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Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.
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By Ruth Young
St. Joseph’s Catholic High School
Transporting you to the sun-kissed shores of a dreamy Greek island, Oscar Romero’s production of Mamma Mia! bursts to life with vibrant energy, unforgettable music, and a heartwarming story that will have you dancing in your seat! From the very first scene, it was clear just how much hard work and dedication the students of Oscar Romero’s drama team had poured into this production. Every element, from the lively and welcoming cast to the meticulously crafted props, stunning set design, and the seamless efforts of the backstage crew, came together flawlessly. Delivering a performance worthy of a Tony Award.
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical about Sophie Sheridan, a bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. This all takes place on a picturesque Greek island, featuring ABBA’s greatest hits throughout the show. The story is a heartwarming mix of love, friendship, and self-discovery, filled with humor and exhilarating dance numbers.
The costume designs in Oscar Romero’s production of Mamma Mia! were nothing short of spectacular, especially for Donna and the Dynamos. With vibrant blues, and shimmery silver. Each costume was carefully crafted to reflect the bold, fun spirit of the characters. The attention to detail was remarkable, with the costumes enhancing each character’s personality and energy. The cast's dedication was also on full display as they had to manage 44 quick costume changes throughout the show, an accomplishment that required impeccable timing and precision. Dalia Vezzosi who portrayed Sophie, in particular, seamlessly transitioned on and off the stage, changing in mere seconds without fail, demonstrating both her skill and the efficiency of the costume team lead by Arina Bolshak.
One of the standout performances of the night came from Gianna MacFarlane, who played Rosie with perfect comedic timing, spunky energy, and a fun-loving spirit. Her vibrant stage presence and witty one-liners, especially during her playful interactions with Johnathan Watson, who played Bill, had the audience laughing throughout the show. MacFarlane not only brought humor but also captured the essence of true friendship, showing how friends can be the life of the party and become family. Her performance added warmth and charm, making Rosie an unforgettable part of the Mamma Mia! experience.
Jian Circulado, who portrayed Sam, delivered another standout performance. His rendition of “Knowing Me, Knowing You” was a highlight of the show, with a voice that was both rich and powerful, perfectly capturing the song’s emotional depth. On stage, Circulado commanded attention with his strong presence, bringing Sam to life with sincerity and charm. His performance seamlessly blended vocal talent and stagecraft, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Oscar Romero's Mamma Mia! was a brilliant production that left a lasting impression. With its talented cast, creative design, and unforgettable music. It truly captured the heart and spirit of the beloved musical. This show was a joyful, thrilling experience that showcased the power of live theater and the timeless appeal of ABBA’s hits.
By Shayne Demchuk
Morinville Community High School
What happens when a curious girl sends a letter… or three? St. Oscar Romero takes us to Greece to tell the story of Sophie, a young girl who has always wondered who her father is, as well as her mother, Donna as they go through the trials of a wedding. A story of love, laughter and music told by a group of talented teens. The cast and crew consisted of 92 students working together over the span of 7 months.
Mamma Mia’s first performance took place in 1999. The musical was based on the songs of ABBA, a Swedish band that originated in 1972. In Mamma Mia three unsuspecting men are invited to a wedding of their old friend's daughter. They have no idea why they’re invited back after 21 years and Donna has no idea they’re coming. On a mission Sophie is determined to find out who her father is.
Oscar Romero’s version of Mamma Mia took the audience's breath away. The stunning, Dalia Vezzosi, takes the stage as the waiting bride, Sophie. Vezzosi’s beautiful voice and amazing chemistry with all the other actors are just some ways that she brought the character to life. In the other leading role was Kazia Dziarmaga as Donna. Every time Dziarmaga set foot on the stage the audience was ecstatic to see her. Her role as Donna was an excellent range of emotions and beautiful singing. Her chemistry with Jian Circulado, Sam was electric. Every time they were on stage together the look of love stared them in the eye, the impressiveness of their acting blew me away.
Now, what is Donna without her Dynamos? Jaelyn Cantos and Gianna MacFarlane played the roles of Tanya and Rosie. MacFarlane brought laughter to the stage with her unique character. Cantos was a beautiful finish to the trio with her well done dance moves. Their cast was not the only amazing aspect to this brilliant production. The dances of Mamma Mia were choreographed by three students of St. Oscar Romero’s own drama department. Maya Palka, Mckenna Anderson, and Johnathan Watson. Some of the actors were not even able to dance before becoming a part of the show, but now they’re all dancing queens. I would be a miss if I didn't mention the amazing ensemble. Each actor put so much work into their songs and scenes.
