Elizabeth Hershey ’25
Mamma Mia will be the 2022 Upper School Spring Musical. With over 50 student participants and the extreme reduction of COVID restrictions, the performance will be run in a more traditional manner than previous years.
Dan Clay, Upper School Theater Department Chair, explains that after doing more serious shows such as Les Miserables and Godspell, he “thinks that what this community needs is a fun celebration and the show is really light and just fun for people.” He also appreciates the fact that this musical adheres to not only the students, but also to the parents, noting that “many generations are familiar with the story.”
Photo Courtesy of Brooklyn Smith ’23
Kelly Leight-Bertucci, Upper and Middle School Technician, believes that all members of the community will be able to connect to the story through the chapel theme, theme, “out of the darkness and into the light.” She notes, “The entire cast is working hard to spread positivity through this production, and the colorful stage designs capture this.” Leight-Bertucci is particularly excited for the audience to see the effort and advancements in the props, noting that “The last few shows done in that space have been [during COVID and thus] with more moveable set pieces and not typical structures. It will be exciting to experiment with different techniques of staging. ”
The members of the production are hopeful for an efficient performance with the reduction of COVID restrictions. Clay believes that, “at least as of now, the actors, technicians, and audience do not have to wear masks or distance themselves at the final performance.” The actors are happy about this, as many of them have performed in the past with masks and found the experience to be very difficult. Melanie Kryukov’ 25, a member of the ensemble, believes that “without masks, it is easier to interact with other actors and to project.”
The hope among all cast and crew members is that COVID-19 will not affect any part of the production. However, Leight-Bertucci is concerned about the spontaneous nature of COVID-19. She explains, “when we have tech rehearsal everyone has an assigned job and everyone is important, from the lightboard operator to the person that flies things in, and I am hoping they stay healthy.” In other words, it only takes one sick person to change the entire dynamic and roles of the production.
While still in the early stages of directing, it is clear among the actors that the scenes of “Super Trouper” and “Lay All Your Love On Me” are easily the favorites. Rachel Letts ‘22, who plays Sophie, believes that the high energy level of “Super Trouper” is exceptional. She explains, “It feels like we are at a party with the cast when we are doing the show.” Seta Bardakjian ‘25, a member of the ensemble, passionately concludes that her “favorite dance in the whole production is ‘Lay all your love on me’. It’s just so much fun!” Jack Cellucci ‘24, who plays Sky, adds “It [“Lay All Your Love On Me”] is my favorite (number) especially after I finish my solo when ensemble members begin to dance and sing in the background.”
With beautiful set designs and talented performers, the musical will be one to remember. It will run on the 29th and 30th of April with a faculty preview on the 28th. Tickets will be available for purchase closer to the date of opening night.