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Reading Memorial High School Drama Club's 'Mamma Mia' Was Fantastic!

RMHS did a fantastic job with their rendition of 'Mamma Mia.'

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Cast Members of RMHS Drama Club Mamma Mia Dancing it Out

Last night I had a night out with my dancing queen gal pals and we attended Reading Memorial High School Drama Club’s, Mamma Mia. It has been four, very fast I’ll admit, years since I have graduated high school! It doesn’t feel long, but as one of the messages of the play reveals, years do fly by fast.

I’m sure most people know the story-line behind the famous ABBA inspired musical. Sophie has invited three men to her wedding. Of these three men, one of them is her father. Sophie’s mother, Donna, is at wits end when she finds the past knocking on her door. With the help of her faithful best friends, Donna and Sophie learn to let go.

RMHS did a stunning performance of Mamma Mia. As usual, I was dancing along in my seat. A cast and crew of 130 did a splendid job unfolding the story’s message to a sold out audience. It brought back memories as I sat in the old William Endslow VPAC.

RMHS Drama Club has been performing shows to audiences since the early nineties when Mr. William Endslow was in charge of the theater department. Now, Mrs. Natalie Cunha is the director. Cunha has been the director and advisor since 2012 when she first directed Footloose.

High school is a memorable, and also challenging, part of every student's life. It’s our chance to grow and find our talents. As we grow, we change. Maybe for the best. Friends, activities, but most importantly ourselves.

What I love about the drama club is that it challenges students onstage and off. No matter what role a student is given you will be seen no matter what. It helped me discover a side of myself that I didn’t realize was hidden. Performing is a given. It tests our abilities by letting us see ourselves in a different light.

I have been attending RMHS shows from the moment I graduated high school. I remember I had the date marked in my calendar when the fall show was performing. I have had the privilege watching old friends or even new faces shine onstage. I witnessed many new faces perform in Mamma Mia last night.

Grace Graham performed as Donna Sheridan. I was thoroughly impressed with her singing voice which belted out the famous titular song. She and her dancing queen pals, Isabel Molettieri (Tanya) and Phoebe Singer (Rosie), did a magnificent job. From the moment Alyssa Cole (Sophie) walked onstage singing, “I Have a Dream” I knew I was in for a treat.

The role of the three men were performed by Antonio Ruiz-Nokes (Sam), Anthony DiSpena (Harry), and Wyatt Mittnight (Bill). Each man has their own unique story. The wonderful aspect about theater is that you can portray your character in your own way.

Every cast member has their chance to shine through dances, songs, and even hilarious one liners, most especially in numbers such as “Dancing Queen”, “Voulez Vous” and “Does Your Mother Know.” All numbers were performed with a live pit orchestra directed by Kristin Killian, RMHS Chorus Director celebrating 35 years at RMHS.

No matter what, I always look forward to “Lay All Your Love on Me.” All the guys performed in flipper shoes, dancing and showing off their talents. I’ll never be sure how anyone could pull that off. Another important element about theater is to practice. With practice, you get better. Cunha always encourages that and she is right.

Theater is meant to share a laugh, a smile, or a tear. Theater means together. Whether you have graduated or not, RMHS will always be my second home where I can share memories and meet up with old friends.

RMHS did a fantastic job with their rendition of Mamma Mia. It was great to be back walking the halls of my high school. Thank you for a wonderful night, RMHS. Thank you for the memories, and giving them to me.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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