Willowbrook Theatre to present fall musical, ‘Mamma Mia!’

Willowbrook senior Emma Cismesia (in the red dress), senior Pearl Hosman (in the yellow dress) and senior Vincenzo Ledonne II rehearse scenes from Willowbrook's upcoming fall musical, "Mamma Mia." Hosman plays Sophie, a young woman about to get married, who's searching for her birth father. Cismesia plays Sophie's mother, Donna, and Ledonne portrays one of Sophie’s possible fathers (and Donna’s main love interest), Sam. Performances will take place on Nov. 14, 15 and 16.

Willowbrook Theatre invites you to dance and have the time of your life during the school’s fall musical, “Mamma Mia!”

According to Music Theatre International (MTI) (https://tinyurl.com/y3ns2jph), hits by the band ABBA "tell the hilarious story of a young woman's (Sophie) search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show."

Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier said she chose the musical for its lighthearted feel.

“I hope the audience feels compelled to sing along and have a fun night out,” Wathier said. “It’s just an entertaining story – and it’s ABBA! The show exists to celebrate disco.”

Willowbrook senior Emma Cismesia plays Sophie’s mother, Donna. Cismesia described her character as “a former wild child, who has been working her whole adult life to support her daughter, who is her entire world.”

“With most musicals, the melody and lyrics are made to fit the storyline,” Cismesia said. “But what’s unique about ‘Mamma Mia!’ is the story’s built around the music. It creates a fun challenge to find the motivation as to why your character would sing those specific words.”

Willowbrook senior Pearl Hosman plays Sophie, whom Hosman described as “the ingénue of the play.”

“Sophie is very likeable, and she has quirks that endear her to people,” Hosman said.

Portraying one of Sophie’s possible fathers (and Donna’s main love interest), Sam, is Willowbrook senior Vincenzo Ledonne II.

“Just about every number in the play is something you’ve heard and can sing along to,” Ledonne said. “I hope people who come have fun and enjoy the music. It’s going to be a good show.”

Juniors Jack Cullerton (Bill) and Michael Poirier (Harry) round out the possible dads, and the cast features about 40 students – many of whom are new to theatre.

“It has been great getting new people into the theatre program with this production,” Cullerton said. “I hope the show brings audience members back in time, and they reminisce about the first time they saw ‘Mamma Mia!’”

“Mamma Mia!”
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 15 and 16

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children, $5 for students with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, http://www.dupage88.net/WBMusicalTickets2019-20.

Kiwanis Club of Villa Park Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 15 – To see details, including ticket prices, go to http://www.dupage88.net/WBSpaghettiDinner2019-20.