Ridgewood Students To Perform ABBA's 'Mamma Mia'

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – The Ridgewood High School New Players Company is presenting the international musical hit "Mamma Mia!" from July 21 to 23, a news release said.

Featuring the music of Swedish pop group ABBA as the backdrop, the "family-friendly production" involves over 75 students in the cast, crew and orchestra, and is sure to entertain audiences of all ages, the release said.

“Mamma Mia! is pure fun.” Director Morgan Knight said. “The music is infectious, the story is high camp. Mamma Mia! asks the audience to simply enjoy themselves. It’s the fun of singing into a hairbrush late at night while no one’s watching.”

Mamma Mia! is set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, where hotel owner Donna lives as a single mom. Her daughter and bride-to-be Sophie, who dreams on having her father walk her down the aisle, secretly invites three men from her mother's past, hoping one will turn out to be her dad.

"Mamma Mia! is so full of energy. You don't want to miss it," said graduated senior Aidan Holt, who stars as Sky Rymand, the fiancé later husband of Sophie.

For the costumes, designer Ryan Ginter said he was inspired by the white walls, golden sun, purple bougainvillea (a tropical plant) and blue waves of Greece, "seen through the lenses of 70s glamour and 90s minimalism."

"Audiences will see a colorful parade of clothing spanning the 90s and the age of disco," Ginter said.

The RHS New Players will perform Mamma Mia! at 7 p.m. on July 21, 8 p.m. on July 22, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on July 23. Tickets — $20 for adults, and $15 for students, seniors and staff — may be purchased at rhsnewplayers.com and at the door.