Mamma Mia, here we go again!

On Tuesday, January 21st, inspiring actors across the school learned of the 2025 Spring Production. Our school has a proud history of theatrical productions, from last year’s district level victory in the National Theatre School (NTS) Dramafest competition, as well as incredible past productions such as School of Rock (2023), the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2014), and Little Shop of Horrors (2008). This year’s production hopes to continue the tradition of incredible musicals with the Tony Award nominated musical Mamma Mia. After a tough audition process, those actors who made it through began rehearsing for their big performances on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

At the time of auditions, neither actors nor teacher directors knew what the production was going to be, instead opting for an auditions first process. However, hints were planted within the required audition materials on what the production could be: monologues and songs from Mamma Mia and monologues from Peter and the Starcatcher. Despite the lack of information and a span of over two weeks, more than 45 actors gave everything they had in their auditions, and after waiting a week, the cast list was revealed and auditions began.

Piper Jones, who starred a leading role in School of Rock, won Outstanding Supporting Lead Actor award last year at NTS, and is now casted as Tanya, was interviewed. Jones told us, “In the past productions I’ve been in, there was a lot of hard-work and fun, but also plenty of stressing behind the scenes. I always felt extremely proud, though, no matter what. I am beyond excited to not only be working with so many friends, but also to be able to create something amazing for this year’s show with them. I did a lot of reading up on characters, so I’m thrilled about getting the chance to play Tanya, who is so fun and witty. I’m hoping for an awesome experience to match the awesome cast!”

We also interviewed Joanna Georgoulis, who is playing one of the leading roles of Donna in her first high school production. Georgoulis shared with us, “I’ve wanted to do a musical for a long time, but the thing is, although I went to, like, an art middle school, they didn’t do any musicals, they just did plays. And for the musical that they did do, it was Seussical…” “…Okay. I wanted this role. This role I really like Sophie and I was like, okay, um that’s one of the leads, but I didn’t like her as much as Donna because she was too airy and bubbly for me. I think I like more of, like, the deeper and the more mature characters…” “…Am I excited? Yes I’m excited! It’s like, you know, first musical and I hadn’t auditioned before and I got the lead. It’s very cool. And even if I had gotten ensemble though, like, I wouldn’t quit. I would still do it, because musical theatre is fun bro. I love acting.”

“We are super excited to be continuing on our traditions of bringing a musical to our spring production this year,” said Ms. Blackwood, teacher director of the musical. “We are super excited to bring Mamma Mia. It’s such a fun show for this time of year. So we are expecting really excited audiences who are going to get into the whole vibe and mood of the show, which is really just to have a lot of fun. We are excited to get as many students to get involved as we can like we did with School of Rock, so we will be looking for help with production, and props, and costumes, and sets, and lights. But we are well underway working with our performers, both singers, actors, and musicians. And they are already working hard to get the show ready, and we cannot wait to share the show with everybody and see their response.”

Rehearsals are in full swing for the performers and musicians putting this production together. It takes boundless effort and talent to pull off a performance of this scale. However, this cast has what it takes. Hopes are high for another incredible performance.