Student thespians of Westerville North High School are bringing the musical “Mamma Mia!” to Westerville audiences. Shows on March 5, 6 and 7 will start at 7 p.m.; the show on March 8 will start at 2 p.m. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased in advance at https://westerville-north-theater-department.ticketleap.com/ and at the door one hour before performances. Westerville North High School is located at 950 County Line Rd., Westerville.
With its large cast and ensemble, the play features many hit songs by the Swedish pop band ABBA. Several of the students play different roles over the show’s four-day run. It’s the school’s second play and first musical under new Theatre Director Mary Lee DeWitt.
“I’m extremely proud of all cast that have embraced the ‘double-cast system,’ requiring the challenging task of learning and mastering two separate roles and the ability to flip back and forth in a moment’s notice throughout the production process,” DeWitt said. “The entire cast has maintained focus while adapting to the rotation of people and formation changes, making me so proud.”
Senior Kaitlynn Gleich plays the lead role of “Donna” for the Thursday and Sunday shows. She describes her character as a spunky, hardworking single mom who made a living building and running a taverna on an island in Greece.
“She raised her daughter all on her own and is proud of that,” Gleich explained. “She was once a part of a girl band called Donna and the Dynamos with her two best friends, so she’s always had a wild and fun side.”
“The set’s going to look really great,” said junior Christian Potter, who is part of the ensemble. “Escape to a Greek island full of song and dance…I think audiences are really going to enjoy this show.”
Gleich added, “This cast has worked so hard to put this show together. It’s double-cast, so all four show nights will be a unique experience for audience members!”
For a $10 donation, up to 20 audience members each show can join the cast on stage during the “Dancing Queen” finale. Information about the fundraiser is available at https://westerville-north-theater-department.ticketleap.com/.