![A young woman in overalls sits on a chair in the foreground, surrounded by a chorus of performers reaching towards her against a dark stage background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1771532035/governor/hj0mke9vf2scqcdtz3pw/_EHO5583.jpg","width":2200}])
The Governor’s Academy recently transported audiences to the Greek island of Kalokairi with its smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! Featuring the timeless songs of ABBA, the production told the hilarious and touching story of a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her wedding. Over 50 students in the cast, crew, and pit band brought the story to life, filling the theater with favorites like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
“It’s hard not to love Mamma Mia!,” said Director Jack Norton '17. “It highlights the beautiful realization that there are so many types of families.”
Twelve seniors participated, including Julia Fanikos '26, performing as Tanya Chesham-Leigh in her fourth and final Winter Musical. “This show is different because of how lively and high-energy it is,” she said. “There is never a dull moment, and the whole cast worked hard to bring joy and excitement to the stage.”
The production marked the Govs debut for Instrumental Music Director Dr. Hexing Ouyang, who led the Pit Band, while Choral Music Director Dr. Yufen Yen served as Music Director. Costume Designer Bonniejean Wilbur created vibrant costumes, and Director of Dance Kayla Waldron choreographed the show with help from talened dancer and choreographer, Willow Dixon '26, who also starred as Donna Sheridan. A talented and skilled crew of Theater Tech students designed and built the set, lighting, and sound.
“Mamma Mia! featured many more choreographed dance numbers than recent musicals at Govs,” Norton noted. “With ABBA’s music, the audience definitely sang and danced along!”