The irresistible music of ABBA and a story about love, identity and family are coming together onstage at San Lorenzo Valley High School, where students are bringing “Mamma Mia!” to life at the school’s performing arts center March 6-15.
The musical follows Sophie Sheridan as she secretly invites three men (Sam, Bill and Harry) from her mother Donna’s past to her Greek island wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. Chaos, comedy and choreography to classic songs follow.
Senior Dimitri Tsyrganovich Lamendella plays Sam Carmichael, a lead in the musical.
“‘Mamma Mia!’ is the musical and movie that got me into theater,” he shared. Having appeared in previous SLVHS productions, he said stepping into this role feels like a full-circle moment. “It’s special to be part of the show that first inspired me.”
Senior Caleb Graham, who plays Sophie’s fiancée Sky, admitted he hadn’t even seen the show before being cast.
“I have never done a musical or play and I wanted to try something new,” he said. After diving into rehearsals, he’s found himself embracing both the challenge and the camaraderie. “The most challenging part has been learning all the music and choreography at the same time,” he said, “but it’s also the most rewarding.”
Others are seasoned performers like junior Sesilee Long, who has been in multiple plays and musicals. Long plays the glamorous and outspoken Tanya, and she jumped at the chance to audition.
“I have always loved performing and acting ever since I was little,” she said. Having seen the movie multiple times, she was excited to step into one of its most iconic roles. “Tanya brings humor and confidence to the show. She’s bold, she’s funny, and she supports Donna no matter what.”
Adam Harrell, a senior, plays Bill, saying, “I’ve always loved ‘Mamma Mia!’ and wanted to be a part of such a fun production.” When asked to share the moral of the musical, Harrell said, “I’d say the moral is to be happy with the way things are, and not to rush into things too fast. I hope the audience walks away from this show feeling entertained and happy.”
Senior Sofia Graham, the show’s stage manager, said “Mamma Mia!” holds a special place in her heart.
“‘Mamma Mia!’ was my introduction to musical theater,” she said. “I knew I wanted to work on this show to be part of something that meant so much to me.” Coordinating scene changes, props and cues for a fast-paced musical filled with big production numbers is no small task. “The hardest part has been making sure everything runs smoothly with so many moving pieces,” she noted.
The cast agrees that one of the biggest challenges has been the sheer scale of the production. With demanding vocal harmonies, energetic choreography and nearly nonstop music, rehearsals have required focus and stamina.
“This production contains a lot of singing and dancing,” Tsyrganovich Lamendella said. “It pushes all of us to grow.”
Beyond the dance moves and catchy tunes, students say the show carries an important message.
“The moral of the story is to embrace who you are and the path your life has taken,” Tsyrganovich Lamendella reflected. Caleb added, “It’s about being honest with the people you love.” Sesilee put it simply: “Live your life to the fullest and don’t be afraid to take chances.”
Even Sofia, working from the wings, hopes audiences feel the impact. “It’s a lighthearted show,” she said, “but it’s also about family, friendship and finding where you belong.”
Director Daria Troxell said, “As the director of ‘Mamma Mia!’, the best part about my job is educating the students about theater in general, while ensuring that we are telling the story that was written by the authors. Through theater, students build essential life skills, such as learning to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and practice empathy toward others. It gets their creative energies going, and can offer a safe space for personal expression as well as emotional growth and development. We are so fortunate to have a theater program at SLVHS, and I am honored to be entrusted with guiding the students in this creative endeavor.”
“Mamma Mia!” marks Musical Director Nicki Kerns’ eighth production with the high school’s theater department, and her second stint on this particular show (they last did it in 2019).
“The best parts of supporting students in theater are many: I get to share my passion for live theater and music with these students, help support them as they achieve their dream of performing onstage, offer support to those for whom being in a show for the very first time is a new and sometimes scary experience, nurture new talent, instill confidence and foster strong bonds as we welcome new members into the theatrical family,” Kerns said.
“Mamma Mia!” is presented at the SLV Performing Arts Center on March 6-15. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, with Sunday matinees at 2pm. There is a special Community Night performance on Thursday, March 12, at 7pm when all tickets are discounted. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door one-hour prior to showtime; advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased online at the SLV Theatre Boosters webpage. This show is rated PG-13. Some content may not be suitable for younger audience members.
