By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of Carbon High School Theatre Arts
Looking to bring the hits of Swedish pop sensation ABBA to life, the Carbon High Theatre Arts Department prepares to present ‘Mama Mia’ on Nov. 19-22 and Nov. 24.
To discuss the production, the KOAL newsroom was joined by Director Katie Rowley and actors Maisie Iverson and Bentley Bennett for a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s preparation.
“I was drawn to ‘Mamma Mia’ for the music,” said Rowley. “I think you’ll be pleased to hear that younger generations still appreciate good music. ABBA songs are awesome. They’re so fun to sing and dance to, and I think that we need some of that fun, bright energy in the world today.”
Speaking from her experience as director, Rowley shared one of the biggest challenges the production has faced: “One of the major challenges was costuming. So it’s set in the ’90s, but there is a generation of performers from the ’70s that are kind of going back to their roots. There are some really exciting, eccentric outfits, and it was a little challenging to find something we liked. But, we landed on some good stuff, so I’m really excited for everyone to see their costumes.”
Looking at the cast as a whole, Rowley discussed what has impressed her most about the bunch of students,” I’ve been impressed with their talent and dedication, and they have just great energy. They bring so much life and energy to the show.”
Moving to the actor’s view, Iverson shared what drew her to the theater department: “I’ve done theater my whole life, and so I have participated in a bunch of the shows at the high school, and I was just really excited to do ‘Mamma Mia’ because it’s one of my favorite musicals.”
Bennett answered the same question,” Since seventh grade, I’ve been doing theater, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I love to do it. I love being able to express myself with it, and I just recently moved back to Price from Texas, and I was so ready to hop back in, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this production.”
Bennett also shared what she’s found most enjoyable about preparing the performance,” it’s definitely been making all the friends with all these people because everyone in the cast is so kind and welcoming. It’s been wonderful to make friends with all of them, and we all have inside jokes, and it’s just fun to be able to spend all that time together and have relationships.”
On the flip side, Iverson spoke on what the biggest challenge has been,” I think one of the biggest challenges is being cohesive as a cast and all being able to bring the same energy and also staying positive when you’re spending so much time together.”
The pair also provided a plug to the public to get out and view the show, with Iverson sharing,” You definitely will leave having fun.” Bennett added,” I think going to live theater productions is a really important part of someone’s life. It can really impact you, and it can be just a very fun experience, and I think no one will regret it if they go.”
Retaking the reins, Rowley shared how the public can buy tickets for the production.” There is a ticket website that you can find a link to on our Facebook page. The tickets are $2 cheaper if you buy them in advance, and you get to reserve your seats and choose where you think the best seats are going to be and make sure that you skip the line.”
Closing our conversation, Rowley shared,” I think there’s something really magical in seeing live theater and also supporting the younger generation and what they’re putting their time and effort into. And I think they have worked really hard and have made something really beautiful that everyone should support.”
Carbon High’s production of ‘Mamma Mia’ runs from Nov. 19-22, with an additional showing on Nov. 24 in the Carbon High auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online here.
