Cappies Review: Heritage High School's 'Mama Mia!'

LEESBURG, VA—With inevitable foot tapping, heartfelt sentiments, and upbeat dance it'll be easy to say "thank you for the music." It may be a rich man's world, but the performance of "Mamma Mia!" at Heritage High School was priceless.

"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox musical of songs by the Swedish musical group ABBA, which were popularized in the 1970s. Catherine Johnson created the book which first appeared on London's West End in 1999. The film adaptation in 2008 made "Mamma Mia!" the musical classic the knockout it is known as today, and led to a 2018 sequel. The story revolves around young bride-to-be Sophie after she secretly sends wedding invitations to three men who may be her father based on her mother's old diary entries. Determined to find her identity through meeting her father, Sophie, her mother Donna, and everyone on the Greek island joins in infectious song and dance.

In the role of Sophie, Lyndsay Snider sang and danced like a young and sweet dancing queen. She gave all her songs and dancing a clean, beautifully done finish and mastered her hopeful, youthful character. Her relationship with her mother, Donna, was strong and convincing. The tenacious and independent Donna (Carolina Kirkpatrick) provided a powerful performance. Kirkpatrick's ravishing belting and ability to convey sorrow in song displayed during "Slipping Through My Fingers" and "Winner Takes All." Love interest Sam (played by Michael Kellogg) harmonized with Donna in singing and emotion.

Rosie (Alena Magsi) brought fun and playfulness to her quick-witted comments and comedic movements, especially during her flirtatious advances during "Take a Chance." In the role of Pepper, Joey Cianciotti chased after Tanya (Jordan Hebert) with commitment, references to Oedipus, and loveable humor.

Big dance numbers filled with stunts and sharp, clean choreography, such as the "Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie" made the audience erupt with cheers. During the song "Lay All Your Love on Me" the moves were full of life, including a hilarious kickline executed by dancers wearing wetsuits and flippers. Costumes added bright, connecting aspects to the production. Coordinated outfits of light blues and white created a unified cast while the sparkling jumpsuits of Donna and The Dynamos dazzled. Additionally commendable, docks built out from the stage added to the island feel of the set, emerging the show into the Greek setting.

With gorgeous vocal talent, impressive choreography and execution, and groovy technical elements, there was no way to resist Heritage High School's production of "Mamma Mia!"by

Review by Vanessa Rivera of Oakton High School