The dark theater shakes with a low, yet welcoming rumble from the pit orchestra; lights warm the stage, and the John F. Branciforte Auditorium is transformed into the fictional island of Kalokairi, Greece. Senior Alexa Rutigliano emerges onto the stage, holding three unmistakable letters in front of the blue taverna covered in vines. Rutigliano, completely immersed in her character as Sophie Sheridan, stares up at the audience, smiling into the spotlight.
Mamma Mia! was first performed in London’s West End Theater in 1999 before it debuted on Broadway in 2001. In 2008, it was adapted into a box-office-success film, featuring prominent actors Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, and others. The story focuses on Sophie Sheridan, a young woman who invites her three potential fathers to her wedding without her mother’s knowledge. The plot centers on the discovery of Sophie’s birth father, the fear of embracing one’s past, and the importance of family and friendship. The musical is filled with laughter, love, and features music from the hit group, ABBA.
The show takes the audience on a journey through the complex feelings that Sophie has about her identity, and her mother’s unique heartache with each man. Rutigliano moves across the stage with purpose yet captures the wonder and curiosity of the character. Her voice carries throughout the auditorium, hitting each wall and blending with the pit orchestra. Alongside her, senior Molly Schutzman captivates the audience with her hardworking, free-spirited portrayal as Donna, Sophie’s mother. Donna is an independent woman: she is focused on raising her daughter, creating the perfect wedding, and running her hotel alone, without accepting any help.
Schutzman carries the character with the same strength and determination seen in the hit movie. She holds the audience’s attention with her strong duality: adventurous and bubbly, yet vulnerable and full of repressed heartache. Schutzman moved the audience and cast members to tears in songs, “The Winner Takes It All” and “Slipping Through My Fingers.” Her voice held the weight of the difficult life that Donna had struggled with; Schutzman had truly immersed herself in Donna. Through her strong exterior, her uncertainty and fear about the past began returning to her throughout the show. In Act Two, it was clear that Schutzman’s emotions returned, but were left on stage for the audience to see.
A prominent character who had also given his all was senior Jackson Reiser, portraying one of Sophie’s potential fathers, Sam Carmichael. A divorced and successful architect, Sam is a confident and passionate man who has been mourning the loss of Donna and his love for her for the past 20 years. Reiser portrays him in both ways, with overconfidence and devastation over Donna. Many were taken away with Reiser’s strong voice and portrayal of emotions throughout various scenes. By the end of the show, Reiser had adapted his performance from a confident and successful man to vulnerable and youthful who is healed after years of heartbreak.
Reiser accompanied the stage with seniors Nicholas Sferrazza and Daniel Berrios, who played possible fathers Harry Bright and Bill Anderson, respectively. Both actors told their individual story through their emotions, mannerisms, and voices: they reflected on memories from their youth and current lives. Each character was given his or her own unique reaction to finding out the possibility of fatherhood, making the confusion, pressure, and longing for a family felt by the audience. In the end, the three men all develop an individual relationship with Sophie and take on the new journey of fatherhood together.
Supporting Donna throughout it all was The Dynamos, best friends Tanya, played by Aliye Simsek and Rosie, played by Sophia Schoen, adding comedic flair and representing their youth. Paired together, Simsek and Schoen left the audience laughing and made the heavy story lighter and full of chaos that was similar to the chaos recalled upon in their younger days. The two found the ideal combination of acting like middle-aged friends and bringing the teenage type of fun to the stage. Simsek and Schoen blended together in the ballad, “Chiquitita”, the iconic song “Dancing Queen”, and “Super Trouper” when the bedazzled girl group, Donna and The Dynamos, reforms at the end of Act One. Both actors truly allowed themselves to have fun on the stage, making moments memorable for both the cast and audience watching.
There would not be a wedding without a groom; Sophie’s soon-to-be husband, Sky, fits right into the big, overcomplicated family. As Sky, senior Ryan Dugger radiates his character’s care and devotion to Sophie. In the vibrant scene, “Lay All Your Love on Me,” the couple’s love towards each other is warm and passionate. Dugger portrays Sky’s dedication to helping Donna and the island, as well as the struggles of helping Sophie discover her identity. Dugger conveyed every line and emotion to the audience without sign of hesitation or worry. While under the spotlight, he transformed himself into a young man full of love and passion for his future wife and the new family he had been welcomed into.
With many of the main cast being seniors and upperclassmen, emotions were high. An emotional ride of laughs and tears, every person felt the sentiments of growing up and the parental love that is felt throughout our lives. Closing night, senior members expressed not only their sorrow, but enjoyment and accomplishments for their hard work throughout their final show.
Mamma Mia! sold out all four shows and was a success for the students and administrators involved. Through laughs, music, choreography, and a beautiful set, a story about family and love was conveyed. The show left the audience with an important message: family is who you want it to be.
