Wright State Theatre presents smash musical hit ‘Mamma Mia!’

Audiences can expect a party during Wright State Theatre’s joyful production of “Mamma Mia!” Oct. 29 to Nov. 14.

After a delay of over 18 months, Wright State University Theatre’s disco-infused production of “Mamma Mia!” will finally take the stage in the Festival Playhouse from Oct. 29 to Nov. 14.

Performances are Oct. 29 and 30 and Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m.; and Oct. 31 and Nov. 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 2 p.m. in the Festival Playhouse in Wright State’s Creative Arts Center.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $15 for students. For tickets, call the Box Office at 937-775-2500 or purchase tickets online.

Audience members and performers are required to wear masks and observe university COVID-19 protocols.

Wright State Theatre was originally set to produce “Mamma Mia!” in the spring of 2020 but had to shut down the production just days before opening night because of the coronavirus pandemic. The set and costumes sat onstage and in the theatre program’s shops for 18 months, while most of the cast and crew graduated, said Joe Deer, artistic director of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

“Now, with an almost entirely new company, revamped scenery and costumes, and an incredible sense of excitement and anticipation, ‘Mamma Mia!’ is going to blow the roof of the Festival Playhouse,” Deer said.

“Mamma Mia!” is written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA. The musical’s title is taken from ABBA’s 1975 hit “Mamma Mia.”

The musical tells the story of Sophie, who on the eve of her wedding wants to learn the identity of her father. Along the way, her mother, Donna, a one-time pop singing sensation, reunites with her disco trio and renews her friendship with the three men who might be Sophie’s father and eventually her own romance.

“It is so reinvigorating to be back in the rehearsal room with my peers and continue telling this story,” said Sarah Green, who plays Sophie. “This feel-good show will pour joy and life into the hearts of its audiences. There is a heartfelt joy that radiates throughout this musical.”

Sophie Hardy, who plays Donna, said audiences can expect a party.

“We’re here to have a good time and to get the audience to have a good time,” she said. “I was part of the original cast when we were going to put it on in 2019, and it’s only gotten better since then. The comedic moments have gotten funnier and the set is even more gorgeous.”

“Mamma Mia!” is directed and choreographed by Greg Hellems, with music direction by F. Wade Russo, scenic design by Pam Lavarnway, lighting design by Matthew Benjamin and costumes by Michele Sampson.

“Mamma Mia!” features Sophie Hardy as Donna Sheridan, Sarah Green as Sophie Sheridan, D’kaylah Whitley as Tanya Chresham-Leigh, Ana Smith as Rosie Mulligan, Austin Gladstone as Sam Carmichael, Jeremy Weinstein as Harry Bright, Tanner Gleason as Bill Austin, Alex Tischer as Sky, Maggie Musco as Ali, Elisabeth Mies as Lisa, Mitchell Lewis as Eddie, Marcus Antonio as Pepper and Drew Davison as Father Alexandrios.

The female ensemble includes Delaney O’Toole, Eli Taub, Nora DeGreen, Melissa Matarrese, Alexis Weihe and Emma Metzger; the male ensemble includes Tanner Wink, Desmond Kingston, Theo Karras, Drew Davison, Ben Ohnemus and Anderson Rothwell; with Sara Tuohy (female swing) and Chap Hollin (male swing).