Villanova staff and students getting ready for "Mamma Mia!"
- Ron Giofu
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School is presenting "Mamma Mia!" for six shows later this month, the opening night being this Friday (Feb. 20). Other shows are Feb 21-22 and Feb. 26-28. These photos were taken during a rehearsal in the school's theatre last Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11).
The school community at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School is getting ready for its production of “Mamma Mia!”
Opening night for the show is this Friday and it runs the next two weekends in the school’s festival theatre.
Mary-Jo Grado, who co-directs the show with colleague Jenna Hunt, said there are about 70 on stage performers, as the show is double-casted with two people for every part.
There are also roughly 25 students helping with backstage work, lighting and promotion, along with staff and other classes.
“It’s a big group,” she said.
Roughly 110 students auditioned for the production with 70 kept for on stage roles.
“We started the second week of October with auditions,” said Grado. “We started rehearsals the first week of November.”
Grado said they are confident heading into Friday’s opening night, stating they are ahead of schedule and coming together well. She credited not only the students but the adults who are helping with the production as well.
Villanova performed “Mamma Mia!” in 2019 but brought it back this year because of the students asking to perform in it.
“The kids wanted it,” said Grado.
Jenna Ward and Melah Mulder play Sophie Sheridan and Donna Sheridan respectively.
“I love it,” said Ward. “I love just everything about the show.”
Ward added the cast has become like a family.
“We’re all very close,” said Ward.
Mulder said she is having fun performing in “Mamma Mia!” and also enjoys the community aspect of the play.
“It’s such a feel good show,” said Mulder.
Both Mulder and Ward like the fact they can perform in different ways, from singing to acting, and have different experiences along the way.
“It’s cool. You can learn so many different things,” said Mulder.
Ward said she acts in other theatre companies as well, noting she is also in the Arts Collective Theatre’s upcoming performance of “Six: Teen Edition.” She has been a regular in shows at Villanova, including all four years of her being a student there.
“I think it’s great for Mamma Mia to end with for my last year,” she said.
Mulder added “I grew up as a dancer” and has now developed other talents.
“I grew up on the stage,” she added.
Ward said other classes within Villanova helped with the production and she thanks them as well.
“We’ve had great support from the teachers,” she added.
Noting she started in school shows with choreography, Mulder stated she is happy to have come back to the stage in recent years.
Luke Taylor and Clinton Tynes alternate in the role of Sam Carmichael. Taylor said he plays sports at the school but has also found a home on the stage.
“I love the community we have here. I’ve been doing it the last four years,” he said. “The teachers here are amazing. This is what I like to do. I like to sing.”
Tynes agreed the atmosphere with their fellow Villanova players is a good one to be involved in.
“It’s a great way to meet new friends,” Tynes added.
Tynes has been in Villanova’s shows for the last four years and said he enjoys his experiences every year. Both he and Taylor have their theatre experiences mainly at Villanova, but both like being involved.
Opening night is this Friday (Feb. 20) and runs all weekend. It also runs the weekend of Feb. 26-28. All shows are at 7 p.m., except this Sunday (Feb. 22) as that is a 1 p.m. show.
Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and students, $10 for seniors and children ages 6-12 and free for children under six years of age. All seats are $10 for the Feb. 22 and Feb. 26 performances.
Villanova staff and students getting ready for "Mamma Mia!"
By Ron Giofu
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