By: Ava Abbate, Clearview Regional High School, Mullica Hill
BLACKWOOD, N.J. — The venue is set and the guests have arrived; however, Sophie hasn’t found out who will walk her down the aisle — and you thought weddings couldn’t be any more stressful? Highland Regional High School demonstrated how a wedding isn’t complete without knowing who loves and supports you in their production of Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a lively Jukebox Musical with music from ABBA which debuted at the West End Theatre in London around 1999. It is one of the longest running shows and is currently being reproduced on Broadway. The musical tells the story of a girl named Sophie Sheridan who longs to have her father walk her down the aisle; however, she has three possible contenders, all who believe they are her true dad. As Sophie struggles to unravel the mystery of her heritage and discover who she is becoming, her mom is forced to face the turmoil she has been running from for years.
Highland High School’s production of Mamma Mia! enthralled its audience with magnificent reactions, spectacular voices, and exceptional choreography that truly anchored their performance. Every actor in the 31-person cast displayed riveting energy and emotion that expertly conveyed the density of the script. This created a wonderful atmosphere that the audience couldn’t help but enjoy, as was evident in their thunderous applause after every scene.
The three main leads Donna Sheridan (Victoria Jefferson), Sophie Sheridan (Sadie Frame), and Sam Carmichael (Jacob Corsi) each played crucial roles in the development of the plot. While the entire cast shone, these three radiated on stage with their individual talents. Victoria Jefferson brought the character she portrayed alive, infusing her own sense of self into the role, especially in her song “The Winner Takes It All.” Similarly, Sadie Frame and Jacob Corsi displayed a palpable chemistry that hinted toward their growing relationship in Sam’s song “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” These actors exhibited strikingly powerful voices and superb diction in every song they sang.
The cast of Mamma Mia on a whole did an excellent job displaying enthusiasm throughout the show, especially in “Voulez Vous” and “Lay All Your Love On Me.” Every person stood out, making for a vibrant musical. Giavanna Monaco shone in her dance numbers, highlighting perfection in rhythm, fluidity, and reactions. Two other notable performers, Pepper (Ethan Jones) and Rosie (Sara Stevens) provided comedic character elements that constantly had the crowd doubled over laughing. Rounding out this talented cast was Tanya (Joss Tomeo) whose vibrant presence on stage and extraordinary vocals captured every eye and ear, especially in her song “Does Your Mother Know?” Throughout the performance, the talent and energy from the cast grew exponentially, making for one outstanding night.
Besides the outrageous amount of talent from the cast, the technical features embellished the musical. The lighting, executed by Sharlene Cani, Jadeyn Milliner, and Emmalee Stargell-Talley, enhanced the emotions of the cast. One stand out moment was during the song “Money, Money, Money” where multicolored lighting was added to dramatize Donna’s wish to be richer. Highland High School’s stage crew did a fantastic job completing quick and seamless scene changes, allowing for the show to run smoothly and keep the crowd from getting side tracked.
The audience was “Under Attack” from a spectacular production of Mamma Mia! at Highland Regional High School.
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