heart of the show,” said Scofield.

“My favorite characters would definitely have to be Tanya and Rosie. Their energy is so charismatic and they are very visually appealing to look at, due to their fun costumes,” said Doll.

“I promise I’m not biased when I say this, but it has to be Rosie. I’ve really come to love and relate to her as the production has gone on. She’s ambitious, loves her friends more than anything, and is a hopeless romantic,” said Stoner.

The actors and crew have made this come together beautifully. If you would like to find out who did the musical and what role they played, there is a link here.

Mamma Mia! Cast and Crew Credits

“I hoped the audience would laugh, cry, and have a great time watching Mamma Mia! We put a lot of dedication and hard work into this show, and I hope it paid off,” said Doll.

What did you think of the musical if you saw it? Tell us in the comments!