Rehearsals are well underway at Waihī College, for the school’s production of Mamma Mia!
Based entirely around songs from the Swedish pop group ABBA, the musical follows the story of Sophie as she plans her wedding on an idyllic Greek Island – and her mother, Donna, who is met with reminders of her past when Sophie invites three of her former lovers to the event.
The college’s students have been rehearsing for several months for the show, with twice-weekly practices after school and the occasional weekend. Director and drama teacher Ingrid Berry said it was all coming together nicely.
“We’re at the point where we’re bringing all the pieces together – set, band, lighting. We’re lucky to have some talented singers, musicians and comedians in our cohort who are really coming out to shine,” she told The Profile.
“Our music man Mr Randell has been bringing to life those iconic ABBA songs, and I’ve been sneaking in some disco flair into the choreography. It’s a fun musical, we’ve had such a laugh rehearsing it. I think audiences will enjoy it too.”
The students were also having a blast, although with opening night only a few days away some admitted the nerves were beginning to kick in.
“It’s getting very exciting, getting closer and closer to the wall. You can see we’re all working really hard,” they said.
DETAILS: Mamma Mia! June 18-21 at Waihī College. See www.events.humantix.com for tickets.
