In their fifth complete musical performance, the OA singers will bring the hit Broadway musical Mamma Mia! to Kennedy Performing Arts Center (KPAC) on Nov. 7 and 8. Freshman Makenna Senglaub (Sophie), sophomore Zishaan Ahmed (Sky), and senior Ava Pitts (Donna), will be taking the stage as the leads for this year’s performance.
Mamma Mia! follows the story of Sophie Sheridan, a young bride who invites three men from her mother’s past in hopes of finding her father and fulfilling her dream of walking down the aisle with him on her wedding day. The show is driven by ABBA’s iconic hits, featuring upbeat, catchy melodies like “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen.”
“I chose [the show] for the music, really. It’s older and very recognizable,” OA Singer’s director Mr. Hogan said. “Energetic and very positive— that’s what I really like about it.”
This year, the OA singers are focused on fine-tuning their acting skills. With additional funds, they brought in drama coach Ms. Scarlett, who helps with directing the screenplay, refining facial expressions, and strengthening stage presence. Each character has a unique personality, ranging from the hardworking, resilient Donna Sheridan to the charming and adventurous Sky Rymand.
“Ms. Scarlett has been a big help with interpreting lines and blocking,” OA singer Adora Anandou, a junior playing Rosie, said. Blocking is the choreographed movement of actors on the stage, such as their positions, entrances, and exits. “When I auditioned, I didn’t think I had a lot in common with Rosie because she is a more loud and crazy character. But, I realized that even if I don’t have a lot in common, I have the opportunity to become someone that’s completely different from myself, which is very unique.”
Behind the scenes, the OA singers and parent volunteers are working to create colorful scenery and costumes under the direction of set coordinator Mr. Kevin Sequeira. The mystical Greek islands serve as the heart of the atmosphere, with backdrops and props that transport the audience into Sophie’s world of sun-soaked beaches, weathered boat docks, and charming Greek tavernas. The singers are expected to finish building a few weeks before the show.
“We have set and prop building, workshops, and paint days right here at school. We build all the sets ourselves; they’re 100% homemade,” said Ava Pitts, who plays Donna in the musical.
Before the show takes place, the choir classes practice collectively in three dress rehearsal nights, weaving their respective scenes and musical numbers together to simulate the entire production for a more polished performance.
“It’s the first time you really see the whole story played out,” Mr. Hogan said. “It takes a lot of time, but I think that’s why it’s so valuable.”
Overall, the cast has high hopes for the performance. They feel confident in their hard work and are pushing to make their performance one audiences won’t forget.
“All of the classes have been working really hard to prepare,” Anandou said. “I think Mamma Mia! might be one of our best shows yet, and I encourage anyone who’s free to come check out the show.”
