Despite a sudden cold snap and persistent drizzle that permeated the early evening, Southern Highlanders braved the elements to turn out for opening night of Mamma Mia, at Frensham's Clubbe Hall, Mittagong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The normal capacity of the hall was reduced by more than half to enable COVID-Safe seating. Evidence was strong of rigorous electronic check-in, sanitiser and seating spacing distance.
The show must go on!
Mamma Mia, directed by Andrew Doyle, was produced by Andrew Forbes of Southern Highlands local company, Furey Theatre.
The original casting sessions date back to January, only to travel through months of doubts and delays caused by the pandemic.
But on the night of December 10 it all came together for the cast of 29 players, nine musicians and six pit singers, a production team of nine and scores of volunteers.
READ ALSO:
The show, created by ABBA's Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus is based on a book by Catherine Johnson. It features some of the best known songs from ABBA from the 1970s and first opened in April 1999. It has continued to attract London and New York audiences continuously since then.
Mamma Mia is the essence of a theatre company show.
Under Andrew Doyle's superb production and the choreography of Monique Barrios, the musicians are directed from keyboard by Dominic Lindsay and Barbara Griffin.
Every player, musician and cast member gets their photograph in the program, such is the shared collective in this show.
The local talent on show is so uplifting, as is the energy and sheer joy of being able to have a night out locally at an award-winning show, with such high production values and standards.
The cast of 13 and the Ensemble of 16 make you feel there are dozens more on stage.
There is a short interval between the two Acts.
Bride-to-be in the show, Sophie Sheridan is played by the excellent Holly Horsfall, her mother Donna is played by Anna Crawford. Both produce outstanding performances.
But the essence of the show is that it's a company piece; every cast and ensemble member produces electricity, excitement and wonderful performance.
A large number of local supporting organisations feature in the program, which was being handed out by Can Assist Southern Highlands branch members. Purchase of the $5 program directly contributes all revenue from their sale to the local cancer patient support charity, a charity like most others that has lost its normal fundraising channels through the pandemic.
The show continues until Sunday afternoon, December 20.
Tickets can be booked online at Trybooking's website at https://www.trybooking.com/book/sessions?eid=581056. Some seats for most shows are still available.
Matinées on each Saturday and Sunday enable younger members to attend what may be their first live stage performance.
A remarkable night out. By any standard, this is a fabulous show for Highlanders to go and see, bringing some real joy to an otherwise very difficult year. Bravo!
Did you know the Southern Highland News is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.
