Student energy brings “Mama Mia!” to the stage
By Alex Ryan, Reporter

  The high school drama team is excited to share their upcoming spring musical, “Mamma Mia!,” with the Vashon community. Auditions began on Tuesday, Jan. 29, and performances are scheduled for the first three weekends of May.
  According to drama director Stephen Floyd, this particular play has been a long time coming to the high school.
  “I’ve had “Mamma Mia!” on my list of musicals I want to do for a few years,” Floyd said. However, this is the first year the play is allowed to be performed by smaller groups in the United States. Floyd believes the delay was caused by the ongoing Broadway production in the United States.
  Students have also campaigned for “Mamma Mia!” They are hoping it will bring a fresh look to the stage.
  “‘Mamma Mia!’ has more fun songs [than previous musicals] that the audience can really enjoy,” drama advocate Sky D’artell said.
  However, production of the play does not come without its challenges. The large sets and number of cast members required will create difficulties for the actors and drama club.
  “We take turns doing big musicals and small musicals, and this is such a big musical,” sophomore Brenna Breman said. “It is a good goal we can work to.”
  Choosing such a big play puts a great deal of responsibility on cast members.
  “Students will help build the set, find costumes, and keep things organized,” Floyd said.
  The musical is very student-oriented, which Floyd hopes will make for a better learning experience. He is also confident that the lessons students learn from theater will translate to real life.
  “There is … creative problem solving, or the ability to create something out of yourself [that] is the core of the actor’s art,” Floyd said.
  “Mamma Mia!” brings the added task of presenting a show with a different musical style than previous productions. This will present a challenge for the accompanying orchestra, which usually includes a few high school students.
  “This [music style] is an unusual one,” Floyd said. “It’s mostly electric keyboards and guitars, and things like that. There are not a lot of horns and things that you would usually see [in a school musical].”
  Community members are also contributing to the play’s production, helping to design the sets. Given the enormity of the musical and the limited size of the drama club, Floyd appreciates the volunteers.
  Despite the challenges, the drama team is confident the play will go well, and hopes both the student body and greater Vashon community will enjoy it.
  “I know that ‘Mamma Mia!’ … is a favorite movie for a lot of people,” junior Sedona Deck said. “To bring that to the stage is really cool.”