The Drama/Tech Department puts on spring musical “Mamma Mia!”

Jenna Brodkin

Online Editor 

 

The Drama/Tech Department puts on spring musical “Mamma Mia!”

 

Costa’s Drama/Tech Department opened their spring musical “Mamma Mia!” on April 21 in the Auditorium, and is open until April 29. 

 

The musical follows a mother daughter duo as they prepare for the daughter Sophie’s, played by junior Ava May, wedding. Sophie secretly invites three men that could possibly be her father without telling the mother Donna, played by senior Ashley Calza. 

 

“It is extremely surreal getting the lead my senior year,” said Calza. “It is a dream come true and I will remember it forever.” 

 

The lead cast is composed of seniors Ashley Calza as Donna, Jack Searer as Harry Bright, Dean Spurgeon as Sam Carmichael; juniors Ava May as Sophie, Luke Fraunces as Bill Anderson , Natalie Cooper as Ali, Siena Frederick as Tanya; sophomores Jonah Mirkovich as Sky, Chloe Estrin as Lisa, and Samantha Probst as Rosie. 

 

“My favorite part about the cast of ‘Mamma Mia!’ was working with everyone as a cohesive team,” May said. “This allowed us to create a memorable and engaging performance.” 

 

Along with the entirety of the ensemble, who made up 21 of the 34 cast members, there were also more than 42 students that helped behind the scenes with music, props, lighting and so much more. The pit orchestra consisted of percussion, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, and pit singers. 

 

“When everyone was committed to supporting each other and working towards the same goal, the result was memorable and inspiring,” said May. “We all share a passion for the art of theater and that came to light during ‘Mamma Mia!’” 

 

According to Cooper this show has been different from anything else she has ever been in. She claims that because of its popularity, it allows it to be a much more interactive experience, according to Cooper. 

 

“There’s something really magical about hearing a crowd sing back at you,” said Cooper. “I loved being able to watch as they got up and joined the dance.” 

 

According to Cooper, the cast and crew started rehearsals for the play during the last week of January, and continued to work all the way up to opening night. They had  rehearsals 3:30-6 Monday- Friday and it is rare that each cast member is called every day and it depends what scene they are working on, according to Cooper. 

 

“My favorite part of rehearsals was  just working on the show with my friends,” said Cooper.  “The cast has a really great bond and we all love the music and work we’re doing, so for me it never got boring” 

 

The show had many people working behind the scenes for example the Director and Producer Jonathan Westerburg and co-director Maddie Hutchinson. According to Hutchinson, the hardest obstacle as an assistant director was  having  to deal with the exhaustion especially after spring break.  

 

“I just love being able to work with Mr.Westerburg,” said Hutchinson. “Especially a genius like himself”

 

Ticket pricing for the play for opening weekend was $12 for students and senior citizens and $17 for adults. The play was held in the auditorium at Costa and the seating for the play was first come first serve. According to sophomore audience member Athena Marca, she sat towards the back and  still was able to have an enjoyable time and connect with actors even though not in the front.

“Opening night was maybe the most magical thing I’ve ever experienced,” said senior Jack Searer. “I remember being onstage and looking out and seeing all of the audiences glow sticks and i just started crying on stage, it was such an unreal feeling that I just want to live over and over again”