Opening on February 28, “Mamma Mia!” will begin its two-weekend long run before its closing show on March 9.
This year, the show’s main direction is under leadership by previous assistant director and choreographer Mandie Banks. This change was made after the retirement of Mr. John Shankweiler, who had been the head director for several years prior.
“I’ve found that having one person both directing and choreographing for a musical makes a lot of sense, especially with a show like “Mamma Mia!” which is almost all music and dance,” Banks said.
Alongside Banks, several SHHS staff members have also been hard at work bringing this production to life, including choral director Mrs. Lindsey Reinhard Silva and math teacher Mrs. Roxie Everly. In addition to this, there is also a team of students working on production, including student director sophomore Caroline Boerth.
“I’m the student director, which means I help Mandy [Banks] with things like taking attendance at the beginning of the rehearsal, taking videos, posting rehearsal reports, and making sure that rehearsals are organized,” Boerth said.
Many have expressed a great deal of excitement for the quickly approaching shows.
“It’s definitely my favorite role I’ve ever had, so that’s so cool,” senior Josie Tolson said. “It’s been so much fun, really. It’s just such a fun show.”
The music score itself is composed of many hit songs by the 70’s band ABBA. Many are excited about bringing such iconic music to life in this production.
“Everybody loves ABBA,” Banks said. “It’s a very accessible romantic comedy with a plot that keeps you guessing.”
The overall popularity of the show will also hopefully inspire a diverse audience, which many cast members have expressed enthusiasm about.
“The music being so popular helps the audience connect to it,” Tolson said, “Even for me when I’m performing, I’m like, ‘This is a song I’ve known forever!’”
The cast is one of the larger casts in Haven’s history. Between the actors on stage and all the students working behind the scenes, there are many students involved in this performance.
“We didn’t do any cuts this year because it is a big cast musical that could support this goal,” Banks said. “My other big goal was to tighten up communications, participation expectations, and rehearsal schedules.”
With the show quickly approaching, the cast and crew have been gearing up for the upcoming production weekends.
“The choreography is amazing. the vocals are amazing, the actors are amazing,” Boerth said. “A lot of people know the songs, so it’s fun to see something you know and see it on the stage.”
There is much to look forward to about the upcoming production.
“It’s going to be a giant dance party,” Tolson said. “Everybody knows the songs. It’s such a fun show, so I’m really excited about it.”
