Mamma Mia, here we go again

One of the highest grossing musicals yet to date

From+left%3A+Thomas+Fuller%2C+Kenzie+Stinson+%2C+Thomas+Locke%2C+Erin+Jones%2C+Matthew+Heilig%2C+and+Hanne+Marcussen%2C++who+played+Rosie+sport+a+few+smiles+after+performing+closing+night+at+Ocean+Lakes+auditorium%2C+Sun.%2C+May+15%2C+2022.

Claude Blanchard

From left: Thomas Fuller, Kenzie Stinson , Thomas Locke, Erin Jones, Matthew Heilig, and Hanne Marcussen, who played Rosie sport a few smiles after performing closing night at Ocean Lakes auditorium, Sun., May 15, 2022.

This year’s spring musical is Mamma Mia, and it hit the charts in the Ocean Lakes Theatre Company’s 28th season. The musical is based on the songs by the legendary ABBA.

The musical was set for the original dates of April 28, April 29, and May 1, but due to uncontrollable circumstances, it was moved to May 5, 6, 7, and 8.  Then in early May, there was an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the cast and crew, so the musical was postponed until the new dates of May 12, 13, 14, and 15. 

“Dolphin Community, due to unforeseen circumstances, this week’s performances of Mamma Mia the musical are canceled. Please visit the OLHS website for updates on rescheduled performance dates,” said theatre advisor and drama teacher Claude Blanchard. “All pre-sold tickets will be honored when new performances are announced/scheduled. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to presenting this show. Thank you,” said Blanchard. 

The showings for May 12, 13 and 14 are at 7 p.m. and May 14 at 2 p.m. The last showing is on May 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in-person from one of the OLTC cast members or online at School Cash. Each ticket is $10 per person and can also be purchased at the door at least 30-minutes prior to the start of the performance, either with cash or check.

“I’m most excited for the shows, I can’t wait to show everyone what an amazing show we have! My role in Mamma Mia is an ensemble,” said junior cast member Elizabeth Dewberry. 

The cast is very excited to share what they have been working on for weeks. The cast worked hard, despite the setbacks, determined to bring the audience a good show.

“I’m excited about the dancing, music, and the lights! Honestly everything,” said freshman cast member Reai Brown, who worked lighting.

According to both audience and adviser, the show was indeed a success.

“It was packed all five performances. It’s on track to become the highest or second-highest grossing musical in OL history. Right now, Beauty and the Beast (2018) is in the lead, but Mamma Mia! is close and may edge out Beauty and the Beast” when all is said and done, said Blanchard.