Mammamia, here we go again
Two burglaries, a leg injury and a global pandemic can’t stop them – Taihape’s production of Mamma Mia is set to return.
With six sold-out April dates scuppered by Covid-19, the performances will now take place at the end of the month, and three additional shows have been added to cater for an anticipated increase in demand.
‘‘This is just what the region needs after a tough few months – a high-energy show full of local faces,’’ director Wendy Revell said.
‘‘Our intention from the very start was to bring some joy to the region, and that’s needed now more than ever. This musical is the perfect way to bring people together.’’
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The cast and crew hit some major obstacles in the lead-up to the show.
‘‘We were burgled twice. Many of our props were stolen, including suitcases, wetsuits and even some fake fish,’’ Taihape Drama Club president Charlotte Oswald said.
‘‘Then Donna, our lead, severely injured her ankle in a fall and couldn’t do any of the dance numbers. Then, finally, the pandemic hit three weeks from opening night.’’
But the run of bad luck couldn’t dampen the cast’s spirits.
‘‘All these hiccups have brought us closer and made us more determined to put on the best damn show the region has ever seen,’’
Oswald said.
The West End favourite features classics, such as Dancing Queen, Mammamia and Money Money Money.
Mamma Mia’s run is at the Taihape Town Hall from July 24 to August 1.
Tickets are available at the Taihape Info Centre, and online at Taihapedramaclub.com and Eventfinda.co.nz.