Theatre aficionados can leave the snow behind and take a trip to a Greek island in Bow Valley High School’s production of the popular musical Mamma Mia, with five shows running Nov. 27 to Dec.1.
Theatre arts instructor and show runner Adrienne Fossheim promises a lively and heartwarming performance as the talented high school cast brings the iconic musical to life. She said students have been asking for Mamma Mia for years, and now seemed like the right time.
“We finally have the perfect group to do it,” she said.
A group of over 100 students from grades 9 to 12 form the team that puts the production together, covering everything from performance to costume design, to sets, lights, sound – all aspects.
“It really is a collaborative project,” Fossheim said. “So not only do we love the feel good Abba music, blasting hit after hit all day long, it’s wonderful, but this story is truly about relationships, long time friendship, family bonds, love and romance, and we thought as we approach the holiday season it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together,” she said.
Fossheim said it may be tough for some audience members to restrain themselves from singing along to some of the more catchy songs.
Cast member Erin Vlasblom, who plays Donna in the play, said her experience is also all about relationships.
“This whole production and program at Bow Valley is just such a wonderful community and you learn a lot about acting and the technical side, too,” she said.
“It’s an amazing community, the people . . . it’s like a tight knit family. It teaches you lots,” Vlasblom said.
The story is set against the backdrop of a picturesque Greek island, where the protagonist Sophie goes on a quest to discover the identity of her father, all while singing along to classic ABBA hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me."
Sophie’s dream wedding won't be complete without her father to walk her down the aisle, which is complicated by the fact that she doesn't know who her father is.
The cross-generational love story ahs been a global smash hit with an audience of over 50 million people worldwide. It lasted nearly 14 years on Broadway and has spawned two movies starring Meryl Streep.
Part of the musical’s popularity may be because it’s about strong women, friendship, motherhood, and fatherhood. There's something for old people, young people, couples and single people.
The show has a run time of two hours with a 30 minute intermission between acts and is rated PG-13. Bow Valley’s chamber ensemble will offer live entertainment before the show and during intermission, and a Mamma Mia themed concession will be open serving a selection of food and beverages.
Shows are on Wednesday, Nov. 27, Thursday Nov. 28 and Friday Nov. 29 at 6 pm, with weekend matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. For tickets go to cur8.com/26257/project/127376.
