Since the show was announced early this school year, students and families have anticipated the annual Academy theater production. This year, in correlation with the Class of 2025’s theme, the theater will be performing Mamma Mia. The show, encompassing themes of love, family, and friendship, promises to be a hit this year. 

Mamma Mia follows the story of Sophie and her mother, Donna. In preparation for her upcoming wedding, Sophie wishes to send her father an invitation; however, she is unaware of his true identity. After searching through a book belonging to her mother, Sophie discovers three men she believes could be her real father. She sends out invitations to all three, hoping to find out who her biological father is at her wedding.

Isla Paone (’28) says, “I’ve loved Mamma Mia ever since I was a little girl, so being able to play Sophie in this show has just been a dream come true! Mamma Mia is such a fun show, and all of the memories I’ve made with my amazing cast have been nothing but that! I am so grateful for my cast, who really has become like my family, and for everyone who has made this possible, including the crew, my family, and Mrs. Kimbler.”

The cast has been hard at work since October of 2024, ensuring that their production will exceed the sky-high expectations that have been set considering the successes of past plays. The performers have been practicing multiple days a week after school, often for hours, and getting home late in the evening. Weekends have also been overrun with practices to maximize time spent working on the play. However, this effort is promising to pay off.

Eden Smith (’28) says, “In this production of Mamma Mia, I play Lisa, one of the main character’s best friends, and have been rehearsing since around October of last year. I’d have to say that my favorite parts of the play are the scenes where the entire cast dances— the energy brings so much excitement to me!”

Indeed, the performers have not been the only ones contributing to the show. Students have also taken up roles as choreographers, helping to program dances into the musical or tech crew, helping to build the setting modeled after a non-existent Greek island of Kalokairi.

Layla Evans (’26) says, “I was one of the choreographers for Mama Mia and I took an independent study first semester to use for the actual choreography. My favorite number I did was Super Trouper because of its fun energy and the characters in it.”

Considering the endless hours put into Mamma Mia by the cast and crew members, it would be conceivable to believe that the students would lose focus on the show. However, Anna Hahn (’26) says, “Although it’s long hours and takes a lot of effort in memorizing lines, music, and choreography, being a part of the spring musical every year is so worth it just because of the amazing people that are right there with me.” 

Being a part of such a collective effort can be so fulfilling, especially when working with friends and peers. For the class of 2025, this is their final Academy show. The time spent in rehearsal and running through lines together during lunches and breaks has turned into time to bond and enjoy their final few months with each other before heading off to college.

Mia Bento (’25) says, “It’s so much fun! Being Tanya in the play has been such an incredible experience, allowing me to make new friends and spend more time with them. It’s a lot of work, but it’ll all be worth it in the end!” 

The seniors also mentioned that the time spent working on the play has allowed them to make more friends, whether from across different grade levels or schools.

Grace Andrews (’25) says, “This year, I am Donna in Mamma Mia! When the cast list first came out, I was beyond excited because I learned that my best friend was cast as Tanya. It’s been so fun to go through the whole rehearsal process with her because she really is the Tanya to my Donna. But also, I have made the most amazing friends through this show. I am so grateful for everyone whom I’ve met through the process and all of the amazing memories we’ve made.”

Performing this final production is sure to be a bittersweet moment for the participating seniors and for the supportive friends and family who attend the show times. However, they are ready for this week as they have already performed a few of their hit numbers for the Academy by the Bay Gala.

Mamma Mia will be performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. on the week of March 30th; don’t miss it!

Cate Pena (’25) says, “I’ve loved working on Mamma Mia these past six months. It was a lot of long nights and hard work, but getting close to the cast made it all worth it. Mamma Mia is a show that’s just about having fun. The costumes and set are so beautiful, glittery, and fun to look at. My favorite part about being a part of this production has just been growing close to my friends and seeing the show come together over time. I remember when the disco ball came in this humongous box. Mrs. Kimbler let Grace [Andrews] and I see it, and that was just a moment when it all became real. I also loved sharing this part with Grace. She’s such a sweet and caring person who I know I can count on.”