‘Having the time of your life’ – Summerset Theatre presents ‘Mamma Mia!’
Published 8:56 am Wednesday, July 24, 2019
- Morgan Dickman, playing Donna Sheridan, sings during rehearsal for the upcoming Summerset Theatre presentation of “Mamma, Mia!” Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The last show of Summerset Theatre Season 52, “Mamma Mia!” is opening Thursday evening at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College.
Set to the music of 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA, “Mamma Mia!” is a romantic comedy, contrasting the dreams and aspirations of a 70s and a 90s girl. In it we meet Donna, a feisty single parent who doesn’t need a man to make her life complete. Her 20-year old daughter Sophie, however, wants romance, babies and a big, white wedding. She also wants her father to give her away.
Sophie Sheridan, played by, Emily McAlister rehearses a scene during “Mamma Mia!” Tuesday night.
If only her mother could tell her who her father is …
“I enjoy the humor, heart and music of the show the most,” said director Carrie Braaten, who previously directed “Musical of Musicals: The Musical” during Season 51. “This show will make you laugh, cry and dance while seated.”
Braaten said the cast consists of approximately 12 individuals making their debut in Summerset Theatre. There were also several cast members involved in Season 52’s first show, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”
“Juggling the rehearsal schedule to accommodate conflicts was the biggest challenge,” Braaten said. “The cast members were continually focused, understanding and flexible throughout the process. I couldn’t ask for a better group.”
Randy Forster, from left, John Deyo and Lucas Johnson rehearse a scene from the Summerset Theatre presentation of “Mama Mia!”
“Mamma Mia!” will be performed at 7 p.m. July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3 and 2 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 4. All performances will be held at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and students. Tickets can be purchased online anytime at www.summersettheatre.org, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Riverland Box Office or one hour before the show.
“This show is an absolute blast and I encourage anyone who wants to be wildly entertained to join us for the fun!” Braaten said.
For more information, call 507-433-0595 or email boxoffice@riverland.edu.
Cast
- Sophie Sheridan – Emily McAlister
- Ali – Katie Lillemon
- Lisa – Faith Rautenkranz
- Donna Sheridan – Morgan Dickman
- Tanya – Kaye Perry
- Rosie – Laurie Helmers
- Sky – Gabe Deyo
- Pepper – Alex Knoll
- Eddie – Austin Hodnefield
- Harry Bright – Randy Forster
- Bill Austin – John Deyo
- Sam Carmichael – Lucas Johnson
- Father Alexandrios – Anthony Jax
- Ensemble – Brianna Ahlbrecht, Kari Lynn Finley-Cooke, Eli Hanson, Katie Hunerdosse, Anthony Jax, Cori Peinovsky, Diana Petrik, Kristy Possin, Kim Potter, Josie Reinartz, Noelan Riley, Kara Sathre, Emma Waters and Jennifer Wiebrand
Crew
- Director – Carrie Braaten
- Stage Manager – Karina Hernandez
- Vocal Direction/Rehearsal Pianist – Audrey Kristufek
- Choreographer – Marny Rohr
- Technical Director – John Deyo
- Costume Design/Construction – Madlain Vander
- Costume Assistants – Mary Hoffman, Kaye Perry
Musicians
- Conductor/Keyboard 1 – Audrey Kristufek
- Keyboard 2 – Brian Johnson
- Keyboard 3 – Dori Schou
- Keyboard 4 – Susan Hays
- Guitar – Grant Sharstrom
- Bass – Scott Anderson
- Drums – Michael Petersen
- Percussion – Steven Conradt
