With only four weeks to put on an entire musical production, Los Altos High School’s production of “Mamma Mia” requires cast members to play multiple roles — and not just those on stage. Getting cast in “Mamma Mia” has required participants to be actors, choreographers and costume designers, something new for most of the cast.
“For the song ‘Mamma Mia,’ it’s just me on stage, and I was told to just come up with something, play around with it, see what happens,” junior Audrey Rechenmacher, who plays the lead role Donna Sheridan, said. She then laughed, saying, “So that was challenging as I was basically blocking a number. And I’m not cut out for that, but you’ll have to watch it.”
Audrey has entire songs that she performs solo, giving her far more creative control over her performance. Other performers have also gotten to have a greater part in the musical beyond their role.
“Ms. Oliver gave me the opportunity to choreograph ‘Does Your Mother Know?,’ so I had a lot of fun with that whole song,” senior Serena Gaylord said.
Choreography was a natural fit for Serena, who has seven years of dance under her belt. When she’s not rehearsing for her role as Tanya, a member of the Dynamos — a trio consisting of Donna and her two best friends, Tanya and Rosie, played by Audrey, Serena and senior Nina Crofts respectively — she can usually be found on the stage teaching choreography to other cast members.
However, choreography is not the only hat actors have had to wear. With the exception of certain specialty costume items, the cast is bringing in their own clothes for costumes. Broken Box director Nancy Moran urged actors to place their costumes in the world that their characters are living in.
“Sure, it’s a wedding, but you’re also on a beach island — think dress pants and a button down shirt, but no tux. Loafers, if you can,” Moran said while addressing the male ensemble at the beginning of one rehearsal. “Absolutely no tennis shoes.”
Another unique challenge they’ve had to deal with has been assuming the role of cast members who are out for COVID-19. One rehearsal had only one of the three Dynamos, and at another, one of the dads was playing Donna.
“It has been rough having people out,” Serena said. “We had one of our leads out for the first two weeks, so it’s been scary. My biggest fear is that Audrey, who plays Donna, will get COVID the day of the performance. But I’m just trying to focus on the positive now.”
In fact, everyone is. Though the daily rehearsals and short timeline can be overwhelming and the demands unusually broad, having fun has always been the most important part.
“I look forward to rehearsal every day so much. It’s a show where there are a few sad moments, sure, but my favorite part of it is that it’s happy, all the time,” Audrey said. “And it’s just… dancing to ABBA.”
And the audience are invited to take part in the fun, too.
“Dance with us, please,” sophomore Akintunde Mabogunje, who plays the role of Donna’s daughter’s fiancé Sky, said. “It’s a fun musical, so if you want to get out of your seat and just boogie to it, please do.”