Mamma Mia!
at Thomas A. Edison High School

Reviewed on December 1, 2018

Caroline Keir
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

A wonderful intersection between a daughter's self-discovery and a mother's self-reflection, Thomas Edison High School's production of Mamma Mia explores the complexity and complications of family through the wildy catchy and entertaining songs of the iconic 70s supergroup ABBA. The fun and spirited attitude exhibited throughout the entire performance was easily transferred to the audience, allowing for a colorful and carefree escape from reality.

The musical, book written by Catherine Johnson and music composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (former members of ABBA), opened in London's West End district in 1999 and went on to have an exceptionally long run on Broadway, capping in at over 5,000 shows. The story follows soon-to-be-bride Sophie, who despite her idyllic Greek island upbringing spent running a charming hotel with her hard working single mother Donna, feels that something in her life is missing: her father. Deciding to finally take action, she reads her mother's old diary and discovers three of Donna's past relationships, concluding that one of them must have been with her biological father. Believing that upon meeting the men, she will immediately to be able to discern her father's identity, she sends them all invitations to the wedding, signing each message with her mother's name.

Both Sophie (Joanna Madamba) and Donna (Angeline Ignacio) delivered outstanding performances, their vocal abilities and heartfelt mother-daughter connection certainly being the highlight of the production. Madamba's performance peaked during the number Under Attack, where despite the intentionally hectic choreography, her voice never faltered. While all of her numbers were performed with exceptional precision and skill, Under Attack best displayed the extent of her endurance as a performer. Ignacio delved deep below the surface of her character, her initial annoyance and frustration with her three former lovers eventually being revealed as a defense mechanism for the heartbreak suffered during her youth. While she excelled during the flashier numbers such as Money, Money, Money and Super Trouper, the true extent of her range and emotional investment were revealed in the touching ballads One of Us and Winner Takes it All. The duet between the characters, titled Slipping Through My Fingers, beautifully showcased both of their vocal expertise and provided the most insight into the unconditional love shared in that relationship.

Another stand out performer was Nathaniel McCay who played Harry Bright, one of Sophie's possible fathers. McCay really stood out within the entertaining dynamic of the "Dad" ensemble due to his skilled contrast between the wild energy still present from his youth and the nervousness of a man whose only wish is to adequately fulfill his duty as a father to Sophie. The number Our Last Summer between Harry and Donna was the among the best musical interactions between two characters in the show, their outstanding vocals and great chemistry setting a bittersweet, nostalgic feel throughout the room.

The technical elements (lead by Charlotte Malone) and costuming of the production (Lanae Sterrett) were best represented during the final sing-a-long part of the show. The background began to change between different bright colors and beach balls were thrown throughout the audience as the Dynamos and the Dad Ensemble performed some of the hit numbers from the show dressed in wacky outfits that reflected the fashion trends of the 70's.

Thomas Edison's production of Mamma Mia was definitely an absorbing experience, the cast working well together to create a simultaneously upbeat, fast-paced, and heartwarming performance.

Grace Unes
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

From fun and exuberant costumes, to the energetic, classic, and danceable songs of ABBA, Thomas A. Edison High Schools production of "Mamma Mia" had everyone dancing in their seats and feeling like true dancing queens.

The musical, written by Catherine Johnson with songs from the band ABBA and a score composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, premiered in London's West End in 1999. It then premiered in the U.S. in San Francisco and eventually moved to Broadway. In 2008 a film adaptation was made starring Meryl Streep and Colin Firth.

The play follows Sophie (Joanna Madamba), the 20 year old daughter of Donna (Angeline Ignacio) who is the owner of a hotel on a small island in Greece. As Sophie plans to get married, she decides to invite three of Donna's old loves to the wedding, Bill (Alex Savage), Harry (Nathaniel McCay), and Sam (Mason Clark), in the hopes of discovering which one of them is her father. Donna's two best friends, Rosie (Ellie Hubbard) and Tanya (Maggie Landis), come to share with her in the celebration as well. We watch as chaos ensues once Donna comes face to face were her former flames, all while Sophie secretly tries to figure out which one of them is her father. The audience can't resist being immersed in the songs as love, passion, and family are balanced in this fun, jukebox musical.

What stood out most in this spirited adaptation of Abba's greatest hits was the energy the whole cast sustained throughout the entire show. During songs like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," the cast was certainly having the time of their life! The choreography during each of these numbers enhanced the emotional impact of the songs and added to the show's palpable energy. During "Under Attack," the choreography was particularly impressive and the actors executed it with exceptional vibrancy.

