This show has been quite the journey! A challenging, exhilerating, frustrating and ultimately amazing journey.
I must admit, in the vast library that is musical theatre, Mamma Mia wouldn't normally have been the first, second, or even tenth show I would have reached for. But that's a me thing. I'm more of a classic rock, early 2000's emo-punk guy than an ABBA guy. Wow, I did not realize what I was missing! All credit for this selection goes out to our amazing choir teacher and music director, Rhonda Card. When we were choosing a show last spring, she came fully prepared with a Power Point to showcase why this musical was the perfect choice for CHS this year; I am so glad that she was absolutely right! The music in this show is iconic, the characters are legendary and the themes will resonate with people of every age.
All of that said, this is a HUGE show and no easy feat to pull off, but the students have been so excited to tackle this challenge. We were blown away by the number of kids who auditioned and who came forward to work as part of the crew. A constant buzz of energy has underlied every night of rehearsal whether it was small group of leads practicing in the choir room or the full ensemble rehearsing a dance number for the 50th time. When I think back on Mamma Mia, the feeling that will stick with me the most is joy: the joy I see on the faces of these students each night.
We continue to be blessed in Cloquet theatre with such a dedicated team, willing to put in the hours to make these shows a reality. Thank you to Darrell for continuing to be the best assistant director I could ever ask for; your endless enthusiasm and ability to juggle so many different balls at once is greatly appreciated. Thank you Rhonda for convincing us that Mamma Mia was the show we needed and for getting the absolute best out of these singers, night after night. Thank you Kevin for continuing to lead the pit in our efforts to keep live music in front of our musical audiences. Thank you Liz for spending so many of your evenings helping us out with vocal rehearsals AND pit rehearsals. Thank you Tony and Craig for once again taking our crazy vision for a set and making it a reality. Thank you to Anita for managing the small army of crew members backstage and for your countless hours spent painting. Thank you Darla for always going above and beyond to find any prop we ever ask for and even the ones we don't. Thank you Lonna, Tara and Annie for all of your efforts in the costume shop; this cast is huge, and they all have multiple outfits! Your efforts have paid off, and the audience will be blown away by some of these costumes! Thank you Megan for coming on as our makeup and hair designer and working with such a big group on your first musical! Thank you John for your tireless work behind the scenes; your ability to handle the little fires that pop up every night with such calm and grace is an inspriation to the entire crew. Thank you Presley for your epic choreography! We appreciate that you agreed to come back for another year, even after seeing just how many songs needed full on dance numbers! Thank you Trent for your many hours spent on the mics and soundboard, as well as your dedication to troubleshooting any technical element that exists in our auditorium. Thank you to the other volunteers I may have missed here and all of the parents/guardians of these amazing students who have let them spend their evenings with us, sharing their talents and learning about the magical art of live theatre.
Thank you to the students; we are constant awe of the level of talent we have here at CHS. Special shout out to our Seniors! This is a hard group to say goodbye to. You were my first class of 9th grade students here in Cloquet, and we've all gone on this theatre journey together the last four years. I hope you know that you've taught me so much more than I could ever teach you, and I am going to miss you all very much. But, your journey goes on! Keep on sharing your gifts with the world because it is a brighter place when we get to see you shine.
I would like to dedicate this show to my grandparents, Marie and John Hunt, who both passed away during my time working on this production. Grandma and Grandpa came to every little league game and school play performance I ever participated in, and I will miss them dearly. Love you two!
