By AMARIS ENCINAS
Originally written by Catherine Johnson and recreated as a light-hearted and romantic work, “Mamma Mia!” will be presented by Pima Theatre.
Donna Sheridan (Thea Lancaster) and daughter Sophie Sheridan (Olivia Gainey) share a moment of reflection together.
The shows will begin Feb. 21 and run through March 3. American Sign Language interpreters will be at the Feb. 28 show.
Musical numbers will include “The familiar ABBA songs including ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘The Winner Takes It All,’ ‘SOS, ‘Knowing Me Knowing You,’ ‘Take A Chance On Me,’ ‘I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do,’ ‘The Name Of The Game,’ ‘Money Money Money,’ ‘Super Trouper’ And ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’; explosive dance numbers, live music and talented cast” (according to the press release).
Director Todd Poelstra described the show.
“It is two hours of non-stop fun,” he said. “(It’s) music almost everyone has grown up with.
“What you have here is that most of (the cast) are under 22 and … they didn’t grow up with the original music. They’ve grown up with the movie so they’re in some ways experiencing the stage play, which is different than the movie for the first time. It’s like reading the book after seeing the movie.”
Donna Sheridan (Thea Lancaster) is swept off her feet by Sam Charmichael (Rafael Acuna).
The cast bonded and became a family throughout the entire production. Along with Poelstra directing, the show is choreographed by Mickey Nugent. The music director is Martha Reed, with live music by the PCC Pit Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Mark Nelson. (PCC CFA Website).
Pepper (Jeff Stanton), Donna Sheridan (Thea Lancaster), Rosie (Gianbari Deebom) and Tanya (Shann Oliver) enjoy an evening out together.
“It’s a lot of dancing this show,” Nugent said. “I gotta tell you they’re all stepping up and doing well because they’re having so much fun … I tell the kids this is our version of it now. There are parallels to the movie; it fits the choreography for them.
“I am very pleased with what I’ve done and how they’re making it work,” he continued. “I’m excited, I’ve been wanting to do this show for 20 years and I’m excited to finally see Tucson the college and the community get to see a production over here (at the college) … Mother-daughter which is beautiful, friends and it’s all about women power.
“That’s what we like about this show.”
Cast
Sophie Sheridan: Olivia Gainey
Ali, Sophie’s friend: Lexi Baker
Lisa, Sophie’s friend: Lydia Zadarecky
Donna Sheridan: Thea Lancaster
Tanya. former Dynamo: Shann Oliver
Rosie, former Dynamo: Gianbari Deebom
Sky, Sophie’s fiance: Eduardo Rodriguez
Pepper: Jeff Stanton
Eddie: Alden Lester
Harry Bright: Evan Taylor
Bill Austin: Andrew Miller
Sam Charmichael: Rafael Acuna
Ensemble: Brittney Baker, Veronica Conran, Adrain Hinojos, Tyler Mire, Madison Peden, Timi Post, Madeline Rosales, Brandon Saxon, Mary Tran, Etienne Wegrzyniak