Knightly News

Senior actor Anne Bradley Ewing highlights Episcopal’s upcoming presentation of “Mamma Mia!” The show runs from March 26th to March 29th in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Purchase your tickets here.

Sequins, disco balls, and ABBA are the key to a night of fun. There is no party like one surrounded by friends and family singing ‘Dancing Queen' under bright strobe lights. Well, you’re in luck because the opening night of "Mamma Mia!" is next Thursday, March 26th! The show runs through Sunday, and from insider info, it is quite the treat. The cast has been working hard all semester under the direction of director Ali Brady, composer Carrie Poynot, and choreographer Lauren Reed. This is Brady’s first Upper School show at Episcopal, and I can already tell that it is going to be a hit. 

I talked with the director about her experience so far. Brady directed the Middle School’s production of "High School Musical" in the fall. She highlights the differences between directing a Middle School show and an Upper School performance. “In high school, you really get to dig deep into some acting work.” As a member of the cast, I can truly attest to the positive changes the new director has inspired.  No matter if you're the lead or a featured dancer, Brady wants all of the cast members to perform to their fullest potential. Everyone is on stage for a reason: to bring a scene to life. The director makes sure that every islander has a purpose in every scene. These tedious details can truly transform a show, and "Mamma Mia!" is a testament to that. 

One of the things that sets an Episcopal production apart is the quality of its set. Built by Louis Gagliano and his Tech Theater class, the structure looks like it was ripped right out of Greece. With the iconic blue shutters and pink bougainvilleas, the stage comes to life under the lights. “As somebody who has toured many arts facilities and venues, I can truly say that our space is like no other. The atmosphere that we allow the audience to enter creates an unforgettable experience,” says senior actor Marshall Elliott. Elliott will be attending Ithaca College's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in the fall and will play Sam Carmichael in the “Mia” cast. Some may say he is a reputable source, and what he says is completely true. The outside world disappears once you step into the auditorium. Blue lights glisten like water across the set, and the audience is able to dip their toes in. 

At Episcopal, we are very focused on building community. In fact, it is this year’s school motto. Building community is the foundation of what this institution believes in. When asked, Brady says the arts department selected "Mamma Mia!" as the spring musical because, “It brings the community together and it’s a show about community.” Nothing says community like family, friendship, and finding yourself. That is the true message behind the show. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, "Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox musical. This means that the music in the show was already written, and the story was built around the popular songs. “They come to the show already knowing the songs. Everyone knows ABBA,” says Brady. You may not know ABBA, but I’m sure you know their music because of "Mamma Mia!" So put on your sequins and gogo boots and come support the Episcopal Arts next weekend. It will be a “Super Trouper” duper good time!

Don't miss "Mamma Mia!" Tickets are available here. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

(Mamma Cast) Thursday/Saturday

Donna - Alyssa Melancon
Sophie - Marielle Doherty
Tanya - Ella Palfi
Rosie - Ava Rheubottom
Sam - John Harper Wilkinson
Bill - Ryan Funk
Harry - Rece Davis
Sky - Connor Swillie
Ali - Kate Lyons
Lisa - Annie Wilcox
Pepper - Caleb Broussard
Eddie - Oscar Fenske
Father Alexandrios - Baron Brock

(Mia Cast) Friday/Sunday

Donna - Anne Bradley Ewing
Sophie - Anna Katherine Godfrey
Tanya - Colleen Newton
Rosie - Emma Hazel Wingate
Sam - Marshall Elliott
Bill - Thomas White
Harry - Alex Hayden
Sky - Caleb Broussard
Ali - Riana Yano
Lisa - Julia Whitney
Pepper - Connor Swillie
Eddie - Oscar Fenske
Father Alexandrios - Baron Brock

Ensemble

Madeline Falcon
Katelyn Pittman
Avery Hanby
Harrison Daniels
Charlotte Spring
Adelyn Broussard
Sylvee Soleau
Nathan D'Gerolamo
Hudson Burge
Laney Wingate
Delilah Tebbutt
Carter Stoneham
Margaret Trimble
Koyomi Ogihara
Ava Rowe
Ella Stewart
NB Engholm
Kolya Schultz
Laura Mapes
Jeanne Bosworth
Evie Duff
Mary Claire Dickerson
Daphnie Sumbler
Ryan Mengelson-Clark
Kaylin Trahan
George Adams

Crew:

Mattie Ray - Light Board Operator

Pace Rabalais - Light Board Apprentice

Grace Waguespack - Spot Light Operator

Alina Weng - Spot Light Operator

Danitza Hamer - Back Stage Right Headset

Addison Walsh - Back Stage Left Headset

Anne Bradley Ewing is a senior at Episcopal and is currently enrolled in an independent study in sports journalism. She aspires to be a sports broadcaster in the future. Alongside covering and writing on sports programs at Episcopal, she is also a member of the varsity soccer and volleyball teams. She recently found a passion for theater and plays Donna in the upcoming presentation of "Mamma Mia!" Her primary goal in her writing is to help inform the Episcopal community about the behind-the-scenes aspects of sports at her school. 

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