Monomoy’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ Sure To Be A Crowd Favorite

It’s not often that March on Cape Cod feels like the Greek islands, but come March 11, it’s a guarantee. 

Monomoy Regional High School students will be transporting audiences to the fictional island of Kalokairi in their production of “Mamma Mia!” opening March 11 and running through March 15 in the auditorium of the school on Oak Street in Harwich.

The musical follows the original 1999 play and 2008 movie, which were based on songs performed by the band ABBA. Rebecca Riley, Harwich Elementary’s music teacher and director of the production, has also added a few extra songs to the performance. 

Students, ranging in age from eighth to 12th grade, make up the majority of the crew and cast. The production features mechanics from lighting crews and sound technicians led by Aaron Bolton, a live pit band led by Rose Richard and full-fledged dance numbers choreographed by Deirdre Eldredge. Michael Newby, an art teacher at the school, built a custom set that rivals Broadway’s production. Carey Sims put together and created costumes for the actors and Julia Morgan has been managing props. Riley has been directing a 60-person cast and a number of stage hands. While teachers and experienced veterans are leading the charge, most of the work has been completed by students in the theater department. 

“We tend to incorporate mostly students in the pit band, same thing with tech,” said sophomore Boden Mabile, who plays Pepper. “We have a tech director that tells them what to do, but by opening night he’s in the booth watching just in case something goes wrong. Sound is run by the kids that do tech, so are lights, backstage, everything.”

Monday’s rehearsal marked the beginning of “tech week,” the week leading up to the show where blocking, lighting and sound will be finalized. Students have been spending up to four hours after school rehearsing since January. Over two months in, the entire cast is still bringing an infectious energy that translates wholeheartedly to the stage. 

“We spend a lot of time doing these things, we’ve been here til 6 p.m. every school day,” said Wellington Holmes, a sophomore playing Harry. “Everyone here has been working equally as hard for a long time [on the production].”

According to Mabile, Holmes even took the time to learn how to play guitar for his role. 

When the show was announced to students, many were thrilled at the idea. 

“This is like my dream role,” said Payton MacRoberts, a junior. “I’ve loved ‘Mamma Mia!’ since I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to play Rosie.”

“It’s such a high-energy show and it’s for everyone,” said Chloe Thompson, a senior playing Tanya. “We’re all having a lot of fun with it.”

Many students have been in productions before, especially the seniors. Ben McGrath, who is playing Sam, had a role last year in “Beauty and the Beast,” but he wanted to go out for a lead role this time around. 

Freshman Marek Punty is new to the department this year.

“It’s a unique experience to join at a younger age,” he said. “I remember watching ‘Beauty and the Beast’ last year and thinking it was so cool. The lights and spectacle of the stage, everyone's combined contribution and work I thought was so cool.”

The show will be having a four-night run, with one matinee show on Saturday at 2 p.m. The cast will also be performing for Monomoy Regional Middle School. 

Riley is looking forward to inspiring a new generation of actors and crew. She credits her interest in entertainment to the music and theater teachers she was privileged to have growing up and is looking forward to following in their footsteps. 

This is Riley’s first time directing a high school production and the students were quick to shower her with accolades. 

Even with the grueling schedule and time commitment, it is clear the students are invested in the show and looking forward to opening day. 

“It’s not what you imagine when you think of a high school production,” said Faye Viprino, a junior playing Sky. “The people on this stage have incredible talent and the people behind the stage are at a professional level.” 

When asked why audiences shouldn’t miss the performance, junior Emory Hines, who plays Sophie, one of the leading roles, said it really has everything. 

“If you like ABBA, if you like theater, if you like a feel-good story about a mother and a daughter, some humor,” she said. “To me ‘Mamma Mia!’ is like a big concert on stage with a little bit of story in there. Everyone is having fun and if you like that you would want to come [see the show].” 

Tickets are on sale now at mrhs.monomoy.edu.