Mamma Mia, here I go again! As the snow piled up on the Circle this winter, the musical cast and crew returned with a marvelous performance of Mamma Mia!, transporting our community to a sun-soaked Greek island paradise.
With dazzling performance numbers, infectious energy, and timeless ABBA hits, the show brought much-needed warmth and vibrancy to combat the winter blues. From shimmering costumes to electric choreography, every moment on stage reminded the audience that music and joy can make summer feel just within reach, even in the coldest season.
Directed by Laurie Sales, choreographed by Nichole Harris, and conducted by John Eldridge, their leadership built a strong community within the theater and brought joy to the audience.
The decision to stage Mamma Mia! was driven by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the students. While Newsies was initially considered, the excitement surrounding Mamma Mia! made it the obvious choice. From the beginning, the energy among the cast and crew was palpable, setting the stage for a production filled with joy and passion.
However, bringing Mamma Mia! to life was not without challenges. The musical’s length—more than two hours—demanded a high level of endurance and concentration from the cast. Everyone needed to participate fully as all cast members, both onstage and off, sang in every song, which encouraged the less musically experienced actors to push their limits. Despite this, the team worked diligently, ensuring every number resonated with energy and emotion.
While Ms. Sales initially had reservations about the show, the infectious enthusiasm of the company won her over. The deep bonds formed throughout the process culminated in an emotional closing night with Ms. Sales shedding tears during the bows.
Olivia Hegyi ’27, who took on the role of Sophie Sheridan, a girl desperate to know who her father is, also shared her love for Mamma Mia! Musicals had played a significant role in Olivia’s life as she had developed a love for performing even before coming to Groton.
“There’s something magical about the shows,” she said. “And I want to help create that same magic for other people.”
Olivia recalled that some of her favorite behind-the-scenes moments were the bonds that she formed with those she had worked closely with. Through the ensemble activities that Ms. Sales arranged, the cast members got to know one another better and built a comfortable space for teamwork and communication.
Olivia also revealed that one of the difficulties of rehearsing was embracing the energy in the absence of an audience. “Bringing the same vibrance into an empty space was a challenge,” she shared, especially with the repetitive nature of rehearsals. However, the performers’ trust and enthusiasm in the process helped foster a permanent sense of excitement and allowed a distinctive energy to be brought at every performance.
The fascinating storyline and charming delivery made this musical unforgettable. The dedication of the cast, crew, and directors proved that theater is not just about the performance, but the journey taken together by all. Although the winter term has come to an end, the stage light continues to shine as Mamma Mia! sets the stage for even more exciting performances ahead.