On Friday, Nov. 16, the high school musical “Mamma Mia!” was announced. Tryouts were on Nov. 19 and 20. The musical features songs by ABBA, who made up the soundtrack for the original movie. Songs like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Honey, Honey,” and “Lay All Your Love” are featured in the musical.

The movie “Mamma Mia!” that this musical is based on is about a girl named Sophie who is getting married, and invites her three possible dads to be with her at the wedding, one of whom will be able to walk her down the aisle. She doesn’t tell her mother, Donna, who owns a hotel on the Greek islands, where she will be getting married.

The people behind the musical are Mr. Barker, the director, Mr. Helder, the vocal director, and Ms. Lilikas, the choreographer.

“One of my favourite parts is the dance. So, I’m really excited to get everyone together to learn all of the group numbers, as well as when everything comes together, music, dance, and acting,” says Lilikas.

The cast list was posted Monday, Dec. 3, with the role of Donna being Catherine Merkle, and the role of Sophie being Dylaney Sabino.

“I wanted to be in the musical because I love acting,” said Annie Barchetto, an extra in the musical. “Right now, it’s too early to tell if it’s my favourite one I’ve been in, because I’ve been in a lot.”

The play debuts Thursday, Feb. 7 and runs until  Saturday, Feb. 9. Rehearsals started Thursday, Dec. 6 from 3:15 to 6:00 pm.

Lilikas states, “This year’s production I think, it’ll be fun because of the ensemble characters can put like, more of a personality into the dance. Last year, we did ‘Legally Blonde’ where everything was kinda really strict and had to be the same because it was a really heavy dance show. This year, the show is a little bit more cheesy. It’s really gonna be up to the ensemble members and the people in the cast to put a little twist on their characters and show that through the dance.”

The actors are excited to perform in this year’s musical as well are the people behind the show.

“It’s really fun for me because I’m Greek, and it takes place on a Greek island,” says Lilikas. “That kinda makes it really fun for me. When I was young, I did the musicals in high school and middle school. In college, I was in a show and then music directed the show and did hair and makeup, so I’ve been involved in musicals ever since I was like, 12. I still like to do them now.”

Even people who have less experience than Ms. Lilikas are excited to see how it goes.

“I’m looking forward to improve my skills in acting and singing and getting more comfortable on the stage,” says Barchetto. “Getting a feel of what it’s like to be in the theatre company.”