What do all these people have in common, other than their crazy white patent leather platform shoes? Well, they are part of a cast of 42 teens and adults, rehearsing for Franklin Footlight Theatre’s summer production of “Mamma Mia!” scheduled for August 2 & 3, and August 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 PM at the Franklin Opera House. There’s also a matinee on Sunday, Aug 4 at 2 PM.
Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus’ smash hit “Mamma Mia!” is a well-know jukebox musical, based on songs from the Swedish band ABBA. Since debuting at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco in November of 2000, over 60 million people have seen the musical in 40 different countries, and because of that popularity, “Mamma Mia!” was adapted into a blockbuster movie starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried as mother Donna and daughter Sophie, going through the trials as they prepare for Sophie’s wedding. Unbeknown to Donna, Sophie has used this occasion to bring together the three men she thinks might be her father. What follows is an enjoyable romp about love, family, friendship and the moments that define us.
Playing the lead roles are Footlight members Jule Finley & Jack Finley, who have captured the total spirit, character and magic of Donna and Sam. Having met sharing a love for teaching and the stage (and now married for almost 15 years), their real-life love for each other transfers to their stage story. Wowing everyone with her voice, newcomer Megan Libby plays daughter Sophie. Donna’s friends, Rosie & Tanya, are played by Northfield resident Jenness Nordstrom and Lynn Dadian of Meredith. Rounding out the cast, playing two of the dads, are members of the well known group, Rockin’ Daddios – “Bo” Guyer and Angelo Gentile.
Christine Chiasson has fantastically taken on the enormous job of music direction of some 22 songs in this show, along with directors Jule Finley and Becky Guyer. The phenomenal choreography has been split by stage veteran Jennifer Schaffner and two members of the Creative Steps Dance Team, Addison Granger and Cameron Moquin. The production team of over 20 is headed by John Masse. Tickets are $14 and $16 and are available by visiting: www.franklinoperahouse.org and by calling 934-1901. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours today! “We guarantee you will be dancing in the aisles.”