Overall this play was as good as it gets in the theatre. Each actor in sync with the next and each person on tech doing their job perfectly. This musical was spectacular and I wish I could watch them perform it over and over again. Nobody could wait to get back into their seats after intermission, myself included. St. Oscar Romero outdid themselves with this production, they should be proud of the amazing work they did.
By Paityn Haannen
Archbishop O’Leary
From the first chord of ABBA’s iconic songs to the dazzling performances of the students, this musical transported its audience into the glamorous world of Mamma Mia!, where Oscar Romero's theater group brought nothing but vibrant energy, and timeless music. All of this came together in an unbelievably captivating performance. The high school’s rendition captured the sheer joy radiated by the original musical while adding a unique flair that only a passionate student cast could provide. With 227 lighting cues, 220 sound cues, and 409 costume pieces used in 44 quick changes, the cast and crew truly brought magic to the show and energy that never faltered for a second.
Mamma Mia! is the irresistible, feel-good jukebox musical that captured hearts all over the world after its debut in 1999. Set against the stunning backdrop of the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie (Dalia Vezzosi) is on the brink of her wedding and determined to discover the identity of her father so he can give her away. Secretly, she invites three men from her mother Donna’s (Kazia Dziarmaga) past, each one a potential father. As long-buried relationships rekindle and new ones spark, Mamma Mia! unfolds as a dazzling celebration of love, family, and friendship, woven together by a whirlwind of ABBA’s greatest hits.
This production was truly like no other. St. Oscar Romero was able to put on a show that I believe is Broadway worthy. The cast and ensemble clearly put 110% of their effort and energy into the entire musical. From start to finish I was absolutely enthralled by so many aspects of the show. The choreography is really what made this production so magical. An entirely student choreographed show filled with unbelievably creative moves, formations, and dance numbers. As well as an incredible use of the space and the set. The contagious choreography had me and many others dancing along throughout the duration of the musical.
Another area that deserves special recognition is the costumes, which brought life into the entire production. Each outfit was thoughtfully crafted, with some even being entirely handmade by the students themselves. The stunning costumes for Donna and the Dynamos, in particular, were a showstopper, capturing the vibrant spirit of the 1970’s. These creative choices didn’t just transport the audience to the world of Mamma Mia!, they also effortlessly swept us into the lively, nostalgic atmosphere of the era, adding another layer of magic to the musical.
In the end, words hardly seem enough to capture the sheer awe and admiration I felt for this production. From my seat in the audience, it was evident that this group of students was truly extraordinary. Their flawless teamwork and unwavering dedication radiated from the stage, flooding the theater with an electric energy that could only be described as Mamma mia!, it was impossible to ignore! The atmosphere was so alive, and so vibrant, that I found myself wishing to stay in the magic of a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing.
By Avery Pelletier
Morinville Community High School
Honey, honey, how they thrilled me! St. Oscar Romero’s rendition of Mamma Mia! was an incredible feat of collaboration and passion for the performing arts. This comedic and emotional island-escape never failed to entertain, and left audiences thinking “what a night!” as they rose from their seats.
The heart and soul of Mamma Mia! is easily its musical numbers, taken from the catalogue of Swedish Pop group ABBA. In 1997, British playwright Catherine Johnson was commissioned to write the musical’s book, and in April 1999, Mamma Mia! opened for the first time to audiences on London’s West End. Set on a fictional Grecian island, Mamma Mia! follows a young woman’s attempt to discover which one of her mother’s past flings is her father. However, this will be no ordinary family reunion, because Sophie’s wedding is in just a few days, and somebody needs to walk her down the aisle! Full of high energy dance numbers and soaring emotional ballads, Mamma Mia! has cemented itself as a juke-box musical must-see.
It would be impossible to discuss Oscar Romero’s Mamma Mia! without acknowledging the incredible magnitude of it’s cast and production crews. A whopping 92 people were involved in the show’s production, and there was no “weak link” to be found amongst any of them. Every aspect of the musical, from its complex disco-dance numbers, to its intricate hand-made costumes, were designed and executed to near perfection by the students of Oscar Romero. A particularly memorable comedic moment was when nearly 20 ensemble members emerged clad head-to-toe in hand-crafted scuba suits and snorkel-gear, joyfully dancing as their flippers smacked onto the stage floor. Special shout-outs go to Dance Captains Maya Palka and Johnathan Watson, Costuming Lead Arina Bolshak, and lighting Lead Dylan Gaba, who always kept the Super Trouper beams in check.
