Mamma Mia! the musical

JESSICA KRAMER

Here we go again

Style magazine sat down for a chat with some of the cast members for the Empire Theatre’s main production for 2020: Mamma Mia! the musical

Though the musical premiered back in 1999 in London, Mamma Mia! shot back up to popularity in 2008 with the movie adaptation, and then again in 2018 with the film sequel.

And each time, ABBA’s tunes have reached the music charts – but let’s be honest, is there ever a time when ABBA is forgotten?

This year, it’s Toowoomba’s turn to enjoy the live experience of the musical created originally by Catherine Johnson and the band’s own Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, as the Empire Theatre brings Mamma Mia! to stage from March 5 to 15.

We had a chat with Diana Holt (Donna Sheridan), Sophie Volp (Sophie Sheridan), and James Taylor (Sky) about the musical, stage life, and performing in general.

DIANA HOLT (DONNA SHERIDAN) Where did you learn most of your acting skills? What about your singing skills?

I have done short courses in acting and singing, however, most of my training has been ‘on the job’. I have had singing training with various teachers with different styles over the years which always broadens your knowledge and skills. What would be your favourite character role to date? I have two: Sally Bowles in Cabaret and the Queen of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland. What does the musical Mamma Mia mean to you? How would you describe it?

It’s a story of redemption for me. What was seemingly lost becomes found. The past mistakes that brought hurt and dreams lost actually springs forth a new beginning and future better than expected. What attracted you to the role you’re playing in Mamma Mia? Donna is a strong independent woman who has a big heart. She is also relaxed and carefree but has lost a part of herself which I feel she gets back in the end. This is what makes her journey so joyous, Pictured clockwise from top left: Sophie Volp is playing Sophie, Diana Holt is playing Donna, and James Taylor is playing Sky

fulfilling and extremely relatable. Did you have much familiarity with ABBA and their music before auditioning for this production?

Yes, I love ABBA songs and have become very familiar with them over many years. They are very technical and clever songs and they cause you to feel uplifted even though at times there is a sadness. I will be visiting the ABBA museum in Stockholm when I visit there this year. What’s your favourite ABBA song? The Winner Takes It All. What do you enjoy most about performing in musicals?

I thoroughly enjoy exploring the roles that I play, thinking about how the character thinks, feels, expresses themselves. I love the camaraderie of being in a cast and I love the level of passion in performance that only musicals can allow me to express.

SOPHIE VOLP (SOPHIE SHERIDAN) Where did you learn most of your acting skills? What about your singing skills?

I grew up in a musical family, so I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but my voice has developed the most over the years with the help of the Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir. I have learnt so much about technique and musicality from our director, and it’s through her holiday productions that I honed my acting skills as well. Along with the help of a variety of workshops and lessons, I’ve turned my passion for performing into skills, and I’m still developing and growing as an actress daily.

What would be your favourite character role to date? I had the opportunity to play The White Witch in the Toowoomba Choral Society Junior’s production of Narnia, and she has to be my favourite.

She was so much more than just evil, she had so many layers and her emotions were never one dimensional. Playing Queen Jadis was a huge challenge, and I truly feel that I grew so much as a performer portraying her character. What does the musical Mamma Mia mean to you? How would you describe it? Mamma Mia is so beautiful because, at its core, it’s just real people with real life problems, and there is someone for everyone to relate to. You can’t watch Mamma Mia and not feel a sense of joy, and that is why it’s such a beloved story. What attracted you to the role you’re playing in Mamma Mia? I love Sophie because she goes on this huge journey of selfdiscovery and you can literally see her grow during the show. She has no walls and her vulnerability really opens her up to a lot of intense emotions, but she remains so unapologetically herself throughout all her struggles, and that’s so refreshing in such a young character. Did you have much familiarity with ABBA and their music before auditioning for this production? Mamma Mia, the 2008 movie, was actually my first real introduction to ABBA music, but I’ve loved it ever since. ABBA music has such an infectious energy that I can’t help falling in love with.

What’s your favourite ABBA song? There’s something about Super Trouper that just gets me in the feels. What do you enjoy most about performing in musicals?

I love everything about performing in musicals, but if I had to pick a favourite part it would probably be the connectivity between the cast and the audience. There is nothing else like live theatre, and when the audience gives you energy, you bounce off that and give it right back. No performance ever feels exactly the same, because with every new audience there is a new energy to play with.

JAMES TAYLOR (SKY) Where did you learn most of your acting skills? What about your singing skills?

I had always been a bit of a performer – my parents labelled me a ‘drama queen’ from a very early age. However, it wasn’t until I auditioned for a school musical that I discovered I could actually sing as well. A shock to everyone around me, I decided to develop my new found passion, and within a few years I was performing on the Empire stage in Wicked! I owe everything to my high school drama and music teachers. What would be your favourite character role to date? My favourite role to date is Freddy Eynsford Hill, in My Fair Lady. I have always loved that show and getting to play that role was a great privilege. What does the musical Mamma Mia mean to you? How would you describe it? To me, Mamma Mia is about having fun, no matter who you are. You laugh, you cry, you dance – it’s just an awesome show. What attracted you to the role you’re playing in Mamma Mia? Among other things, I respect Sky’s passion. He had it made with a job on the London Stock Exchange, but chose to leave it all behind after meeting Sophie. I think that’s really something special. Did you have much familiarity with ABBA and their music before auditioning for this production?

I have been an ABBA fan my entire life. My parents used to play their albums when I was a kid and they just stuck with me. ABBA is appropriate for any occasion in my eyes. What’s your favourite ABBA song? Super Trouper. What do you enjoy most about performing in musicals? I just love performing for people – always have. As an actor you can bring audiences so many different emotions, and knowing that you are inspiring something within these people is very rewarding.