'You gotta take a chance' on Spaulding production of 'Mamma Mia'

ROCHESTER - Spaulding High's troupe of 120 actors, technicians and stage assistants opened their production of "Mamma Mia" Thursday night and Director of Music Joanne Houston, who is overseeing the production, said they came through with flying colors.

"They were ready for it," Houston said today.

The wildly popular musical set on a Greek island continues tonight with its two-week run.

With so many talented thespians, Houston said she was able to double up the cast, with two sets of students playing the major rolls alternating every other night.

The music made famous by supergroup ABBA includes favorites like "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "Take a Chance on Me."

The basic plotline involves Donna, an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, who is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the bride, secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real dad and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day.

Besides the wonderful acting, singing and dancing the musical brings to the stage, Houston said the special effects will be an audience favorite, so much so she didn't' want to give away any of the specifics today.

The box office smash played Broadway for years before going to the silver screen.

Houston said the Spaulding production boasts unique and wonderful sets built by a coalition of talented students, staff and parents.

The show continues tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Next week's run will again comprise Thursday through Saturday shows at 7 p.m. with a final show Sunday at 2 p.m.

"Last night we had a really nice crowd, and we're just getting started," Houston said.