Mamma Mia, what an honour

GEELONG musical theatre sensation Natalie O’Donnell has been nominated in the Helpmann Awards for her lead role in the new season of Mamma Mia! The Musical.

O’Donnell is one of four nominated for the best female actor category in the Helpmann Awards. Fellow Geelong musical star and Scared Heart College graduate Amy Lehpamer is up for the best female actor in a supporting role award for her part in the Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

The awards — Australia’s answer to the Tony Awards — recognise distinguished artistic talent in live performances.

O’Donnell, 41, grew up in Colac and has lived in Perth, Sydney and as far abroad as London chasing her stage dreams. She plays Donna in Mamma Mia! The Musical and starred in the original 2001 Australian run of the production as Donna’s daughter Sophie.

She acknowledged her fellow nominees and castmates.

“It was really a beautiful surprise to be recognised with the company that I am with Esther Hannaford, Marina Prior and Maggie McKenna,” O’Donnell said.

The three actors are nominated for their roles in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dream Lover and Muriel’s Wedding the musical.

O’Donnell — who was 21 when she starred in Mamma Mia! The Musical first run — said the production had a special place in her heart.

“I think it’s just a jewel. Mamma Mia! The Musical — it’s just got such a special energy about it, the opportunity to revisit it and for the Helpmann (awards) to also recognise it in the best musical category is really very special,” she said.

“I love the fact that it’s a show that brings so many different types of people together. To see four generations of one family enjoying themselves is really wonderful.”

Lehpamer said on social media her nomination was a “beautiful surprise”.

The Helpmann Awards ceremony will be held at Sydney Town Hall and the Capitol Theatre on July 16.