LONG BEACH, CA- The last musical of the year was none other than the amazing “Mamma Mia.” This great production was directed by Cassidy Love, and the musical director was musical theater teacher Mr. Curtis Heard. With the original film released in 2008, these two showed everyone how relevant this musical is to today’s time and how loved the movie is. The film is about an independent mom preparing for her daughter’s wedding, and three unexpected guests are brought up from the past.
The cast of this show included the faculty guest stars who showed so much determination and dedication. They were all so full of the right energy and emotion, causing the audience to be completely locked into the show. With all the cast members having great ”spotlight moments,” the seniors in particular had a last special moment towards the middle to the end of Act 2 of the evening’s show. Everyone in the auditorium was very emotional, looking at seniors sitting on the edge of the stage, thinking how that may have been their last high school show and how performances in the song “Slipping Through My Fingers” ended with great success.
Mr. Heard, the musical theater, choir, and piano teacher, as well as musical director, said, “I’m very happy about the show. I thought it was very successful. I think my favorite part about the show was seeing the whole thing come together during the last week of rehearsals. The costumes, all of the acting, and singing really came together. Getting kids to show up to rehearsal was one of the hardest parts of preparing for this show.”
Two seniors, Jaclyn Goshert and Hannah Rosenquist, played pivotal roles in this show. Goshert portrayed the role of Donna Sheridan, the mother of the bride, with grace and depth. Rosenquist brought energy to the stage as Rosie Mulligan, one of Donna’s closest friends. Reflecting on their experience, Goshert shared, “I feel really lucky. We had a strong cast, which made the experience so much more fun. It’s sad that this is my last show at Wilson, but it has ignited a passion to continue in the future.”
Many students of the cast had different vocal ranges throughout the musical. All the singers in this musical ranged from very low altos to high sopranos. It is absolutely incredible to see how much work and dedication went into the production, emotionally and physically. Hannah said, “I like how the show is so focused on everybody being involved. Each song is not only one or two people, but everybody’s working together.”
For many of the cast members, this show was bittersweet to everyone in the cast. It ended the evening show with all the seniors waving goodbye to the crowd, receiving flowers, and acknowledging all their hard work throughout their years here at Wilson.
When asked about the future, Mr.Heard said, “Looking forward to next year. I don’t know what we’re going to do, but I definitely wouldn’t share it yet. I think that musical theater represents the highest achievement of humanity. I mean, there’s so much involved, and so many people are involved in so many different ways. It is an incredible undertaking, but it’s well worth it and very rewarding.”
The musical was a testament to talent and compassion, resonating deeply with many. As the year draws to a close, it reminds audiences it’s okay to grow up, to learn about identity, to understand regrets and hopes, to dream of happiness, and to grow with the satisfaction of having a perfect life. The themes and messages of the musical inspire audiences to reflect on the importance of community.
