If you were not a fan of the Swedish pop group ABBA growing up, you might become one after seeing the Port Chester High School Drama Club’s rendition of “Mamma Mia!”
The show tells the story of a mother and daughter living in Greece who are thrown into the midst of managing a family secret. The music for the show was taken straight from ABBA’s 1975 hit of the same name. Among the numbers the audience will get to enjoy are “Super Trooper,” “Dancing Queen” and “Voulez-Vous.”
“I was pumped,” said senior Olivia Perrone, who plays Donna, the mother in the show, when she heard what this year’s spring production was going to be.
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“I really was very excited to be a part of this,” she said.
This is her 17th production as a Port Chester student and the show is one of the biggest she has ever been involved in, with a cast and crew of 60 people.
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“It’s so 80s and 90s. Everyone loves the music,” Olivia continued. “We have really come together as a cast. A lot of hard work has gone into this.”
Patricia Rinello, a long retired PCHS grad returned to direct the show. It is the place where her own love of theater and performing developed. Her experience in high school inspired her to study educational theater.
“I am so in love with these kids,” she said. “Coming back where it all started is a gift.”
In her mind, theater teaches participants so much more than the songs and choreography. It is a way to teach students how to collaborate.
“There is no such thing as a star,” she said.
Junior Peter Manos gets a different perspective on the show in his role as prop manager. He is in charge of ensuring all of the props —from curling irons used as microphones to snorkels worn by some cast members can be found, are on stage when needed and returned to a place where they can be found again.
He began to get involved in theater through friends who encouraged him to join them. He’s been part of the ensemble for other shows.
“It has been a lot of fun,” Peter said. “There is so much going on. it’s always interesting.”
He appreciates the work of his fellow crew members and is excited to have a director, choreographers and music director who bring a ton of energy to this production which boasts one of the largest cast in theater history at PCHS.
“They want us to do our best,” Peter said.
As a way to encourage the community to come see the show, Peter noted, “it will make you feel like you are truly in Greece.”
And, he said, “the dancing is fantastic.”
Momma Mia! will be performed on April 4, 5 at 7 p.m., April 6 at 7:45 p.m. and on April 7 at 2 p.m. in the Port Chester High School auditorium. Tickets are on sale now at showtix4u.com or can be purchased through any cast or crew member. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.