Notes from the Director--
It's Mamma Mia--what more can I really say? The rights to this show were released and 24 hours later I had applied and received them. That is how much I have always wanted to do this show. And I am certain that for most of you, you are just as excited to be here tonight as we are to be on the stage. This show is pure fun and happiness on so many levels.
However is there anything more to it than a great big celebration of life on stage complete with ABBA songs? Well, if you know anything about me, I won't do a show unless I love the story. I don't know about you, but the character of Donna resonates with me. More now than ever. And it's more than that I have my own beautiful 21-year old daughter who is happily-in-love with her boyfriend. You don't get to my age (maybe your age too?) without some regrets. Or at least some what-ifs or if-onlys.
While middle-aged Donna speaks to me, so does the young Donna. We all have our secrets. I can still remember my freshmen year of college, sitting in Miami, Florida waiting for a boy to meet me so that we could elope. True story. And a strange twist of fate ensured that meeting would never take place. In an age before cell phones, this meant that I went back home and to college. I still remember crying in the airport thinking I would never see or hear from him again. Two years went by before I heard his voice again--but it was too late. I came home from work as a newlywed to a message on my answering machine. So while the storyline can seem a little contrived, quite frankly, missed moments happen all the time. And they do change our lives. And because of this, I love the character of Donna. When she cries, I cry with her. "The Winner Takes it All" is my favorite part of the entire show. But thankfully, it doesn't end there.
Instead, like a good Hallmark movie, things end well and hopefully, by the time the curtain closes for the final time tonight, you will be on your feet singing and dancing with us!
