Mamma Mia Opens March 18

The Olney Central College Theater was just a week away from opening night of Mamma Mia! in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions brought the production to a halt.

“At the time, we thought we would be back in a few weeks and do the production either in the summer or fall. We never imagined it would be two years,” said Director Sherry Brauer.

The cast and crew are excited to finally bring the long-anticipated musical to the Ruth Henry Stage. Performances are at 7 p.m. on March 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 20 and 27.

“About two-thirds of the original cast were able to rejoin the production. We are sorry we lost some previous cast, crew and the pit band due to other commitments and moves, but we have a really strong group of actors and singers,” Brauer said. “We have high school and college students along with people from the community. There are some familiar faces and some new ones.”

Mamma Mia! is a fast-paced jukebox musical featuring hits of the wildly popular ’70s Swedish pop/dance group ABBA. Selections include disco-era favorites like Take a Chance on Me, SOS and Dancing Queen.

“The music is high energy with 33 songs in the show,” Brauer said. “The dancing is fabulous, and the singing is inspiring. It is just a fun show. By the end, people are literally dancing in the aisles.”

Set on a beautiful Greek island, Mamma Mia! is the story of Donna Sheridan, a single parent who moved to the seaside location to raise her daughter, Sophie. The young woman is ready to marry her fiancée, Sky, except for one thing is missing. She has never met her father and wants him present for the big day. She invites three men who she discovers in her mother’s diary and believes to be candidates, but when they all arrive, Sophie’s mother, Donna, becomes distressed.

Brauer explained, “The show takes place over the two days of preparations before the wedding celebration of her family and friends, while Sophie tries to determine which of the three potential fathers is her dad.”

Besides the emotional toll on everyone, the theater took a financial hit during the pandemic.

“There were no activities for well over a year and only smaller shows since then with little income. We had already expended quite a bit of money for Mamma Mia! prior to COVID and then returned all the donations, sponsorships and ticket sales,” Brauer said. “Financially, it has been rough and we were in a bind for a time. Thankfully, the college has been very supportive and we are very appreciative.”

Despite facing challenges, the OCC Theater has moved forward with efforts to enhance the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center.

During the past four years, about $115,000 in updates have been made to the facility. These included a new programmable lighting system and supporting infrastructure, made possible through grants.

With the new infrastructure, lights can be hung not just on the catwalk, but around the theater creating shadows and depth. Brauer noted that Mamma Mia! will be the final show for long-time Lighting Director Peter Ubellacker.

The new lighting will be featured prominently in Mamma Mia!, along with the digital projection system, which was purchased prior to the pandemic.

“There is a dream scene that is really cool with the things they can do with the lights,” Brauer said. “It’s so exciting to see. We have the ability to backlight now and we can create colors and patterns on the wall. We even have side lighting, which is something we never had.”

The digital projection system will be used in Mamma Mia! to create the seaside setting, as well as sets Sam Benson designed two years ago.

Brauer is excited to direct the upcoming show and stage a full-cast musical again.

“My favorite part of every production is remembering the first time reading over the script,” Brauer said. “Then it’s almost like a volcano erupting, with all the things going into to show like dancing and singing and the camaraderie between the cast. On opening night, it just explodes.”

Tickets are going quickly for Mamma Mia! and Brauer encourages those planning to attend to purchase their seats as soon as possible. Tickets are available online at www.iecc.edu/occtheater or through the OCC Theater Box Office at 618-395-7777, ext. 2408. Reserved seats are $12.

Mamma Mia! is rated PG-13 due to adult themes and situations. For more information, visit www.iecc.edu/occtheater.