This production had dual casts in the principal roles. In the interest of fairness to all, we reviewed both casts. David Smith reviewed the Bjorn Cast and Alan Shepley reviewed the Benny Cast.
Bjorn Cast
The youth musical has come far in the last thirty or so years. This production of Mamma Mia! is proof positive of that. It begs the question: How do the production teams manage it? It’s a very big undertaking, both artistically and logistically. Concordia’s success, as with many of our State’s youth theatre groups, shows clearly that we have much to be proud of.
The opening performance, to a dauntingly full house of their (decidedly polite and supportive) fellow students in the huge Futures Theatre, was most impressive on a number of counts. Director Aldo Longobardi, MD Billy St John, Vocal Director Lee Pfitzner and Choreographer Maddie Apacible had made sure that there was a high degree of focus and concentration, that the band and voices were well tuned and balanced and that the whole production looked bright and well-coordinated. Most importantly, the whole cast were lively – exuberant, even – and conveyed that joy to us all.
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical, true, but one that has an agreeable, well-integrated narrative running through it which holds our interest well enough between the memorable ABBA songs.
The central role, Donna, was impressively played by Maddison Fox. She convinced us of her character and related well to all others on stage, especially her stage daughter, Sophie. She sang truly and with conviction, and was especially effective in the reflective One of Us, while showing us her full power in The Winner Takes It All.
Amali Noble, as Sophie, drew our attention to her character’s naivety, yet had a strength of intent which she showed particularly well later in the second Act. Her duets The Name Of The Game with Bill, and Slipping Through My Fingers with Donna, were well balanced and captured the mood well.
Sophie’s prospective fathers were effectively drawn and differentiated. Matilda Preston impressed as Sam, bringing us a well defined character and a thoughtful and tunefully mellow interpretation of the songs. Josh Hill as Harry was full of nervous energy and enthusiasm, while Daniel de Klerk’s characterisation of the solid, adventurous Bill was a lovely contrast to the other two.
Donna’s former backing duet, Rosie and Tanya were well cast, and worked well together both in dialogue and singing. Their trio with Donna, Super Trouper, was a real hit. Yolanda Dixon, as Rosie, had a number of telling moments but was outstanding when she sang Take A Chance On Me to a surprised Bill. Emily Morphett was consistent and entertaining as Tanya, and was especially amusing in Does Your Mother Know, sung with Pepper, the young taverna worker.
William Fleming, as Sophie’s fiancé Sky, impressed with his confident stagecraft, convincing character and his controlled and powerful baritone singing.
The principal performers held our attention throughout and were extremely well supported by the specialist dancers and huge ensemble. The finale and curtain calls showed that ensemble work at its very best.
This was an uplifting performance. It brought music, movement, life and joy to us all.
Benny Cast
I saw the “Benny” cast on Friday night. Hannah Wenceslaus makes for an ideal Sophie and with her opening delivery of “I have a dream” sets the vocal benchmark for the remainder of the show. She carries the narrative of “Mamma Mia” with a strong voice, relaxed stage presence and gives us a consistently positive focus via a fine performance. Her two supportive pals are Ali (Madeleine Randall) played with enthusiastic loyalty, and Lisa (Portia Kyprianou) the more “tell it like it is” character. Together they present an attractive friendship trio. Their first number “Honey, Honey” is bright, breezy and on the money. Their routines are great fun.
Madeleine McNicol as Sophie’s mother Donna literally makes the stage her own. Her beautifully relaxed performance, her clear diction and true vocal delivery together with an apt interpretation of her character was a highlight in an excitement packed show. McNicol’s rendition of “The Winner Takes it All” certainly won me over! She too is most ably supported by her old fellow performers. Leilani Mellor as Tanya exudes elegance and style and presents her character with notable mature poise. Daisy Barton’s Rosie on the other hand is more pragmatic, a down to earth go-getter. Her unabashed vampish delivery with Bill, but specifically aimed squarely at him, of “Take a Chance on Me” was a hit with the audience. Barton displays a very good singing voice that bodes well for her future. This trio’s vibrant offerings of “Super Trouper” and “Chiquitita” were superb.
In the role of Sophie’s husband to be, Sky, Jack Shrowder’s performance is strong, even and well considered. He joins vocal forces with Eddie, Pepper and the wonderful omnipresent ensemble to conclude Act 1 with the resounding “Voulez Vous”. Pepper (Nicholas Reuter) and Eddie (Rex Broomhall) play a couple of “likely lads” into “jolly japes” and knockabout humour. Of the three contenders in the fatherhood stakes Bill is both a devil may care adventurer and a confirmed bachelor. At least for the moment! He is afforded a worthy dose of realism in a performance by Archer Broomhall with good voice and movement to match. British banker Harry is played with an honest and generous sincerity by an articulate well spoken Thomas Tirrell. He too possesses a propensity to amuse by making the right moves at the right time. Tirrell certainly earned a warm approbation from the audience. Tom Reuter as Sam demonstrates a natural stage presence and timing. His pleasingly confident vocal delivery on display in numbers like “Knowing me, Knowing you”, will, with maturity, prove well suited to future musical theatre ventures I am sure!
With the infectious and irresistible beat of Abba’s “ear worm” music per courtesy of Billy St John and his marvellous band of musos, great choreography and a stupendous team effort by a huge ensemble, Concordia has constructed a superlative piece of musical theatre. Great show!
