ISKL HS Takes a Chance on Mamma Mia!

As audience members stepped into the Robert B. Gaw Theatre foyer, greeted by cast members dressed as airline crew who gave them goodie bags with light sticks, glowing sunglasses, and bubble wands, it was immediately clear that ISKL’s Mamma Mia! would be an immersive experience. Anticipation buzzed through the air as everyone prepared to embark on a musical journey to the sun-drenched island of Kalokairi, brought to life by ABBA’s timeless hits and the infectious energy of ISKL’s High School Performing Arts team.

Featuring 68 cast members, a student and faculty orchestra, a dedicated student and employee technical team, and nearly 300 costumes, the production’s energy was contagious from the very start. When the curtain rose on Donna’s taverna, the set perfectly captured the charm of a rustic Greek village. The technical crew delivered seamless transitions and lighting, creating onstage magic from behind the scenes.

According to ISKL’s High School Performing Arts Director, Kimi Pichardo, ABBA’s music transcends generations: “It’s catchy and centers around themes of love, financial struggles, and youthful fun, things everyone can relate to, at any age.” Pichardo adds that Mamma Mia! also carries a deeper message: “Our journey to becoming who we aspire to be is rarely straightforward. What truly helps the characters move forward is their strong sense of community, much like what we experience at ISKL.”

From the opening solo of  "I Have a Dream" to the ensemble finale's joyful rendition of “Waterloo”, every performance stood out. The "Dancing Queen" sequence was a definite highlight, celebrating friendship and fun that had the entire audience singing along.

Mamma Mia!'s heart lies in its characters, and ISKL students did so well blending maturity and exuberance, with each performer bringing individuality and heart to their role, creating a cast that truly shone as an ensemble.

The character of Sophie Sheridan was portrayed with much vulnerability, with student Zahira D. (’27) ‘s voice soaring on "I Wonder" and "Honey, Honey." Ellen H. (’28), who played Donna Sheridan, carried the show's emotional core and captivated the audience with her heartfelt rendition of "The Winner Takes It All." The dynamic duo of Tanya and Rosie, Donna's best friends and former bandmates in the Dynamos, played by Martina C.T. (’26) and Tamara A. (’27), showcased great comedic timing and rock-solid harmonies, especially during the iconic disco-era revival scene. Sam, Bill, and Harry, the “Dads”, played by Aidan P. (’26), Avinash D. (’28), and William B. (’28), brought charm and humor, embracing the jumbled fatherly possibilities with much feeling.

When asked about their experiences performing in Mamma Mia!, cast members Martina C. T. (’26) and Aidan P. (’26) reflected on what made the production so special. “Mamma Mia! is my last mainstage production, so it’s been really meaningful for my personal growth,” shared Martina. “Through this experience, I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to find myself.” For Aidan, the musical was also a lesson in balance. “There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into the musical alongside athletics and academics,” he said. “The directors do a great job of scheduling and making sure everyone has time to focus on schoolwork while still being part of Season 1 sports.”

What truly makes ISKL's productions so special is the spirit of collaboration. Mamma Mia! wasn't just about the performers on stage; it was a massive undertaking that involved many others behind the scenes as well.

• Production: This was a collaborative effort that highlighted the important role students played behind the scenes and their contribution to bringing the musical to life.
• The Orchestra: 10 Student musicians and three faculty musicians brought ABBA’s songs to life with a full, professional sound.
• Stage & Tech Crew: Students managed sound, lighting, and stage transitions with skill and professionalism.
• Employees & Parent Volunteers: Provided direction, musical coaching, and created costumes and props, which was a testament to ISKL’s commitment to authentic, collaborative arts experiences. Students gained invaluable skills, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

Thank you for the music, ISKL! Mamma Mia! was not just a musical; it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of performance. To explore ISKL’s full range of co-curricular and arts opportunities, visit the Beyond the Classroom page.