Theater Review: 'Mamma Mia!' by Southington High School Drama Club

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Southington High School Drama Club is dedicated “to enriching both students and the community at large through the celebration of and engagement in the dramatic arts. This weekend, the drama club will celebrate with a joyous production of “Mamma Mia!,” which is filled with the memorable music of ABBA.

“Mamma Mia! Features music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and some songs with Stig Anderson. The book for the musical is by Catherine Johnson, and the show was originally conceived by Judy Craymer. Additional material and arrangements are credited to Martin Koch.

Community theater performer Alyssa Fontana Bunel lovingly directs the teens with Sarah Reitsma as assistant advisor to the drama club. Bunel notes in the printed program that “Sophie’s search for identity reflects the questions many young people ask as they prepare to step into adulthood, while Donna’s story reminds us that parents are people too–full of dreams, mistakes, strength and love.”

She adds that “Musical theater asks students to take risks–vocally, emotionally, and physically–and this cast has embraced that challenge with enthusiasm and heart.” The director invites their audiences to “enjoy the music, sing along (silently or not!) and remember that sometimes the best answers come from not knowing everything–but from embracing the moment.”

Paula Calandra serves as the vocal director. The directors ensure that the well-rehearsed students sound and look their best in every single scene. Chloe Nivison designed the spirited choreography, which includes some lifts, with Alec Vargas as the guest choreographer for the bows.

Mia Bilodeau shines brightly in the role of young Sophie Sheridan (“I Have a Dream.). Lily Dauphinais as Ali and Liz Capellan as Lisa back her up as her best friends.

Sarah Ebaugh photos

Lily Tomko takes on the role of Sophie’s mother Donna Sheridan, the icon of female empowerment (“The Winner Takes It All.”) Tomko does well with the nuances of her character.

Donna’s former girl group mates are brought to glorious life by Sydney Ricciardi as the elegant and often married Tanya and Izzy Marius DeSoto as the delightful Rosie.

The cast is blessed with talented young guys to play the roles of the men on the Greek island. There are at least ten that dance (in flippers) in “Lay All Your Love On Me.”

Jack Hibbs is charming in the role of the groom-to-be Sky. Eli Rosin is Pepper and Carter Smith is Eddie.

As Sophie’s three possible dads, we have Matt Murdy as the English former headbanger Harry Bright (“Thank You For The Music.”) Simon Savelkoul has a wonderful voice in the role of Bill Austin (“Take a Chance On Me” with Rosie) and Ricky Silva is the architect that designed the taverna, Sam Carmichael (“Knowing Me, Knowing You.”)

Nico Busbee takes on the role of Father Alexandrios for the wedding scene.

Some of the characters enter through the stage right door to the auditorium and make their way to the stage very effectively. The hen party in “Souper Trouper” and “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” is a first act highlight, with sparkly costumes for Donna and the Dynamites, a disco ball and a stage full of girls dancing and singing.

There is a large ensemble that dances and sings their way through the numerous production numbers and it includes Finn O’Toole and Lilly Wood. Every single one of the performers are invested in the scenes and add much value to the scenes.

Not only does the behind-the-scenes crew include Ava Hibbs and Molly Tomko as stage mangers, they have an assistant (Julian Bonola,) a stage right lead and run crew, a stage left lead and run crew, and a host of lighting and sound operators.

The set design by the stage managers Molly Tomko and Ava Hibbs evokes the sun-drenched taverna, with a massive drop-down that brings us to the seaside. Amanda Dauphinais worked as the set design consultant and helped with its construction. There are ample windows and doors for the ensemble to pop out of. The amazing Tim Nivison and Patrick Forde consulted on the impressive lighting design; I loved the light pulses that accompanied some of the musical cues. The efficient sound design is by D & T Stage; I noticed only one glitch at the dress rehearsal that I attended. The summer weight costumes enhance the sunny atmosphere.

I was especially impressed with the sound of the pit orchestra that is conducted by Harrison Stuppler. With only three adults, the essentially student pit musicians perform the music of ABBA with a wonderfully full sound from their enviable pit area. Shout out to my former castmate Eric Chubet on trombone and Roark O’Toole on percussion.

The production team mentions special thanks to Pomperaug teacher Madge O’Toole, Lindsey DiPietro, Foster Evans Reese and Bristol Central High School. There is also a dedicated group of SHS Drama Club Boosters which is comprised of parents, faculty members, alumni, former theater kids and community supporters, all of whom enthusiastically support, strengthen, and celebrate the drama program. Kudos to all of the adults that work with these talented high school students who get their chance to shine onstage.

There is a bit of mild language and some sexual innuendo in the script, and some haze and flashing lights on the Southington stage. Performances run March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. in the beautiful auditorium on the Southington High School campus, which is located at 720 Pleasant St. Tickets are available online via Ludus or at the door and doors open at 6:30 p.m.