The toe tapping, high energy of Mamma Mia! lit up the stage at Aikman Hall (Keysborough) in May, leading to standing ovations from sell out audiences.
In a creative twist that led enthusiastic audiences calling for more, the Senior School production blended high-energy disco vibes with the charm of the Greek islands.
The spectacular production, which featured the up-beat, catchy music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjőrn Ulvaes, was a demonstration of the collaboration of the Haileybury community. It united a talented and dedicated cast and crew of 90, drawn from Haileybury’s four Melbourne campuses and across the senior year levels, of Years 9–12.
It was an “opportunity for our Year 9s to experience the wonderful modelling of our VCE students, allowing them to be involved in the rigour and fun of rehearsals and performance,” explains Creative Director and Head of Drama and Theatre Studies Nicole Smith.
The coordination of such a huge cast posed the opportunity to bring together a uniquely large cast of performers on stage in an interesting and dynamic way. The choreographers spent many Sundays working and collaborating to get the staging perfect.
“We very much worked in the space to try out different ideas. There was a lovely, collaborative atmosphere of trial and error. Then we would have those magic moments when we would collectively solve a question and everything for 90 people would click into place,” explains Nicole.
Performing was not the only way students could be involved. Opportunities included hair, make up, stage direction and the management of sound and radio microphone technicians.
Milana, Year 10, took on the challenging role of Student Stage Manager. Mentored by teacher Candice Anderson, she performed the complex role of keeping the huge cast organised while maintaining a positive energy behind the scenes.
“The most rewarding part of being involved in the production this year, particularly in my role, was the connections I fostered — people who hold a true love for the arts and in particular, theatre, and are willing to go above and beyond to produce an impressive spectacle. Truly a magical experience,” Milana explains.
Performing was not the only way students could be involved. Opportunities included hair, make up, stage direction and the management of sound and radio microphone technicians.
Milana, Year 10, took on the challenging role of Student Stage Manager. Mentored by teacher Candice Anderson, she performed the complex role of keeping the huge cast organised while maintaining a positive energy behind the scenes.
“The most rewarding part of being involved in the production this year, particularly in my role, was the connections I fostered — people who hold a true love for the arts and in particular, theatre, and are willing to go above and beyond to produce an impressive spectacle. Truly a magical experience,” Milana explains.
There was also the invaluable contribution of the musicians and Conductor and Musical Director Robert Latham.
Beyond immersion and excellence in the performing arts, Haileybury productions like Mamma Mia! provide a unique opportunity for mentoring by professionals, including drawing on Old Haileyburians who now work in industry.
“It’s an important opportunity for our students to experience real industry standards,” says Nicole.
This included a vocal workshop with Vocal Director and International Voice Coach Cassie McIvor, also well-known from her participation on The Voice. Jackson Peele (OH 2014), now a professional actor, theatre maker and musician, also returned to Haileybury to support the production.
Looking ahead, Old Haileyburian Stephanie Lee (OH 2018), now a professional director and stage manager, will join the production crew as an Assistant Director for the School’s upcoming production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child later in the year.