The deep and significant emotion that was shown in scenes featuring Donna (Angeline Ignacio) and Sophie (Joanna Madamba) was particularly impressive. Angeline Ignacio's soulful voice captured the passion and depth of Donna and was extremely moving in songs like "Slipping Through My Fingers" and "Winner Takes it All." Joanna Madamba (Sophie) beautifully imbued the innocence of Sophie with her bright and angelic voice that shined in songs like "Thank You For the Music" and "I Have a Dream." When these actresses had scenes together the audience truly felt the mother and daughter bond that they shared.

Other impressive performances came from Maggie Landis (Tanya), who eloquently captured Tanya's fun and regal personality. All three of Donna's love interests played by Mason Clark (Sam), Nathaniel McCay (Harry), and Alex Savage (Bill Austin) were hilarious and endearing.

Thomas Edison's "Mamma Mia" left everyone truly embrace their inner "dancing queens"!

Dagny Scannell
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

You can dance, you can jive, and you can definitely have the time of your life at Edison High School's production of Mamma Mia. This show's energy and excitement left the audience cheering and singing Dancing Queen on their way out of the auditorium. The performance showcased many talented performers, and they beautifully conveyed the meaningful themes of family and love.

Mamma Mia, the wildly popular musical written by Catherine Johnson and based on the songs of pop group ABBA, is the story of single-mother Donna and her daughter Sophie. Sophie is engaged to be married and sends out wedding invitations to three different men from her mother's past. Thinking that one of these strangers is her father, Sophie hopes she will be able to discover the truth in time for him to walk her down the aisle. When Sam, Harry, and Bill arrive, chaos ensues as Sophie's plan slowly unravels (much to the dismay of her independent mother who had left her past behind her). Mamma Mia! is a roller coaster ride following the relationships of Donna, Sophie, and their respective friends and lovers as energy builds up to the highly anticipated wedding.

One of the most noteworthy elements of this production was the powerful performances given by both of the leading ladies. Angeline Ignacio (Donna) stunned the audience with her impressive vocals and was authentic and natural in her portrayal of a hard-working mother. Ignacio conveyed realistic relationships with the other characters onstage and in the sweet song Slipping Through My Fingers. Joanna Madamba (Sophie) also did an outstanding job in her role as a young innocent girl trying to figure out who she is and what she wants. Her powerful and consistent voice left the audience floored while she showcased a large spectrum of technical skill. Both Ignacio and Madamba are extremely polished performers, and their commitment to their characters and the show itself was clear throughout.

Other strong presences onstage were the actors playing the three possible dads. Mason Clark (Sam) did a great job portraying Sam's evolution throughout the musical, especially in his duet S.O.S. Nathaniel McCay (Harry) easily slipped into the role of a much older man and he had great chemistry with Ignacio. Their duet, Our Last Summer, was especially touching, and aptly showed off both performers' vocal talent and control. Alex Savage (Bill) also was a very realistic character onstage, and he added humor as well as sweeter and more intimate moments. Another notable performer was Maggie Landis (Tanya) who implemented well-considered characterization in her hilariously delivered lines, and was beautifully complemented and mirrored by Ellie Hubbard (Rosie).

Providing a strong foundation for these individual performers was the energetic and talented ensemble. Dressed in colorful costumes and sprinkled in the background throughout many scenes, the massive ensemble added an air of authenticity to the show itself. This big group was also included in many dance numbers (led by student choreographer Jillian Brooks) and the male ensemble's part in Lay All Your Love on Me was especially hilarious.

With jaw-dropping talent, realistic relationships, and an immense amount of energy, Mamma Mia was an entertaining production that left the audience wanting more. Edison High School, thank you for the music.

Erica Bartell
Mount Vernon High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

In a musical filled with twenty-two ABBA hits, Thomas Edison High School's production of the jukebox musical Mamma Mia! made us say "thank you for the music". Written by Catherine Johnson with music and lyrics by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the events in Mamma Mia! take place in 1999 on small Greek island. The musical focuses on twenty year old Sophie Sheridan, and her mother Donna Sheridan, after Sophie reads her mother's diary and discovers that three different men could potentially be her father, so she invites them all to her wedding, under her mother's name.

Angeline Ignacio portrayed the single mother and taverna owner, Donna Sheridan. Ignacio portrayed strong emotion in various scenes and numbers, most notably in "Slipping Through My Fingers" which presents the mother-daughter relationship of Donna and Sophie, as she presents Donna's emotions about Sophie about to be married. Joanna Madamba portrayed the soon-to-be-wed Sophie Sheridan. Madamba had a strong vocals throughout, most notably in "Under Attack" despite the intense choreography and movements. The three dads, Bill Austin (Alex Savage), Harry Bright (Nathaniel McCay), and Sam Carmichael (Mason Clark) each had unique roles. Savage portrayed Bill, an Australian adventurer and writer. Savage provides much comic relief to the show in his portrayal of Bill's spontaneous personality. McCay portrayed Harry, a British banker. McCay makes Harry memorable through with strong characterization in scenes, and vocals in songs, which is especially notable in "Our Last Summer" as he reminisces the memories he shared with Donna. Clark portrayed Sam, an American architect. Clark convincingly presented Sam's nervousness about potentially being Sophie's dad, and about her getting married in various scenes throughout the second act. Additionally, Rosie Mulligan (Ellie Hubbard), and Tanya Cresham-Leigh (Maggie Landis) portray Donna's best friends and bandmates in Donna and the Dynamos from their younger days. Hubbard and Landis make Rosie and Tanya memorable in "Dancing Queen" through their strong projection of the song's meaning.

