On May 7-9, Woodhaven Theatre Company put together their production of “Mamma Mia!” These shows were a smashing success, with nearly every seat filled every night. However, these results did not come without weeks of hard work, determination, and a clear vision for what they wanted to put together.
The show started with an open audition for the entire school. The results were a great cast list full of amazing talent. Each actor embodied their character with convincing enthusiasm, and even the ensemble went the whole show with a smile on their face. Every actor, crew member, and adult helper brought the enthusiasm and excitement a show like Mamma Mia thrives over.
Next came the dance and vocal practices. The cast practiced in a variety of spaces, and used digital recordings of their dances and songs to memorize their parts. For 12 weeks the ensemble practiced their difficult choreography, while leads worked on their lines and specific blocking for scenes. Although much of this work was done in separate spaces and on different days, when these scenes combined they created a great harmony in the space.
This leads us to one of the most important aspects of the show: the set. The set for Mamma Mia included many fine details, including a bar, hanging lights, balconies, and other fun features. During the final scenes of the show, a disco ball would descend from the fly system and illuminate the stage with the disco spirit! Every detail, from the flowers hanging on the walls to the anchor in the bar, was equally important to create an immersive and expressive experience.
Every night of performance offered new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. When challenges happen backstage, it is the students who must spot what is wrong, find out how to fix it, and make needed adjustments. This was especially true for the sound crew, who, from the sound booth in the auditorium, would communicate with sound members backstage on what to fix or adjust.
Mamma Mia was an unforgettable experience for cast, crew, and audience members alike. That expressive and exciting set of performances was the culmination of weeks of dedicated and hard work that paid off greatly. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the company’s socials @wtcproductions.
