Take a Chance on Mamma Mia! This Valentine’s Weekend

The Governor’s Academy is thrilled to invite you to the Greek island of Kalokairi as the Academy’s Art Department presents the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! The production will run for two nights, Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bergmann Theater in the Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts. Both Valentine’s Day weekend performances are free and open to the public.

Featuring the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, Mamma Mia! tells the hilarious and touching story of a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her wedding. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a fictional Greek island and is brought to life by over 50 students in the cast, crew, and pit band. From "Dancing Queen" to "Take a Chance on Me," the show promises an unforgettable evening of singing and dancing.

“It’s hard not to love Mamma Mia!” said Director Jack Norton '17. “A jukebox musical featuring ABBA’s timeless music, it tells the stories of mother and daughter Sophie and Donna Sheridan, highlighting their beautiful realization that there are so many types of families.”

There are twelve seniors in the cast, crew, and pit band. For seven of them, Mamma Mia! marks their fourth and final Winter Musical at Govs. Julia Fanikos '26 of Hamilton, Massachusetts, is one of the veteran performers. She brought years of acting experience to Govs when she arrived as a ninth-grader in 2022 and will play Tanya Chesham-Leigh, one of Donna’s best friends, in her final performance at Govs. 

“This show is different from other performances at Govs because of how lively and high-energy it is,” said Fanikos. “It is filled with full ensemble dance numbers—there is never a dull moment throughout the show. The whole cast has worked really hard to bring that joy and excitement to the stage.”

Mamma Mia! is the debut musical at Govs for Instrumental Music Director Dr. Hexing Ouyang, who will direct the Pit Band. Choral Music Director Dr. Yufen Yen is the production’s Music Director. Bonniejean Wilbur designed the production’s costumes, and Director of Dance Kayla Waldron choreographed the production with assistance from Willow Dixon '26, who stars as Donna Sheridan. Interim Technical Theater Director Jeff Rath led a group of students who designed and created the set, lighting, and sound for the show. 

“Mamma Mia! features many more choreographed dance numbers than have been performed in recent musicals at Govs,” shared Norton. “Everyone knows ABBA’s music, so the audience will definitely be singing and dancing along in their seats!”