Props were a notable aspect of the show, headed by Melanie Landis, Jamie Trimber, and Aiden Yancey. One of memorable uses of props was featured in "Dancing Queen", that included the use of the the Dynamo's old clothes and materials which were stored in a trunk on stage. There was a generous use of spotlights, as two spots were operated throughout the show. Additionally there were separate soundboards used to create distinct sound in different aspects of the show. Costumes were designed by Lanae Sterrett, one notable costume featured was the Dynamo's costume in "Super Trouper" as a bright flip-sequin fabric was used in those costumes, catching the audience's eye. Furthermore, Sterrett drew much inspiration from a mix of 70's fashion, in addition to 90's fashion.

In the end, Sophie realizes she doesn't care who her real dad is, and accepts them all as her dads. Donna and Sam get married when Sophie realizes she doesn't want to get married, and all differences are resolved. Thomas Edison High School's production of Mamma Mia! highlighted all the unique ways to express love, family, and friendship.

Lizzy Maisel
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

The curtain opens as Sophie Sheridan stands anxiously by her mailbox holding three letters. Each have the potential to change her life. Beginning the musical with her song "I Have a Dream," she sings of how it would feel to finally meet her father -- that is, if she can find out who he is. The cast and crew of Mamma Mia! at Thomas A. Edison High School provided their audience with an energetic and upbeat experience that embraced the excitement of the end of the century.

Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! the musical is based on ABBA songs that are incorporated in the show, composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Mamma Mia! first premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in 1999, the same year in which it is set. It has performed all over the world, including West End and Broadway. Mamma Mia! has received several nominations and awards and been adapted into two films.

After snooping through her mother Donna's diary, Sophie mails a letter to each of her three potential biological fathers, inviting them to attend her wedding. She writes these letters as if Donna sent them in hopes that if her real father attends her wedding, he can walk her down the aisle. The men all arrive at her home on a small Greek island wanting to catch up with Donna. What they don't know is that the sender of their letters was really Sophie, who may be a daughter to one of them.

Joanna Madamba, who portrayed Sophie, perfectly embodied Sophie's steadfast desire to meet and get to know her father. Madamba's angelic singing voice, which wasn't even hindered in the number "Under Attack" in which she was lifted in the air, carried the show. The relationship that she developed with her counterpart, Angeline Ignacio, who played the role of Donna Sheridan, was truly impressive. The two displayed a genuine mother-daughter relationship that shone, especially in Ignacio's emotionally powerful performance of "Slipping Through My Fingers." Ignacio likewise had a strong connection with Sophie's potential fathers.

One of the gentlemen Sophie sends a letter to is Sam Carmichael, portrayed by Mason Clark. Clark expressed a nostalgic sadness in his duet with Donna, "S.O.S.", when he and Donna reflected on their past love for each other. His looks of distress conveyed his caring nature toward her. Nathaniel McCay played the role of Harry Bright, another letter receiver, with a sweet smile and an impressive vibrato in his and Donna's duet, "Our Last Summer." Like Sam, Harry shares a moment with Donna in which they remember times spent together in their younger days. The last potential father is Bill Austin. Alex Savage portrayed Bill with a comedic flair and kept an accent for the entire show. Though Donna and Bill don't share a special scene together as Sam and Harry do, Savage consistently worked well with his scene partners.
The set for this production was beautifully and appropriately designed, as it looked like something you could find in Greece. It incorporated two stories, or levels, which worked well in scenes and songs such as "Super Trouper." Though some lighting cues could have been slightly more polished, an abundance of different colors were projected onto the cyclorama, adding vibrancy to effectively accomplished dance numbers. Costumes reflected styles in 1999 and contributed to the era-appropriate feel of the show.

Though some worry about others' opinions, Thomas A. Edison's production of Mamma Mia! taught its audience members that you must do what works for you.

