Winters Mill High School students will bring back the 1970s in style, with performances of the musical “Mamma Mia!” Director Natalie Bolander said students share her enthusiasm for the beloved ABBA-inspired jukebox musical, which is evident in the energy they bring to performances.
“The fact that we get to do a show that the majority of us love is really fun and special,” Bolander said.
Performances are scheduled for April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m. at the high school, 560 Gorsuch Road in Westminster. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by searching for WMHS Drama on MySchoolBucks.com.
As a jukebox musical, “Mamma Mia!” features performances of hits from the Swedish pop supergroup ABBA, bound together by an original plot. Bolander said the show’s themes of family and friendship resonate with her students, who have grown much closer through the rehearsal process.
“They love the music,” Bolander said, “and they especially love the upbeat songs. When they’re dancing and just having fun, that makes rehearsals even more fun because it feels like you’re having a party with your friends.”
The show’s set and costumes are flashy enough to highlight the high-energy nature of performances, Bolander said. The two-floor set has multiple doors for characters to use when entering and exiting scenes, against a beautifully painted backdrop. Costumes that capture 70’s fashion trends are sourced from a combination of students’ wardrobes, online purchases and homemade items.
“They’ve all been so excited,” Bolander said, “because it’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ It’s such a well-known, fun and upbeat show. I feel like it’s a show that’s difficult to hate. Everyone’s just been looking forward to it.”
Rehearsals began in January, a full month earlier than the typical musical season at Winters Mill. Bolander said the early start has given performers ample time to learn and perfect their parts.
“Their enthusiasm makes them want to get everything done as soon as possible,” Bolander said, “so that’s definitely a plus for the show.”
Rehearsals for several large-scale dance numbers began immediately, to ensure performances are refined and coordinated. Bolander said big dance numbers have been among the most challenging for students but are sure to wow audiences. Rehearsing for big numbers has also fostered a special sense of camaraderie among the performers, she added.
“They want to help each other, because they know that if they work together as a team, it’s only going to make the show better,” Bolander said. “We want to put on a good show. Seeing the kids take ownership of their lines and their choreography and their songs, and wanting to perfect everything, has been really cool to witness. I’m so proud of them.”
“Mamma Mia!” marks the first Winters Mill musical where Bolander will serve as director from start to finish. She said directing her talented group of high schoolers is like a dream job for her.
“I was nervous at first because I knew it was a lot to take on … but I’ve been extremely happy,” Bolander said. “I realized I wanted to be a drama teacher in my last year of college, and the fact that I’m already doing it just two years after graduating still blows my mind, because I was not expecting that at all.
“I love my job. I look forward to going to work every day, and I honestly think I work with the best theater kids in the world.”
Bolander said help from fellow Winters Mill staff made her transition to director much easier, including co-directing from instructional assistant Wendy Perzynski, set construction and music rehearsal support from choral teacher Dave Andrews, blocking help from physics teacher Jordan Jason, and miscellaneous assistance from English teacher Mitchell Potter.
“If you just want to spend an evening listening to great music and dancing, and have fun watching some super talented kids, then come see ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Winters Mill,” Bolander said.
