The Tale of Two Donnas
Two best friends are about to take on the same role of a lifetime – 80km away from each other.
The global musical phenomenon, Mamma Mia!, is set to open in Sydney from 8-23 October with Willoughby Theatre Company and the Blue Mountains from 22 October - 6 November with Blue Mountains Musical Society.
Jessica Zamprogno (Blue Mountains Musical Society) and Karen Oliver (Willoughby Theatre Company) have both been cast as Donna Sheridan in the upcoming seasons. With a friendship spanning 20 years, their careers have followed one another’s after meeting in 2002 at a Musical Theatre Course. The two have played switch on countless jobs and roles over the years on cruise ships and Sydney Showboats, as each friend took a pause in their gigs to start their respective families.
In 2018, they were both delighted to share the stage together again in Theatre and Company's production of Funny Girl, followed by Willoughby Theatre Company’s 2021 production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – flying onto stage as two of the three Diva's.
Now both mums with four young boys under the age of 8 between them, they have come to support each other not only in their performance careers but in motherhood as well. This October sees Jess and Karen take on a new on-stage role – together!
Donna Sheridan is the central character of the stage musical Mamma Mia!, doting mother to Sophie, as well as the cash-strapped, stressed owner of a hotel on the Greek island of Kalokairi. As her daughter's wedding emerges, Sophie's three possible fathers, Sam Carmichael, Bill Anderson and Harry Bright arrive on the island, causing a series of events that unravel, all to the soundtrack of the hit Swedish super group ABBA!
Blue Mountains Musical Society
Jess and Karen have had such fun not only learning and immersing themselves in the role with separate theatre companies but going on this journey to “Greece” together.
Using catch ups over coffee or a wine, pouring over lines and lyrics, Karen says, “Just having someone, let alone your best friend, going through the same development process is honestly priceless. Jess has been another sounding board and support through learning this mammoth role.”
“Both being cast as Donna and rehearsing simultaneously is an incredible coincidence and yet wonderful experience we’ve been able to share together. I can’t wait to see my bestie shine in this role!” says Jess.
“Mamma Mia! is a unique cross generational story within the musical theatre cannon that has something for everyone. It explores themes about changing relationships, particularly those between parent and child, as well as how we define ourselves by our relationships and society’s expectations of us,” explains Blue Mountains Musical Society’s Director John Forbes
Willoughby Theatre Company
Willoughby Theatre Company’s Director Declan Moore says: “Mamma Mia! Is a show that audiences return to time and time again. It is full of songs that everyone knows and loves from the musical legends that are ABBA.
“It is exactly what we all need right now - an uplifting, fun-filled, heartfelt night at the theatre which puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step.”
Both companies start their shows during October –
Willoughby Theatre Company’s MAMMA MIA! Runs October 8 - 23, 2022 at the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood - https://www.theconcourse.com.au/Whats-On/WTC-Mamma-Mia
Blue Mountains Musical Society’s MAMMA MIA! runs October 22 - November 6 Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood - www.bmms.org.au/booknow
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