MOOSE JAW — Get ready to tap your toes to music from ABBA and enjoy some Greek culture as Vanier Collegiate’s theatre troupe prepares to entertain audiences with the musical comedy Mamma Mia!
The production is at the Mae Wilson Theatre from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. Adult tickets are $25 each and student tickets are $20 each.
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The show’s synopsis reads: “Welcome to a Greek island paradise where (this) heartwarming story of a mother, a daughter, and their search for identity unfolds. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie's quest to discover who her father is brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
“The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. Non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a show to remember.”
Student Kallie New portrays the character of Ali, who is one of Sophie’s best friends and a bridesmaid. Ali is also like the mother of the group since she’s uptight and concerned about her friends’ safety and well-being.
“Which fits my role in real life because I’m always the mother of every group I’m in,” New laughed.
The Grade 10 student has been singing since she was 12, but this is her first acting gig, and so far, it has been great. She joined the troupe because she took a drama class from teacher Kelsey Warren — a co-leader of the drama club — and was convinced to participate.
“I’ve had so much fun in drama class that I wanted to join the musical, and I’m so happy I did it,” New remarked.
New’s favourite parts have been working with new people since they share many laughs on and off set. Moreover, she likes how everyone supports and accepts each other, while she also enjoys how talented the actors are.
The first-year actor hasn’t experienced any nervousness so far but joked that that may happen closer to showtime and could “kick me in the stomach.” However, she is confident in her skills because of how much the group practises and because she is with her friends.
Student Arlyn Dequina is the stage manager on “Mamma Mia!,” a role she held last year on the production of “Elf.”
As stage manager, she oversees the cast and crew and manages logistics. Her main responsibilities include reminders about rehearsal dates, the practising of lines and choreography, and due dates for set construction.
This year’s cast and crew are exceptional since everyone works hard on stage or behind the scenes, while managing the 40 members is relatively easy since directors like Mrs. Warren keep everyone in line, said Dequina. That makes her role much less hectic, while the play is also less technical compared to last year.
“I think Vanier’s cast and crew are just all so talented and there’s just something about them,” the Grade 12 student continued. “Their dedication, they’re (willingness) to do everything that’s presented to them, all of that is just cool to see.”
Dequina is in Grade 12 this year, which means this will be her final show at Vanier.
“My relationships with the cast and crew have definitely developed and it’s really sad to see that this is my last production,” she added, “but because it’s a really good one, I think it will end my high school experience on a very good note.”
