Reading through the first cast list for the “Mamma Mia!” musical, Jami Redding became nervous after not seeing her name, knowing her competition was fierce. However, she was relieved when she read “Sophie Sheridan: Jami Redding” on the second cast list. Coincidentally, Redding had already been rehearsing for months in preparation for her character’s role.
“In the summer, I started learning some of Sophie’s parts and her songs just for fun,” Redding said.” I didn’t really think I would get the part, but when I did, I really started preparing for the role because I was so excited. I like to read through the scripts every day to make sure I have all the blocking and lines memorized.”
With two different casts, the “Honeys” and “Moneys,” the theatre department’s spring musical will run March 12-15 at 7 p.m. and March 15-16 at 2 p.m. in the theatre. Tickets cost $10 with ASB and $14 without.
The musical reflects the popular movie and Broadway success, Mamma Mia!,” which debuted in 2008. Set on a Greek island, 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan, a young bride-to-be meant to marry Sky Rymand, welcomes three men to her upcoming wedding. These three men, Bill Austin, Harry Bright and Sam Carmichael, are invited to the event to figure out Sophie’s real father.
“I think [the musical] is pretty similar to the movie, but there’s some different songs that are only in the second movie or got cut from the original film,” Redding said.
Along with Redding, the “Honeys” cast features Carson Nichols as Donna Sheridan, the mother of Sophie. In the “Moneys” cast, Audrey Loschiavo plays Sophie Sheridan, accompanied by Katherine Scott as Donna Sheridan. In both casts, Nickolas Saenz plays Bill Austin, Elijah Zuniga plays Harry Bright, Alex Glasgow plays Sam Carmichael and Adriano Bracamontes is cast as Sophie’s husband, Sky.
The audience can expect a two-hour long performance, with intermission halfway through. There will be 23 songs along with 10 dance numbers.
“I hope that [the audience] sees that the cast is having fun, that’s what matters to me the most,” Director Mr. Josh Ansley said.
In addition to the cast, students are also heavily anticipating the show.
“I’m excited to watch the ‘Mamma Mia!’ play, especially for the ABBA songs, because I think they’re the one of the most iconic parts of the whole musical,” Avleen Gahunia said.
by GABBY ROBINSON
