Reviews: Mamma Mia! presented by Osbourn Park HS
Written by Clare Shacochis of Oakton High School
Say "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" to seeing Mamma Mia! at Osbourn Park High School!
First premiering in the West End in 1999, Mamma Mia! was written by Catherine Johnson, based on and featuring music by the Swedish pop group ABBA. One of the most famous jukebox musicals of all time, the production was so successful that it opened on Broadway soon after, and eventually had a beloved film adaptation of the same name. The story, set on a Greek island, follows single mother Donna and her daughter Sophie, a bride-to-be. Hoping to find the identity of the father she never knew, Sophie sends out invitations to three possible fathers, without telling Donna.
Taking center stage as Donna Sheridan was Alejandra Velez Ocasio. Throughout her performance, Velez Ocasio maintained a remarkable energy, even during back-to-back musical numbers. Her powerful belting during the emotionally charged performance of 'The Winner Takes It All' was particularly striking. Velez Ocasio and Kat Hupman, playing her onstage daughter Sophie, created a believable and heartfelt mother-daughter relationship, notably during a touchingly tender version of "Slipping Through My Fingers." Velez Ocasio's mature, motherly portrayal, however, didn't stop her from revealing a vibrant edge to the character as figures from Donna's past re-emerged into her life.
Joining Donna to bring out her youthful side were her Dynamos, Tanya and Rosie, played by Essence Harrison and Zoe Manning. This trio shone in scenes together, from comically comforting Donna throughout "Chiquitita" to strutting across the stage during "Dancing Queen." Harrison and Manning's comedic timing was spot on, keeping the audience laughing and showing off their commitment to their characters, even in the background of a scene.
Adding delightful details to all of the actors was the hair and makeup team, led by Leah Zegarra, Logan Ryle, and Ash Griffin. Sophie and Sky sported a slightly sunburnt effect, which fit with both the youth of the characters and their position as residents of the island. The older characters, like Donna and Rosie, had subtle old-age makeup, while Sam and Bill had graying hair. The hair and makeup team played a large role in making the show more immersive, thanks to clever finishing touches that enhanced the actors' work.
The costume designers, Isabelle Manning and Madison Reynolds, aided the actors in building strong characterizations for their characters. Donna, Rosie, and Tanya each had their own signature color—blue, orange, and purple, respectively—which was echoed in the other trios featured in the show. Several costumes were student-made, including Sophie's wedding dress and the colorful jumpsuits worn by the Dynamos during the encore.
The set, designed by Jay Welch, Jonathan Salazar, and Ayden Pantavong, was one of the most impressive aspects of the show. While smaller pieces were brought in to establish certain locations, Donna's taverna was the primary set. Taking inspiration from Greek architecture, the taverna stretched across the entire stage, including two staircases on either side of the balcony. The expansive set allowed the actors to use every inch of the space, which came in handy during large dance numbers. The set team paid close attention to detail, from the stained glass window door to the vines growing across the walls, making the taverna feel well-worn and well-loved.
To the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! at Osbourn Park High School, thank you for the music!
Written by Alden Walcott of South Lakes High School
Break out those platform shoes and 70's moves, and get ready to "take a chance on" love. Osbourn Park High School's production of Mamma Mia! is a rip-roaring good time, and just the kind of feel-good, nostalgic tale about the power of love that audiences can't resist. Cue the disco ball!
On a picture-perfect Greek island, 20-year-old Sophie is planning her dream wedding and wants her father to give her away. There's only one problem - she doesn't know who he is! Fishing through her mother's past for clues, Sophie secretly invites three possible candidates to her wedding, surprising her mother, enlivening past relationships, and hilariously upending everything she thought she knew.
Showcasing the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia!, by playwright Catherine Johnson, features timeless hits written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus that leave audiences enthralled. Debuting on London's West End in 1999, the jukebox musical has become the fifth-longest running show in West End history. Mamma Mia! also capped a nearly-14 year run on Broadway in 2015, its over 5700 Broadway performances delighting generations of new ABBA fans, becoming an uproarious theatrical must-see.
With compelling stage presence and a nuanced portrayal of the conflicting emotions of a fun-loving singer turned gritty single mom, Alejandra Velez Ocasio's Donna captivated the audience. The richness and depth of her vocals in "The Winner Takes It All" underscored the poignancy of her regret for the life she thought she lost twenty years ago, while her physicality and comedic timing shone in her banter with once-and-future lover Sam (Wyatt Jean), with whom she shared sparks of tension and a palpable, growing connection. Raising the energy and bringing zest to the storyline were Donna's former bandmates, Tanya (Essence Harrison) and Rosie (Zoe Manning), whose comedic rapport and spot-on three-part harmonies made these Dancing Queens the friends everyone wishes they had. Harrison's punchy one-liners and vivacious charm were nicely juxtaposed with Manning's grounded confidence, making the trio of old friends a comedic powerhouse, drawing out Donna's playfulness and enveloping audiences in welcome lightheartedness.
The ensemble likewise worked together with boundless energy, creating a vibrant backdrop of Greek island life and providing unexpected comedy -- from dancing in snorkeling flippers to popping unceremoniously out of hedges and windows during the chorus of the crowd-pleasing song "Mamma Mia," drawing laughter with their commitment and dynamism. Their enthusiasm also emphasized the youthful innocence of Sophie (Kat Hupman), whose performance was characterized by an infectious warmth and sincerity that made Hupman easy to root for.
Ayden Pantavong, Jonathan Salazar, and Jay Welch brought the allure of a sun-drenched Greek island to life. Centered around a multi-story, whitewashed taverna with a balcony designed to hold multiple dancing cast members, the textured walls, rope stair rails, and repurposed materials used in the design created a relaxed, lived-in world perfect for a seaside reunion of long-lost friends. Equally impressive were the costumes by Isabelle Manning and Madison Reynolds. The collection of 180 costume pieces, with handmade items ranging from wetsuits to wedding dresses, and of course, the ubiquitous 1970s sequined jumpsuits (who doesn't pack one for a wedding?) gave just the right amount of whimsy and range to characters that had to seamlessly transition from casual island life to the height of disco glam.
As the curtain came down on the night's greatest hits, audiences were dancing in their seats with lighthearted abandon. Osbourn Park's production of Mamma Mia! is a feel-good reminder that sometimes, the most important thing in life is the love we build with the family we choose.