MADISON - Members of the press and a select group of invited guests were able to attend a special dress rehearsal of “Mamma Mia” at the Madison High School auditorium on Friday, Feb. 23.
The popular musical, featuring a story line structured around the feel-good pop hits of the 1970’s Swedish quartet ABBA, showcased the talents of several dozen high school performers who sang, danced, and acted during the two-hour exhibition.
Under the direction of Blake Spence, who teaches theater arts at Lyndhurst High School in Bergen County, and producer and English teacher Doug Oswin, Madison’s version of “Mamma Mia” is the result of three months’ worth of preparation.
Responsible for coordinating the casting, crewing, costumes, music, and rehearsals, the duo was excited to see the final project come to fruition.
“Mamma Mia” tells the story of a young woman named Sophie who, on the eve of her wedding, desperately wants her father to walk her down the aisle. However, her mother, Donna, has a colorful past, making the identity of her father questionable. A trio of former suitors of Donna show up just before the wedding, and the ensuing confusion and anxiety that occurs is the basis for animated dialogue, dancing, and singing.
Madison student Ava Vazquez, who plays the lead role of Sophie, has a commanding presence onstage, belting out her lines and lyrics with authority and animation that is rarely seen outside a professional setting.
Her performance is complimented by her mother Donna, who is played by Isabella Rojas. Rojas’ is skilled at conveying facial expressions and body language that reflect a wide range of emotions that include regret, sadness, exuberance and gratefulness. She’s a sympathetic presence onstage, and audiences will find themselves rooting for her.
Actor Lucas Kolega plays the supporting role of Bill Austin, who is one of the three men from Donna’s past. Austin is an ebullient traveler and writer from down under. He’s a hail fellow well met, but is unable to settle down and commit to long term propositions.
Kolega portrays him with a convincing smile and alacrity that is infectious. On top of that, his Australian accent seems dead-on accurate.
Sophia Modi plays the supporting role of Rosie Mulligan, a friend and confidant of the bride’s mother, Donna. Modi provides important comic relief in this production, as she’s the supportive, slightly self-deprecating friend who doesn’t take herself too seriously. In this role, Modi floats around the stage, demonstrating a loyalty that defines the best of friendships.
Several other cast members add kinetic energy to the dance sequences, employing choreographed movements that provide a pleasing festivity to the show.
Behind the scenes, the Madison Music and Arts (MMA) organization provided crucial logistical support for the performance. MMA is an advocacy group consisting of parents and residents in the Madison community who are avid supporters of the visual and performing arts. Spokeswoman Laura Axler was on site for the dress rehearsal of “Mamma Mia” on Friday afternoon.
Axler, who is responsible for publicizing MMA initiatives, has worked with the organization for two years. She said the all-volunteer organization helps promote the theater arts, visual arts, and music performances across all public schools in Madison.
The MMA also delivered a cross benefit to the special needs community in Madison and surrounding towns by specifically designating the dress rehearsal as a “sensory friendly” run of the musical.
By easing back on the use of spotlights, strobes, and amplified music, Friday’s event was specifically tailored for an audience of children and adults who might be startled by loud noises and bright lights. It also allowed a special needs population to go out into the community, stigma free, and enjoy a pleasing spectacle.
The arrangement proved mutually beneficial for the performers as well. The “sensory friendly” performance was the first time the students had performed before a sizeable audience. It offered an important transition from informal rehearsals to the “real deal” that will soon start its four event run in early March.
As the musical kicked off, director Blake Spence marveled at the skills and dedication of his cast.
“The kids at Madison are amazing. They’re second to none, and every year I come back here I know I’m in for a new adventure; they’re going to give it 100 percent, and we’re going to put on something incredible,” he quipped.
“Mamma Mia” opens at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, all at the high school auditorium. Tickets are available online at events.madsionmusicarts.org.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Be Yourself. We do not accept and will not approve anonymous comments. We do not accept and will not approve anonymous comments. Kindly add your full name and hometown to the end of your comment.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.