My my, how could I resist talking about the performances? The cast of this show did more than just act, they captivated. Dynamic duos and trios dominated the stage, and a clear effort was made by all of the actors to create authentic relationships with their co-stars. Kazia Dziarmaga oozed pure star power as Donna Sheridan, and her performance was only elevated by the presence of the Dynamos- Rosie and Tanya. As Rosie, Gigi MacFarlane brought all the necessary spunk to her character, while Jaelyn Cantos was the perfect pick for the sassy 3-time divorcee, Tanya. As Sophie, Dalia Vezzosi tackled her role with wide-eyed enthusiasm, and connected beautifully with Dziarmaga in mother-daughter scenes, like ‘Slipping Through My Fingers.’ Jian Circulado, Jonathan Watson, and Ramses Abella were another excellent triad, as Sam, Bill, and Harry, respectively. Circulado’s stunning voice, Watson’s spot-on comedic timing, and Abella’s earnest charm made the three an excellent male counterpart to Donna and the Dynamos. In addition, Mikaela Cabalo, Pauline Saceda, and Pristine Trivino, stood out as true dancing queens in the ensemble.
With their collaboration, vision, and immense pool of talent, St. Oscar Romero put on a winning performance that gave audiences it all.
By Kylie Flanders
Mother Margaret Mary
More Than A Village
A Masterpiece Disguised as a High School Production
It took much more than a village to bloom St. Oscar Romero’s stunning production of Catherine Jhonson’s “Mamma Mia!”; it took a family. Directed by Enza Ritacco, this jaw-dropping display of bountiful talent left me absolutely stunned. From the vibrant lighting to the expressive choreography, I had no idea a production of this caliber was possible at the high school level.
The plot of “Mamma Mia” follows the mother-daughter duo of Donna and Sophie, played by Kazia Dziarmaga and Dalia Vezzosi, through Sophie’s preparations for her eventual marriage. Unbeknownst to Donna, Sophie is looking for her father to walk her down the aisle. Due to her mother’s promiscuous past, Sophie is left with three suspects; Sam, Harry, and Bill-- each played by Jian Circulado, Ramses Abella, and Johnathan Watson. In this father-finding journey, both Sophie and Donna learn about all the ways love presents itself, and how one’s views develop into new perspectives with time.
This beautiful story could not have been accomplished with the extremely talented cast that breathed life in the world of “Mamma Mia”. A stand out amongst these characters for me was Donna. Kazia Dziarmaga embodied the soul of the hardworking single mother with such skill and grace, imbuing her character’s emotions and motives so realistically into her performance. I was especially impressed by her intense performance of “Money, Money, Money”. Alongside her were the Dynamos, Tanya and Rosie, played by Jaelyn Cantos and Gianna MacFarlane. This unstoppable trio of female empowerment lit the stage with their chemistry and latent talent. Their performance of “Chiquitita” hooked me with incredible vocals and the realistic close-friend dynamic it established.
Despite the undeniable talent of the cast, the production would not have been what it was without the backstage crew. I would like to applaud the lighting team, led by Dylan Gaba, with their fantastic work on the vibrant lighting. One moment I would like to focus on is the beginning of Act Two, in which rapid changes from an eerie purple to aggressive red built tension with meticulous skill. Another standout from not-so-behind-the-scenes was the set. From learning how to stucco to forcing a rich perspective, the set team, led by Angelina Fioretti, masterfully built a set that fit “Mamma Mia” perfectly. Another keystone of this production was the choreography, led by Maya Palka. The dynamic movement in all of the numbers was entrancing, but my favourite part of the choreo were the stage pictures. Their skill especially stuck out to me at the end of the number “Mamma Mia”, in which the cast were positioned in a gorgeous form that, to me, resembled the composition of a renaissance painting.
I had never seen “Mamma Mia” before this production, and in all honesty, I hope I never see it again. For St. Oscar Romero’s retelling of this popular musical has left me with expectations so high and characters so beloved that any other may not be sufficient. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a family to make something this beautiful.
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