Martha Greco
Editor-in-Chief

Here they go again; the R.J. Reynolds High School Drama Department has once more outdone itself. Transforming the historic auditorium into the tropical islands of Greece filled with singing, dancing, and colorful costumes, the demons took on the beloved musical “Mamma Mia!.”

When RJR theater shows were announced in the fall, excitement filled the demon community.

“Mamma Mia! is my favorite show and has been my favorite movie since I can remember,” senior Karis Tuck who plays Tanya said.

“Mamma Mia!” follows Donna, a single mother preparing for her daughter Sophie’s wedding on the Greek islands. While grateful for being raised by Donna, Sophie has always wondered who her father is. So, little to her mother’s knowledge, Sophie invites three possible dads from Donna’s past to her wedding. 

The musical creates a special bond between Donna and Sophie, showcasing the relationship between a mother and daughter. Sophomore Trinity Hall, RJR’s Donna has become more appreciative of her own mother throughout her time in the role.

 “I grew up with a single mom,” Hall said. “Getting to play that role helps me empathize better and be way more grateful for the stuff that she did for me when I was growing up.”

Similar to Hall, Tuck grew from her role as Tanya, one of Donna’s best friends. 

 “Tanya has always just exuded confidence and strong female energy, which is something that I personally struggle with,” Tuck said. “I feel like having the experience of getting to play Tanya has helped me in that area.”

While excitement and gratitude came from uncovering the traits and personalities of their characters, each of the actors spent time learning how to display these attributes on stage. 

 “This role was really challenging for me because I’m not usually the comedic actor, and I’m really bad at comedic timing,” senior MacKenzie Clegg who plays Rosie said. “I spent a lot of hours with my voice teacher just learning how to talk like Rosie and how to project it. I made some major breakthroughs in acting just as a whole specifically with projection; figuring out that I can use my whole body on stage and just how to be funny on stage.”

 Clegg’s hard work, along with the cast shines through as they showcase their unbelievable vocal talents during the musical’s several songs. 

 “So many people in this cast have such incredible voices, and getting to hear them sing is so cool,” senior Luke Sanders who plays Bill said. 

The spectacular singing is accompanied by complex choreography, elaborate sets, and flashy costumes. The performance even ends with the whole audience singing and dancing along to some beloved ABBA favorites. All these features make the audience feel transported to Greece and as if they are in the musical for themselves.

“Mamma Mia! just has so many fun numbers,” senior Davis Churn who plays Sam said. “It’s really something the audience will enjoy. It’s just such an exciting show to do because people know it.”

 Despite displaying a complex family structure on stage, the cast has grown together to form a true community.

 “My favorite part was just connecting with the cast,” Churn said. “Being able to be with these people for so many hours and then to see all of our hard work pay off is just really special to me.”

 While the show has concluded, the cast sure brought the energy leaving the community dancing on their feet like the dancing queen.