Gateway students prepare for ‘Mamma Mia!’

Dance, jive, and have the time of your life with the Gateway High School students.

On April 27, 28, and 29, high schoolers will perform “Mamma Mia!,” the 1999 musical that became the 2008 hit film.

The story follows bride-to-be Sophie as she tries to uncover the identity of her long-lost father.

The show features two actors in each role to perform in alternating shows, with Ariana Jamil and Scarlett Davis playing Sophie’s mother, Donna, and Jayla Chase and Bailey Steele playing Sophie. Braeden Bungard plays Sam, Primo Brodt-Jenkins plays Harry, and Robert Williams plays Bill, Sophie’s three potential dads. Parker Abel plays Sky, Sophie’s fiance.

Rehearsals began the first week of February, usually three of four times per week in the beginning. There are 45 students in the cast, 14 in the stage crew and three in the orchestra. As the show approaches, rehearsals are five or six days per week. Stage crew has been twice a week until now, which is daily.

“It’s been very rewarding to witness the growth of the cast of ‘Mamma Mia!’ Gateway musicals have a long tradition of excellence, and with the newness of this year, there has been a lot to learn to strive for that excellence,” producer Mary Chase said.

With a musical like this, it’s vital to have all the moving parts running smoothly.

“We have all had to work as a team and to respect that every person in every component of this production matters. It is through this teamwork that I see the greatness unfolding in our production,” Chase said.

“Mamma Mia!” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. April 27-29, plus a Saturday matinee at 2 o’clock. More information is available on the Gateway High School Musical Facebook page.