RENFREW COUNTY (Douglas) — Over the weekend rave reviews were heard throughout the community for Mamma Mia, as performed by students at Opeongo High School. The script is slightly cheesy and raunchy, but this is exactly what made the show fun for all audience members.
The best part of OHS’ performance was the three-member pit band, comprised of Josh Mills, Sam Mills and Patrick Holmes, who provided live music. The set was simple yet effective, with painted backdrops and a strategically used stage box.
Impeccable comedic timing while delivering one-liners was accomplished by the roles of Rosie, played by Sabine Duknic; Tanya, played by Luna Nordholt; and Pepper, played by Andrew Blok. Sophie, played by Erin McKechnie, sang some songs better than others, as the thespians microphones were sometimes unable to pick-up the audio. Her acting captivated the audience, as did her beautiful performance with Sam, played by Jordon Oattes. Donna, played by Daniella Bell, embodied the character in every way which made it clear why first-time director Barb Scott Cole cast her in this role. Strong on every song, Miss. Bell’s singing showed both her tough and sensitive side. She had excellent chemistry with Miss. Duknic and Miss. Nordholt. The three of them shone in their blue star-studded onesies during their big number, “Super Trouper,” as Donna and the Dynamos. Another standout included Andrew Lemieux’s strong acting, head-banging and fantastic British accent as Harry Bright.
The choreography by Miss. Bell, Miss. McKechnie, Maddie Brownlee and Megan Covell, fit the show well. It was comical, clean and fun. The best numbers were the full ensemble numbers. This was due to the excellent supporting ensemble cast, who backed up many of the well-known ABBA songs.
As I looked around the full auditorium at the audience members, I was struck by how theatre has the extraordinary ability to bring so many different people together to enjoy something. While the script did not contain much substance, the show itself is an important staple in musical theatre.
