Mamma Mia!

For one cast member, the recent production of Mamma Mia! was their 12^th show with the Musical Theatre Crew. This is the level of commitment and dedication which is brought to every musical presented by this training school/production company. Many of the cast take private singing or dancing lessons but what is most evident in performance is the sense of ease and assurance they bring to their craft. This is born from solid experience and sound direction.

This was particularly evident from the moment Sophie (Lexie Lethborg) took to the stage. Both she and Shannae Shead (one of the three possible actors taking the role of Donna) exhibited excellent vocal technique which was always utilised in the service of the characters they inhabited. Both gave confident and accomplished performances.

The comic roles of Tanya and Rosie were taken on this occasion (the show was double cast) by Isabel Burdick and Lucy Hannon. These characters were well defined and excellent foils for their male counterparts, Harry and Bill (Lachlan Copper and George Pelham, respectively) all of whom exploited the comedic moments afforded to them without entirely lapsing into caricature. The role of Sam was played with maturity by Andreas Tsiakas.

The Playhouse Theatre is not a large one and care was taken not to overcrowd the stage. A disciplined approach to offstage singing and creative use of the space were critical to achieving this. The set consisted of two simple, but versatile pieces augmented by other items which were moved in fluid transitions. Group scenes were well managed. The choreography by Mandy Lowrie was varied and energetic. Lowrie was able to make every performer shine and, consistent with the maxim “kids entertaining kids”, the moves were never over sexualised.

This was also true of the costuming.  The distinctive Lycra pieces associated with ABBA were especially sourced, but it was evident that thought was given to the hens’ night sequin theme as well as wedding and beach attire.  

Of note was the exceptional musical direction of Andrew Castles. Vocal harmonies were tight and clear with radio mics and sound design ensuring that every word and note was heard. The band under Castles direction consisted of percussion, guitar and four keyboards. This unusually configured ensemble achieved the distinctive and anticipated ABBA sound.

Since its inception in 2011, the Musical Theatre Crew has trained many young Tasmanians who have since gone on to great success elsewhere. This will doubtless be true for many of those in this recent production of Mamma Mia!, those for whom this is their first, second or 12^th show.

Anne Blythe-Cooper