WHS To Present Mamma Mia March 17, 18, and 19

Westwood High School will present “Mamma Mia” on March 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30pm, and there will also be a 2pm matinee on March 19. “Mammia Mia” features the music of Swedish pop band ABBA.

The show tells the story of Sophie (Maddie McDaniels). Raised on the Greek island of Kalokairi by her single mother Donna (Anna McCusker), Sophie is to be married. Unbeknownst to Donna, she has invited three surprise guests: three men she believes could be her father. Is it Sam (Alex Mansour), Harry (William Russell), or Bill (Ryan Kaplan)? Let the celebration begin!

“I knew it was a show that the kids would have a ton of fun putting together. Rehearsals have been this great combination of joy and hard work (which is theatre at its best). They are going to have a blast performing this show. Similarly, in planning for both the fall play and the musical, I was looking for light shows that would let the audience escape and enjoy themselves. Given the couple of years that we have just gone through, I didn't believe that our audience was too interested in a night of theatre that challenged them to reflect on the world. We need fun, we need silly, we need to celebrate,” says Director Jim Howard of his choice of “Mamma Mia.”

“Mamma Mia” was made into a feature film starring Meryl Streep in 2008, and a sequel, “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” in 2018.

“I always stay away from other source materials when directing shows. I don't like to be influenced by what other directors and actors have done. It kind of feels like cheating. We are striving to tell the story in what will be a familiar way, but with the talents, and sensibilities of our students, not some photocopy of what other actors have done in the roles. Like with all theatre we are seeking the truth. In this case, the center of the story is Donna, a hard-working single Mom who has been determined to do it all on her own, on her own terms. When faced with the opportunity to give herself a break she has to decide if she is going to be stubborn and determined, or if she is going to make room for a partner and some love. All of the other storylines support that central plotline. It is a charming, fun, heartwarming piece of theatre,” says Howard when asked if the movies affected his staging of the show.

“Like all of the shows I direct, I take great pride in watching my students succeed and celebrate that success with their friends and family members. It is also a chance to watch the seniors perform one last time, which is always bitter-sweet because it is a joy working with them and hard to see them go,” he adds.

“Mamma Mia” will be in the Westwood High School auditorium March 17, 18, and 19. Tickets can be purchased on WestwoodStage.com. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Note that masks are no longer required in Westwood Public School Buildings. “I'd buy my tickets early. I think this show is going to be quite popular and you don't want to miss it if we sell out!” Howard concludes.