Mamma Mia! musical set for historical run at Kelowna Community Theatre – Okanagan

The Kelowna Actors Studio is anticipating a record-breaking summer at the box office with their local production of the popular musical Mamma Mia!

“The exciting thing is that the Kelowna Community Theatre is 60 years old and we are the longest-running show of three weeks in its history,” said Randy Leslie, director of the Kelowna production.

Mamma Mia! transports the audience to the fictional Greek island Kalokari while preparations are being made for a wedding. In the Okanagan production, musician and actress Anna Jacyszyn takes on the lead role of Donna Sheridan.

In the musical, Donna’s daughter Sophie, played by Joanne Ryan, discovers her mother’s diaries from the year she was pregnant and devises a plan to uncover the identity of her father before her wedding. All of this unfolds to the iconic hits of ABBA.

“(Donna has) potentially three baby daddies, and it is the eve of (Donna’s) daughter’s wedding and she without me knowing has invited all three of them to the island,” said Jacyszyn.

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In her overalls, Jacyszyn showcases her talents in singing, dancing, acting, and commanding the stage.

“I love her and I love the songs and they are so fun,” said Jacyszyn. “I love the fact that I have to sing in different ways.”

The cast has dedicated at least 80 hours a week over the past five weeks to learning the choreography under the guidance of choreographer Gracelynn Sali, in order to bring one of the most anticipated shows of the summer in the Okanagan to life.

“Everybody expects something because it’s ABBA and it’s Mamma Mia! and people come in with expectations,” said Sali.

“I have tried to blend what people are expecting with also a new twist to make it exciting for people.”

Audiences are encouraged to join the cast of the Okanagan production of Mamma Mia! at the Kelowna Community Theatre from August 1 to August 17. Ticket information is available at www.theatre.kelowna.ca

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