NEWS

Take off to the Greek Isles this month with Community School of Davidson’s production of Mamma Mia! Based on the songs of Swedish group ABBA, Mamma Mia! made its debut in London 26 years ago and has since entertained audiences all over the world. In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in the movie adaptation of the film, bring Mamma Mia!’s story to even more people.

From left, Donna and the Dynamos comprises Tessa Fuller, Bailey Rowles, and Lucy Faubert in Community School of Davidson’s production of Mamma Mia! (Photography by Woody Taylor)

The jukebox musical follows the story of Sophie (Juliana Howerton, understudy Landry Staskel) on the eve of her wedding to her fiancé Sky (JT Peterson). Not knowing who her biological father is, she invites the three men she thinks it might be, Harry Bright (Devyn Sobon), Sam Carmichael (Dane Davis), and Bill Anderson (Landon Carbone), unbeknownst to her mother, Donna (Bailey Rowles, understudy Matilda Walter). What ensues is a trip down memory lane, complete with Donna and the Dynamos (Rowles; Tessa Fuller, understudy Harper Phipps; and Lucy Faubert, understudy CJ Caceres) that leaves the audience tapping their toes.

From left, Julianna Howerton, Bailey Rowles, Dane Davis, Tessa Fuller, Landon Carbone, JT Peterson, Lucy Faubert, and Devyn Sobon deliver ABBA’s greatest hits in Community School of Davidson’s production of Mamma Mia! (Photography by Woody Taylor)

“I think the music is just infectious,” says Lucas Devore, director and set designer of the show. “The actors bring an energy to the songs that just brings them to the next level.” Devore, who is an arts teacher at Community School of Davidson, previously directed The Commedia Puss in Boots last January at CSD. This is the first musical he has directed for the school, but he is no stranger to the stage, as he has worked in multiple capacities — design, directing, acting — for theatres around the region, including Davidson Community Players. “I devote my life to the craft.”

Devore says the department selected the popular show Mamma Mia! because it was looking for an opportunity to open doors to new students who might not have been interested in theatre in the past. It turned out to be a good bet, as there are more than 40 students in the cast and crew of the production.

From left, Dane Davis, Landon Carbone, Julianna Howerton, and Devyn Sobon perform in Community School of Davidson’s production of Mamma Mia! (Photography by Woody Taylor)

“They are all working hard on their integral parts to function as a unit,” explains Devore, adding that he’s excited about new elements of the production, including a student-led orchestra and a dance ensemble. “We are able to bring the unique gifts of our school to the forefront,” he says. We seek to bring just two hours of fun to our audience using this instantly recognizable story.”

Mamma Mia! opens Thursday, October 16 and runs through Sunday, October 26 at Community School of Davidson Art Space, 404 Armour Street in Davidson. Tickets can be purchased here.