HRVHS presents ‘Mamma Mia!’

“It’s a feel-good show,” Graves said. “In this time that we’re living in, we need feel good.”

Formerly operating as the theater teacher at Wy’east Middle School for 10 years, Graves worked with several “Mamma Mia!” cast members when they were younger. “It’s been a fun change,” Graves said. “Super cool to see many of them evolve into seniors this year.”

Beginning as early as a one-year-old and carrying into her teen years, Graves participated in theater arts, acting in a theater troop and performing for her high school. In college, she dipped into tech work and directing, ultimately finding love for the backstage end of production.

In a lengthy selection process, Graves and team whittled their way down to 10 musicals, finally landing on “Mamma Mia!” — a snug fit considering their current personnel. “It matched the personalities we’re working with,” Graves said. “We knew this should be the year to do this show.”

The crew boasts around 60 students tinkering with a multifaceted production — from lighting and makeup to choreography and sound. Its massive ensemble is helmed by an impressive group of leads inhabiting the show’s colorful characters.

For those unfamiliar, “Mamma Mia!” follows Donna (Finley Smith), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of old friends Tanya and Rosie (Sophia Keolker and Siva Dassel). Meanwhile, the bride-to-be, Sophie (Josette Robidoux), secretly invites three of her mother’s ex-lovers, Sam, Harry and Bill (Caden Tubbs, Mack Yasui and Gus Reed) in hopes of meeting her real father before the big day.

The main draw here is the bombastic dance numbers, gathering masses on stage to belt the classic melodies of Swedish pop group “ABBA.” Lead choreographer Carlye Cunniff worked with students to create something truly their own, while partner pair Johnny and Hannah Griffith helped them master more intimate motions like swinging and throwing. “The hardest part was making room for all of it,” Graves said.

The play makes excellent use of its multi-level, wooden set, where actors can traverse stairs and open shutter windows to fully realize its hospitable Greek setting. Graves scatters background vocalists up, down, left and right to enhance certain songs without crowding the stage or distracting from the primary voices. Initially against a double-decker set due to a small proscenium, the team was able to compromise and pull it off nonetheless.

Each lead cast member gets their time in the sun, including impressive turns from Tubbs, Yasui, Robidoux, Keolker, Reed and Dassel. But it’s Smith’s commanding, leading performance that brings the house down, especially during her showstopping rendition of “Slipping Through My Fingers.”

“Expect a lot of energy,” Graves said. “Be ready to stand up and dance and leave singing to the music.”

The play will run for three weekends, with the finale slated for Nov. 15. Tickets can be purchased at hrvhstheatredepartment.ludus.com for reserved seating or via general admission at the door.