High School Thespians Bringing Magic of ‘Mamma Mia’ to Life

The lively musical “Mamma Mia” is coming to the Wantagh High School stage in November, a show that has been embraced by student-actors and is expected to be a big hit with audiences. There will be four shows from Nov. 20 to 22.

 

“Mamma Mia” tells the story of a young woman on a Greek island who secretly invites three men from her mother’s past in hopes of discovering which one is her father. Featuring the hit songs of ABBA, the show celebrates family, friendship, love and self-discovery with humor, heart and plenty of music and dancing.

 

Director Dr. Kimberly Davis said the show will feature an elaborate, professionally built set that will complement the bright and colorful costumers along with dynamic choreography.

 

“The vocals and the dancing are outstanding,” she said. “We have a lot of talent there. They’re going to sound great and they’re going to look great.”

 

Lead actors include Diana Goncalves as Sophie, Emily McHale as Donna, Nick Allen as Sam, Ryan Mundy as Sky, Dylan Loveland as Harry and Luke Rose as Bill. Major musical numbers are “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and “Voulez-Vous.”

 

Diana, a freshmen who is making her debut with the high school drama club after performing in three shows at the middle school, is looking forward to seeing the big set. She said this will truly transform the stage into a Greek island and make the characters even stronger. Emily, a sophomore, said her favorite moment in the show is her powerful and emotional solo, “Winner Takes It All.”

 

“This is a really bold show,” Emily said. “This is a big step for Wantagh theater because it’s such a huge production. The cast is so talented and everyone is putting in so much effort. It will be great.”

 

Senior Ryan Mundy, a veteran of the Wantagh stage since sixth grade and a lead last year in “1660 Vine,” is excited for a musical based on a popular movie and knows it will be well-received by the community. His top moment in the show is the opening number of the second act when he walks onto and off the stage in a wedding dress.

 

Supporting Dr. Davis are choreographer Christina Mealey, vocal director Sameerah Cassidy, technical director Christopher Cockren and stage crew director Annie Rodriguez. Wantagh theater will do two musical productions this year, with “Sweeney Todd” in April.

 

Show times for “Mamma Mia” are Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens, and available for purchase at on SeatYourself.biz/wantaghms.