This time last year Noosa Arts Theatre was a curtain call away from staging arguably the most popular musical of all time. Seen by more than 60 million people worldwide, the feel good musical MAMMA MIA! was all but ready to go.
Then Covid hit.
We all know what happened next.
Now barely 12 months later, Noosa Arts Theatre is back with the big one. After re-casting six crucial parts because some of the original cast were no longer available, David Williams, the original Director from last year, has been honing and shaping 26 dedicated and talented men and women into the perfect vessels for ABBA’s enduring music.
After assembling an already completed set, bar the odd extra rustic stool or meticulously painted Greek island backdrop, there is an excited hum amongst the cast and crew.
Jo Hendrie is Donna Sheridan, a Donna with a beautifully heart-rending and powerful voice. Her rendition of “The Winner Takes It All” will leave you in breathless, silent admiration.Frank Wilkie is Sam, the architect and one potential father to Donna’s daughter Sophie, played by Teyla Brim. Frank’s Sam is a likeable rogue but with an enduring soft spot for Donna.Bill, played by original cast member Danny Fritz, will have you shouting for him to “Take a Chance” on Stephanie Larmans’ Rosie, one of Donna’s best friends, who will win you over with her honesty and fine voice. The chemistry between these two is palpable.Harry, played by relative newcomer to Noosa Arts Theatre, Robert Boesch, is like your favourite uncle, kind and polite. Another of Sophie‘s potential fathers he’s out to prove he can also be spontaneous.Jared Solti, also new to the 2021 production, plays Sky with understated passion, leaving Teyla Brim to shine, particularly in her opening and closing number “I Have a Dream”.
Donna’s other best friend, Tanya, is the considered and worldly-wise creation of Alison Venning who has the most fun with “Does your Mother Know” sung with gay abandon to Matty Johnston‘s Pepper, one of Sky’s cheeky best friends.
Jacob Shannon as Eddie, Sky’s other best friend, and Poppy Lombourne’s, Lisa together with Ava Crozier’s, Ali, perfectly round out the joyous principal cast.
Mix it all together with a finger-snapping, high-kicking, chorus-crooning, toe tapping ensemble and you have the perfect night out.
Don’t be the only person on the Sunshine Coast to miss it!
CUT PRICE PREVIEW: March 25 at 7.30pm, all tickets $33.
GALA OPENING NIGHT: March 26 at 7.30pm, all tickets $50. One free drink and light refreshments.
EVENINGS: April 1, 2, 8, 9, 14, 15 ,16 ,17 at 7.30pm
MATINEES: March 27, 28 & April 3, 4, 10, 11 at 2pm
Adults $38. Concession $33. Member/Group $31 U18 $28
Book online at noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 5449 9343
. Counter Sales: Tues to Fri 10am to 2pm at 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville.
