The Indian Lake High School musical presentation of Cinderella the first weekend of March 2020 was the last event hosted at full capacity on Indian Lake’s campus.
Despite current restrictions from COVID-19, new ILHS Musical Director Tracey Notestine said the 2021 show must go on.
More than 50 cast and crew members are preparing to perform the musical, Mamma Mia, at 8 p.m. today, Thursday, March 4; Friday, March 5, and Saturday, March 6, in the Wilma Jacobs Performing Arts Auditorium at Indian Lake High School.
A dress rehearsal was hosted Wednesday evening. The production features the well-known songs of the 70s Swedish pop group ABBA. Notestine selected this musical for several reasons.
“All the music is fun and exciting,” she said. “And this year, I picked this show because there are so many great parts, but also because of money. We could save a little bit of money on costuming and make-up and just make the best show for the least amount of money.”
Covid-19 theatre guidelines drastically reduce the number of people permitted in the ILHS Auditorium, Notestine explained, and by extension, ticket sales are affected as well.
A limited number of tickets were offered for purchase through Hometown Ticketing, the same online box office service that Indian Lake Schools is using for athletic contests.
In addition, instead of an orchestra pit, orchestra director Jason Fauley is using a computerized sound system called OrchExtra for the live music during the show.
Unfortunately, Mamma Mia copyrights did not include a streaming option for online viewing this year, Notestine noted.
The production will showcase students Kayla Roberts (Sophie), Callie Notestine (Donna), Regan Ross (Tanya), Nicolette Dague (Rosie), Mason Beres (Sky), Nathan Huffman (Sam), Robby Benedict (Bill), Doug Bungard (Harry), Allison Culp (Ali), Raelyn Parsell (Lisa) and Brody Parsell (Pepper).
Seniors Kayla Roberts, Doug Bungard, Nicolette Dague and Robby Benedict are especially excited for the opportunity to present Mamma Mia.
“It’s a big, fun fiasco and I just love everything about the show,” Kayla Roberts said. “Covid has definitely made it different, but it’s not a bad different. We’ve all been really lucky to still be here with everyone and still be able to perform together and have fun.”
“All of the music this year is songs that I can throw on in the car and jam out to. I’ve never had a musical where I’ve loved every song before this musical,” added Doug Bungard.
Senior Nicolette Dague has been in several musicals at ILHS and in the community.
“I feel very, very lucky and blessed that we all got to have a show,” she said. “We have a lot of restrictions, but it’s been very easy to adapt.”
“My favorite part of musical this year is the fact that we got to have a musical. We are very fortunate compared to some schools…I love that we come together and sing our hearts out and just have fun with it,” added Robby Benedict.
Mamma Mia is the first Indian Lake High School musical that Notestine has directed. She has served as a volunteer and assistant for the past several years under the previous director, including the recent productions of Shrek, Addams Family and Cinderella.
“I am an Indian Lake graduate and I know what it’s like to be a part of an Indian Lake High School musical. I want that for our kids,” Notestine said. “The kids do realize the importance and they know it’s a great opportunity for all of us to be together and bring the magic of our show to life.”
Rebecca Taylor serves as the Mamma Mia assistant director and choreographer. Jason Fauley is the orchestra director. Ed Rogers is supervising sets, while Billi Hurley is in charge of costumes. Ginger Kimmel and Christy Wright lead the hair and make-up team.
Mamma Mia is presented through special arrangement with, and music and dialogue materials furnished by Musical Theatre International.