Mamma Mia Cast Reunites Virtually

Mamma Mia's Energy, Fun and Music Helps to Keep Dallastown's Cast and Crew Hopeful
Posted on 04/07/2020
Left to right, Joel Staub, Cooper Webber, Veronica Grega, Chelsea Sorrels, Josh Trout, Chris Metheny

On what was to be their opening night, cast, crew, pit and staff of Dallastown Area High School’s Mamma Mia production gathered in a zoom chat room.  Due to Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home order, public schools like Dallastown have put their musicals on indefinite hold.  For these students who gathered together daily working towards this huge production, seeing each other for the first time in three weeks, since the shut down, was awkward, extraordinary, yet affirming.

Josh Trout, a senior who plays Bill Austin, shares, “The zoom meeting was a comforting reconnection with my cast mates. We all know the scary truth that the school can’t guarantee that the musical will ever go on, similar to other large events such as prom and graduation.”  Senior Joel Staub, who plays Sam Carmichael, another one of the “dads” says that he’s disappointed that one of his last senior “hoorahs” has turned into a “waiting game.”

Before the shutdown, the students were just three weeks away from opening night. Senior Chelsea Sorrels, who plays Ali, was most looking forward to the “Under Attack” dream sequence scene. Everyone was excited about the costumes and jazzed about the dancing. Senior Chris Metheny, who plays the priest, shared, “I’m so excited to dance in all of these numbers. Elizabeth [Gaynor, the choreographer] says some of our dances are the most intricate ones she has ever given a high school production!”

Senior Veronica Grega, who plays Holly, revealed her favorite part about the musical is the bond she feels with her cast mates. “I feel the energy and excitement will be portrayed throughout our performance.” Cooper Webber, who plays Sky, agrees, “We are a family. We’re all in this together.” And how right he was.  Three weeks ago he had little idea about what was to become of opening night.

Now the cast, crew, pit orchestra, and staff really are all in it together. The 110 or so students and staff participating in this production are now huddled alone together in their homes, waiting and hoping for the best case scenario – a postponement.

Staub says, “I’m holding onto the smallest bit of hope. After high school, there aren’t many chances to do something quite like a musical.” Webber adds, “I hope I can perform with my friends on stage one last time at Dallastown!” Trout is encouraged, “I’m super glad to hear that the school administration and directors are doing their best to make sure we can still perform. Everyone involved put in so much effort. From the characters and props to the costumes and advertising. I think we would all hate to see it go to waste!”

And of course, the music. Nobody would want to see any of that amazing Abba music go to waste! Staub sums it up, “It’s Mamma Mia! It’s a good time. You get to see someone not knowing who her father is, then randomly dance about it and sing some good Abba songs. It’s jam packed with energy, fun, and music!”

Sounds like something that all of us could use about now.

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