On February 28th, after months of preparation, the auditorium filled to watch Carlisle High School open this year’s musical, Mamma Mia! The original cast production of this musical first hit the stage on April 6th, 1999, at The Prince Edward Theater, then was translated into an award-winning film starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and Pierce Brosnan. This innovative piece blends 23 songs from the band ABBA into the story of a young girl, Sophie, trying to discover her father’s identity from three men in her mother’s past. Mamma Mia! entices in how it not only follows Sophie and her fiancé, interesting younger audience members, but also her mother Donna, and Harry, Bill, and Sam, her old lovers, appealing to adults as well.
Carlisle High School’s actors and set design truly brought this musical to life, casting Chase Perabo and Greta Weirich as mother daughter duo, Donna and Sophie. This narrative takes place on the fictional Greek island, Kalokairi, in the hotel Donna runs right before Sophie’s marriage to Sky, played by Kai Clements. Spencer Forrester, Ben Lavalley, and Talan Salinger cast as Sophie’s possible fathers, Harry, Bill, and Sam, who sail in from America and Britain to attend the wedding, unknown to Donna. The set designs of this year’s production were made to both capture the beauty of Greece and add interest and stability during dance numbers.
The singers and dancers in this performance embodied the lively energy the original cast brought. Greta Weirich, along with Anna Ford and Janessa Lingenfelter, Sophie’s two best friends, beautifully express youthful excitement and curiosity in the song “Honey, Honey,” relating to many girls in the audience. In one of the most well-known pieces, “Money, Money, Money,” Chase Perabo’s rich and inviting voice is a great contrast to the ensemble. But their voices aren’t the only thing adding to these breathtaking numbers. The choreography in songs like “Voulez-Vous” captivated the audience by letting the ensemble shine in their dance moves. The duet “Take a Chance on Me” between Rosie, played by Megan Bricher, and Bill employs humor within the dance moves while Rosie chases Bill around the stage in an attempt to seduce him. Both actors say it was their favorite song to perform. “The audience goes wild, and I love making people laugh,” Megan remarked.
Despite the cheerful moments, Mamma Mia! was able to convey many emotions through these pieces as well. Both “SOS” and “Our Last Summer” put the male cast members into the spotlight and give the audience perspective on how the three possible fathers reflect on their past relationships with Donna. In the latter, Greta’s graceful voice is the perfect match to Talan Salinger in their duet. The song Donna sings while preparing Sophie for her wedding, “Slipping Through my Fingers” is a heartfelt representation of what motherhood is like after children have already grown up. And by far Chase’s most impressive song, “The Winner Takes it All” is sung with such emotion behind the lyrics, fitting for a song about Donna’s past and what it led her to. “My favorite song that I got to do was ‘The Winner Takes it All!’ It’s a powerful one, and basically like free therapy for me,” said Chase.
While the story tackles several romantic relationships, equally important are the bonds of family and friends. Sophie and Donna share a heartwarming connection while both overcoming the challenges of Sophie growing up. Their connection is what helps Sophie realize that no matter who her father is, friends and family are the most important people you can have in your life. It is clear that Donna and the Dynamos, played by Alyanna Montgomery and Megan Britcher, set an example for Sophie and young girls in the audience of what healthy female friendship can look like. Eventually, when Sophie and Sky make the difficult decision to postpone the wedding and travel together, it inspires Donna to do the opposite and settle down with Sam, proving that mothers can learn from their daughters as well.
Fitting with the musical’s themes, the cast of Mamma Mia! agree that the best part of performing was the family that they made with other members. “My favorite part of the musical was the people! I joined Mamma Mia! because of the family I saw Pippin create, and it has absolutely delivered throughout the past couple of months. My cast mates have become my best friends, and I love every student and staff member who helped with the show,” said Ben Lavalley. Mamma Mia! continued Carlisle High School’s long tradition of exciting and talented shows, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we can’t wait to see what comes next!
