Review: Mamma Mia! by Loreto College

Anyone who knows me, understands my love for the arts, both professional and amateur, and I have a special place in my heart for the grassroots of performing arts – beginning in schools and youth theatre.

Mamma Mia! is a lively and infectious musical set on a beautiful Greek island, revolving around a young bride-to-be and her quest to discover the identity of her father before her wedding. The show is driven by the music of ABBA, with its iconic songs providing the soundtrack to a story about family, love, and self-discovery.

It’s a credit to the young performers that the show still captures much of the vitality and exuberance that the professional productions are known for. This school production, by Loreto College, is a joyful experience that showcases the talent, excitement, and commitment of the student cast.

Donna is the heart of Mamma Mia!, and young Bella Killen playing her does an admirable job of bringing this iconic character to life. While her performance is mostly optimistic and cheerful, there are moments when Donna’s more vulnerable side could have been explored further. The Winner Takes It All is a key moment for Donna, and while Killen does well with the song’s vocal demands, the expressive weight of the lyrics didn’t always fully come through. That said, her stage presence is strong, and she manages to capture Donna’s independent spirit in a way that resonates with the audience.

Sophie, the idealistic young bride-to-be, is portrayed with a wonderful mix of innocence and determination by Holly Westbrook. Her vocal performance in “I Have a Dream” is especially notable, showcasing her strong voice and ability to connect with the audience. Sophie’s emotional journey from uncertainty to clarity is an essential part of the story, and while the performance captures her zest, there are moments where Sophie’s emotional growth could have been brought into sharper focus. Westbrook’s chemistry with Killen adds warmth to their mother-daughter relationship, and overall, it’s a very charming portrayal.

Bill, the quirky and adventurous potential father, is played with comedic flair by Giulana Blefari. Her timing in the number “Take a Chance on Me” is a highlight, with her playful interactions adding a nice dose of humor to the show.

Cleo Murray portrayed Harry, the sweet and slightly awkward potential father. The young actor does a good job of capturing Harry’s emotional sincerity, especially in “Thank You for the Music.” While her character might feel a little underdeveloped her performance brings an endearing vulnerability to the role.

Sam, the romantic and regretful father, is portrayed by Ophelia Coshell, who brings a solid sense of gravitas to the role. Her chemistry with Donna is obvious. An admirable performance, and Sam’s journey of reconciliation with Donna and Sophie is evident.

Sky, Sophie’s fiancé, doesn’t have as much material to work with compared to some of the other characters, but Mia Luppino does well in bringing a grounded force to the role.

Notable mentions to Mia Ascencio and Lauren Bibbo as Donna’s friends Tanya and Rosie respectively captured their characters wonderfully. Ascencio brings a confident and sassy edge to the role making her the perfect foil to Bibbo’s more carefree energy.

The direction by Casmira Lorien does a great job of maintaining the sparkling spirit of Mamma Mia! while navigating the challenges of a school production. The pacing of the show keeps things moving, and there’s a clear effort to bring the humour and lightness of the script to the forefront. Overall, the direction successfully channels the show’s playfulness and upbeat atmosphere.

Choreography by Georgia Brass is energetic and determined, with students throwing themselves into each number. “Dancing Queen” is, as expected, a crowd favourite, and the ensemble’s enthusiasm is catching.

A few of the larger ensemble dance numbers sometimes lacked synchronicity but the spirit of fun is undeniable, and the performers clearly put in a lot of effort.

The musical direction of Mamma Mia! in this school production, under the guidance of Elicia Baldwin, is a testament to the dedication of the student performers, as well as the skill of the musical team. While some of the more complex vocal harmonies could be more polished, the overall vigour and passion of the cast are undeniable, and the music plays a key role in driving the show’s light-hearted spirit and have done a commendable job of bringing ABBA’s classic tunes to life in a way that resonates with the audience.

The lighting design creates a warm, bright atmosphere that suits the island setting of Mamma Mia! perfectly. The lighting transitions effectively between the more dramatic moments and the celebratory musical numbers.

The set design, with its fabulously built taverna, captures the essence of the Greek island setting, with props that allow the characters to shine and teach the students how to sing, dance and act all the while spinning a bed around the stage!

Kudos to Tim de Jong for his multiple hat wearing as production manager, costumes, set design and construction!

Mamma Mia! is a charming and entertaining show that showcases the talent of its young cast. While the performances may not always reach the emotional depth or technical precision of a professional production, the students bring a delightful energy and enthusiasm to the stage that brings ABBA’s music to life!

Lia Loves.