Tickets are now available for this spring’s PCA presentation of the classic musical, Mamma Mia!
By Tina Blake, Development Director, Prescott Center for the Arts
Relationships can be challenging, but in the long run, they are worth the work. People need people! For centuries, these themes have played out in the theater.
Prescott Center for the Arts’ recent classics, “Anything Goes” and “Kiss me Kate” are fine examples of plays that portray true love. Playwrights also know the value of strong female friendships, which are exemplified in the productions “Calendar Girls” and “Savannah Sipping Society.” Finally, any mother will say there is nothing like her personal relationship with her daughter. That relationship is portrayed in plays like “On Golden Pond,” “August: Osage County,” and “Gypsy.”
This May, Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA) presents all these themes in one musical: “Mamma Mia!”
This lively production dances across the Mainstage May 14 through 31, featuring chart toppers from ABBA and music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson. The show will get you dancing and singing. Author Catherine Johnson has adapted the play from her book, in which the plot brings together a touching, hilarious, irresistible story.
Executive Director Robyn Allen is at the helm.
“This will be a good time for everyone,” she said, “and audiences will be inspired by the characters and their relationships. The best part of directing a play like ‘Mamma Mia!’ is seeing the growth of individuals and the coming together of cast. When we say we are a community theater we mean it! In fact, there have been many friendships, marriages, and family bonds through the years at PCA. Theater unites people on many levels.”
Gina Steverson, Director for Youth at PCA, makes theater a family affair. She has four talented children—three daughters and a son—who are actively involved. She said she’s so very proud of their progress, much like Donna, the mother in “Mamma Mia!” is proud of her daughter Sophie.
Gina is dedicated and very close to her children and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Watch out for the songs, “Slipping Through My Fingers” and “I Have a Dream” in the production for inspiration.
Lifelong friendships happen at PCA, too.
“Mamma Mia!” choreographer Pam Cannedy has worked with her friend Sandy Vernon for years. Sandy was most recently in “The Gin Game.” Each time they work together on a play, their friendship deepens, just like that between Donna, Tanya, and Rosie in “Mamma Mia!”
True love happens on and off the set, too. Ashly Lawler fell in love with Logan Wolfe on the set of “Fat Pig” and married him last year. They will be performing together in the upcoming
production of “Amadeus” this April. The two of them feel lasting admiration and affection, like the characters Skye and Sophie in “Mamma Mia!” Feel the love with the songs “Honey, Honey,” “Gimme, Gimme,” and “Mamma Mia!”
Theater volunteers, as well as patrons, relate to “Mamma Mia!”
Music Director Scott Neese is excited to bring the songs to stage to create the ABBA vibe. Everyone can be a “dancing queen” for a few hours with this amazing cast.
For more information, visit the PCA box office at 208 N. Marina Street in Prescott, call 928.710.9131, email [email protected], or go to www.pca-az.net.