Gimme Gimme Gimme ... More Dancing Queens!

February this year saw close to 100 students audition for the 2024 St Mark’s Secondary Musical Production of Mamma Mia! What followed was close to six months of rehearsals and preparations, which included vocal and choreography rehearsals, character workshops, a weekend boot camp, weekly band rehearsals, holiday rehearsals and Sunday sessions. What resulted was an infectiously energetic show which was described by audiences as “Phenomenal”, “Utterly Brilliant” and “Joyful” and literally had the audience dancing in the aisles.

Pulling off a full-length Broadway musical with a cast and crew of 80 students is no mean feat. A huge congratulations go to the incredible student cast, crew and band for their endless commitment, talent and energy. A true ensemble in the best sense of the word.

Congratulations and a massive thank you also go to the incredibly talented and dedicated staff team. In particular:

• Miss Leah Guelfi (Vocal Director)
• Mrs Pamela Grubb (Musical Director)
• Miss Carissa Tucker (Choreographer)
• Mrs Margaret Prouse (Costume Coordinator)
• Mr Noah Diamond (Technical Coordinator)
• Mrs Jaina van Reyk (Production Admin)
• Mrs Michelle Kuipers (Production Assistant)
• Mr David Goldfinch (Band Member)
• Mr Scott Robertson (Production Assistant)
• Miss Rachael Hogan (Backstage Assistant)
• Taleisa Kuipers (Assistant Choreographer)
• Mrs Shirley McKibbin (Front of House)
• Dan Keating (Sound Technician)
• Mrs Naomi Jeffs (Front of House)

Thank you to the incredible parents, friends, family and staff who attended the sold-out run! The experience proved to be an extremely memorable experience for the students involved, with several of them reflecting on the production below:

STUDENT REFLECTIONS:

Philippa - Year 12
Mamma Mia! had one of the best teams to work with. Over the course of six months, you begin to truly bond with and trust people. We created a musical pumped with joy with the help of exceptionally talented staff. We somehow put on a full-length Broadway musical down to the flippers, spinning bed and live band primarily made up of students. Personally, I learnt a lot about myself through doing the school musical, along with skills that can be transferred outside of the musical, like memorisation, time management and confidence. Looking back, I cannot believe we were there four hours a week and six weekends for six months. Despite the plethora of
time spent working, Mamma Mia never felt like anything but a break from Year 12/jobs and a dedicated time for fun with some of my closest friends, old and new. I feel as though I left my all on that stage for my last production. Assuredly, I can say I am immensely proud of our production family and the legacy we’ve created

Lauren - Year 8
Participating in Mamma Mia! was one of the most rewarding experiences of my year. From the very first rehearsal, I felt excitement and anticipation for the show. Each time we practised I was filled with joy at seeing this amazing show coming together. The process of learning the songs, dances and how to act in an ensemble was challenging but the hard work paid off. I looked forward to every rehearsal and constantly practised and sang the songs. One of the best parts of the musical was the friendships I formed. We worked so closely for so long with the same group of people that it was impossible not to develop friendships and form bonds. It was so fun talking and laughing with people I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t participated. The friendships I found only made being in the musical more special. Being on stage with my friends and having fun made it easy to perform and smile. I was ecstatic when it was time to show all our hard work and perform the musical. I was nervous, but I knew all the effort I had put into it, and I couldn’t wait to get on stage. Seeing the audience for the first time felt like a rush of adrenaline. The smiling faces and laughs filled me with energy as I put on the best show I could. However, the thing that made me happiest was knowing that the Cast, Crew and Teachers had worked together to make one of the best musicals St Mark’s has seen. Throughout the process, I was surprised at how close the cast was. It really did feel like a family. Despite this being my first musical, I was immediately welcomed into this family, and not once did I feel out of place. Overall, deciding to audition for Mamma Mia the Musical was the best choice I have made, and I will choose to do it again every year because of the friendships, camaraderie, hard work and dramatic aspects of it. Being part of this production allowed me to find and connect with great people and work together to put on a show. The experience was challenging but very rewarding, leaving me with many memories and connections I will treasure for a long time.

Blake - Year 9
There are five words I can use to describe this production, Thank You For The Music! This has quickly and easily become one of my best memories at St Marks and it was an absolute blessing to have been able to play Eddie. To see the production come so far from all the way back in Term 1 was so amazing. From the music to the lighting and sets, it was a surreal experience to be a part of, and I cannot wait to audition for next year’s production and into the future. I hope the cast can bring the same level of amazement each and every year! Never underestimate the lifelong friendships that can be made when putting a production together.

Isabella - Year 6
Being involved in Mamma Mia! was an amazing experience, filled with lots of fun. I knew this production would be spectacular (of course it would, it’s Mamma Mia!) with the iconic music of ABBA, the amazing band members, and the best cast in the world. It was better than I could have ever imagined. From the set to the choreography to the lighting and the singing. This is the best production I have ever been in. Mamma Mia needed commitment, not only from the principals but the ensemble, crew, band and staff. Everybody did the best job they could, and it showed! Each person’s contribution, no matter how small, is necessary to the production coming together. Overall, what I got out of Mamma Mia is much more than a day off school to perform the matinee, but the most memorable experience ever! I love Mamma Mia so much, so thank you to everybody involved in this coming together and for me being a part of it. This production will always hold a special place in my heart.

St Mark’s Theatre Company is so proud of the achievement that was Mamma Mia, and we can’t wait to continue to grow the profile of the Performing Arts and Production programs at St Mark’s as we look ahead to the 2025 production with great anticipation!

Mr Chris McRae
Head of Drama and Director of Mamma Mia

View the snapshot of Performance Photos HERE.

REVIEWS:

What an amazing performance! You guys are unbelievable. Thank you for the music, thank you for your dedication and for taking us parents on such a fantastic journey. Loved every second of it.

Absolutely brilliant. Top effort cast and crew!

Loved it! Everyone did brilliant!

The show was awesome!!!

Only one word to describe the show! “BRILLIANT” Congratulations to all involved.

Brilliant production! Thank you I loved it.

Congratulations on the terrific performance of MaMa Mia I attended today. What a great performance by the cast and the musicians. Quite exhilarating. Bravo to all involved and a big thank you for the hosts and morning tea. Very generous. I have no doubt the next performances will also be great successes.

Read the Stage Whispers review HERE.