Roseanne Jones may make you cry on a set that will make you think you’re on a Greek island. Photos: Griffith City Council.
Several planned shows of the upcoming Griffith production of Mamma Mia! are almost sold out, with the director warning that the lead performer will make audiences cry.
The musical, which is co-presented by law firm Cater and Blumer, opens at the Griffith Regional Theatre on Wednesday, 17 September, and closes on Saturday, 27 September, with 10 performances in total.
Mamma Mia! is a slapstick romantic comedy about bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, who travels to a Greek island with her mother for her wedding with three different men who might be her father. It’s powered by the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA.
Narrabri-raised singer Belle Madden plays Sophie, while teacher and veteran performer Roseanne Jones takes the role of her mother.
“Roseanne will make you cry with her vocals,” director Oumi Karenga-Hewitt said.
“She has already made many of our cast and crew tear up. The theatre has transformed and looks as if you’ve never seen it before. We’ve even got additional set design to extend the Greek and coastal themes beyond the stage.
“Lighting designer John has a surprise up his sleeve for audiences to be part of the show.”
Belle Madden and Roseanne Jones play the lead roles of Sophie and Donna Sheridan.
Theatre manager Marg Andreazza said tickets were selling quickly, with all 10 shows at least half sold and several almost sold out.
“Do not leave it until the show opens to secure your tickets, because you may well miss out,” she said.
“The special sing-along matinee on 27 September has proven very popular, so if you want to belt out your favourite ABBA songs along with the cast, you need to get a ticket to that show quickly.”
This large-scale live production showcases the talents of local singers, actors, dancers, musicians and backstage crew, bringing one of the world’s most popular musicals to life on the Griffith stage.
Lara Calabria and Jacqui Haliburton will play Roseanne’s friends Tania and Rosie, while the three potential dads will be Luke Testoni as Sam Carmichael, Ross Vecchio as Harry Bright, and Tom Klemm as Bill Austin.
Taking on supporting roles in the show are Taylor Leilua as Sky, Gustavo Magalhaes Tercete as Pepper, and Jesse Aviu as Eddie. Elli Gill and Brianna Codemo take on the roles of Sophie’s closest friends, Ali and Lisa, with Bernie Maxwell responsible for marrying everyone off as Father Alexandrious.
There are 10 performances of Mamma Mia!, starting from Wednesday, 17 September, and concluding on Saturday, 27 September, including two Saturday matinees, one of which will be a fun audience sing-along performance. All details can be found on the theatre’s website. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office or by calling 6962 8444.