Jane Kearns
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Mamma Mia! Thomas A. Edison High School's production of this well-loved and timeless musical was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, tears, and drama, all set on a beautiful Grecian island. It was originally a Broadway musical written by Catherine Johnson, and based on music by the the wildly popular band ABBA. The fame of the musical skyrocketed when it was adapted into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Colin Firth. The story follows the life of a twenty-one year old girl Sophie, her mother Donna, and the quest to discover both her father and herself in the days before her wedding. She invites her three potential fathers, Sam, Harry, and Bill, to the wedding without her mother knowing, and chaos and drama ensue.

Throughout the show, each character was spotlighted in their own way, with each one creating their own character depth. Donna Sheridan (Angeline Ignacio), Sophie's mother, showed true characterization and emotion through both her expressive actions and powerhouse vocals, and Ignacio stayed committed to her character throughout the show. These emotions and vocals were best seen in the bittersweet song "Slipping Through My Fingers", when Donna realizes how fast her daughter has grown, and that it is finally time to let her go. This song also was evidence of Ignacio's touching chemistry with Sophie Sheridan (Joanna Madamba), who shone as the lively, spontaneous, and energetic girl so many have come to know and love. Her voice was lovely and clear even throughout difficult choreography, and Madamba truly made the role her own. Other notably talented characters include the hilarious Bill Austin (Alex Savage) and Tanya Cresham-Leigh (Maggie Landis), whose comedic timing paired with wonderful vocals and always-focused characterization made for a energetic and lively performance.

Another strong presence on stage was the role of Harry Bright (Nathaniel McCay), whose dramatic character arc was clearly evident throughout the show. His strong vocals enchanted the audience, bringing them into his complex story. Sam Carmichael, the third "father", also was a strong stage presence and showed clear talent in both acting and singing. There was also entertaining choreography in which all the cast members participated in, most notably Ali (Jada Paul) and Eddie (Jackson Bertman), who brought energy to the production. The roles of Lisa (Ava Regehr) and Pepper (Amen Adib) also contributed greatly to the humor, liveliness, and fun of the show.

Overall, the costumes (designed by Lenae Sterrett) for each character were spot on, especially the Dynamos' costumes and the wedding dress. The props were also accurate and well used, giving the story the most natural and real feeling. The cast made full use of the beautiful set, which was made all the more noticeable with generous use of the spotlight. The makeup was subtle and accurate, and greatly contributed to the wonderful visuals of the show.

Mamma Mia! was a fun show of dancing and singing that left a smile on the face of every audience member. Each member of the cast was clearly having fun, and the energy was rarely lacking. Each song told a story through strong vocals and entertaining choreography. The dramatic story was well told with memorable visuals, leaving the audience with a feeling that they had just been at a Grecian party they never wanted to leave.

Kathleen McNerney
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Take a Chance on Thomas A. Edison's production of Mamma Mia!, and you won't be disappointed by this fun-filled show!

Mamma Mia!, a jukebox musical based on the songs by Swedish pop group ABBA, is written by Catherine Johnson. It premiered on Broadway in 1999 and it still going to this day. A film adaptation starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep came out in 2008.

Twenty-year-old Sophie is about to marry her fiance, Sky, and she wants more than anything for her father to walk her down the aisle. But her mother, Donna has never told her who her father is! In reading Donna's diary, Sophie discovers her father is one of three men: Harry, Bill, or Sam. Under her mother's name, she invites all three to the wedding. Unsurprisingly, nothing goes as plan, and both Sophie and Donna are forced to confront who they are and what matters most to them.

Edison put on a wonderful show with its strong leads and enthusiastic, exciting ensemble. The energy was enticing the whole way through, and it was impossible to leave without a smile on your face.

Angeline Ignacio (Donna) gave a powerhouse and very moving performance as the hard working single mother. She displayed all the aspects of the character admirably, from pop star diva in songs like Super Trouper, to heart-broken lover in Winner Takes It All, to proud mother in the powerful Slipping Through My Fingers. The chemistry was strong and lovely between her and Joanna Madamba (Sophie). Madamba and Ignacio both blew the audience away with their incredible voices. Madamba also perfected a dynamic and lovable character who stunned in songs like I Have a Dream and Thank you for the Music.

Mason Clark (Sam), Nathaniel McCay (Harry), and Alex Savage (Bill) were remarkable as the three potential fathers.They all had a funny and sometimes sweet chemistry between them all. McCay showcased his lovely voice and heartwarming nature in Our Last Summer, and Clark gave an emotional performance with Ignacio in SOS.

Maggie Landis was consistent and hilarious as Tanya, and her song Does Your Mother Known? was particularly fun to watch.

The male ensemble was great in the song Lay All Your Love On Me. Their voices sounded nice and powerful together, and the humor was unmistakable.

The scene transitions went smoothly thanks to the crew, and the sound team and orchestra should also be commended for the show going without a hitch.

Edison's Mamma Mia was a joy to watch. You don't want to miss this one!