VPA to unveil local rendition of ‘Mama Mia!’ Friday at Glenn Massay Theater

PALMER — The Valley Performing Arts Center is set to premier their rendition of “Mama Mia!” Friday at the Glenn Massay Theater, led by longtime VPA director Grant Olson.

“It’s really exciting,” Olson said.

Olson said that he’s directed some innovative aspects to the show, with harmonics coming from both sides of the stage. He said this classic jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA will ring loud to the crowd.

“So, practically every song has this kind of harmonic support in the show,” Olson said.

Olson said this classic play derived from a very influential pop band from the 60’s and 70’s is sure to bring back nostalgic feelings and entertain new viewers as well. He said ABBA was very prominent in the “disco scene” of American history.

“Mamma Mia!” is based on original songs of ABBA, a Swedish pop/dance group that was active from 1972 to 1982 as one of the most popular international pop groups of all time.

The story takes place on a mythical Greek island during the present day. It follows a young girl named Sophie who dreams of a white wedding, with her father giving her away at the altar.

The plot thickens when it’s revealed that she doesn’t know who her dad is, with her wedding just around the corner. The three possible dads all show up after being invited and it’s up to her to find out who her real father is in time for the ‘I do.’

“There’s a lot of ABBA. So, we’ll probably get a lot of people 40 and up who hum along to ABBA,” Olson said.

Olson said that he and his set designer were both inspired by their travels through the island of Santorini in Greece to producer their set.

He said that his tweaks mostly include more “kissing, passion and romance” and said the story benefits from it. He said the cast has meshed together well, with numerous lifetime friendships resulting from the show. He noted that it was likely the most intensive series of rehearsals for song and dance he’s ever done after many decades of musicals with VPA.

There’s six band members for the orchestra, 30 in the cast and about five in the running crew.

The show runs through Oct. 6, for three weekends. The opening show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday. Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time online at glennmassaytheater.com.

General admission is $25 and it’s $23 for seniors/students.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com

Cast:

Sophie Sheridan – Charly Rentz; Donna Sheridan – Hillarie Gossett; Ali – Grace Bethel; Lisa – Audrey Johnson; Tanya – Charity Phillips-Little; Rosie – Angel Husher-Rodriguez; Sky – Bronsen Stewart; Pepper – Wesley Shields; Sam Carmichael – DJ Rotach; Harry Bright – Rob Tracy; Bill Austin – Ted Carney; Eddie – Evan Hample; Father Alexandrios – Steve O’Brien

Female Ensemble, Isabelle Bailey, Meghan Bailey, Aspen Bakner, Kaitlyn Barcelona, Alexis Cordell, Nani Gildersleeve, Nikki Hohnadel, Brea Holben, Audrey Johnson, Chris Johnson, Chasity Joseph, Jazlyn Lust, Kristin O’Connor

Male Ensemble

Jake Buzby, Levi Byrnes, Alex Cruz, Kobe Kramer, Christian McGee, Jacob Phillips, TJ Reichel