From the creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, and altogether ooky Addams Family to the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen, the Bingham High School 2020-2021 musical has changed from “The Addams Family” to “Mamma Mia!”. Although there may be many opinions on this change, the talented students of Bingham High School are ready to celebrate, ABBA style. 

“Mamma Mia!” is a jukebox musical featuring the wildly popular music of the Swedish pop supergroup, ABBA. Students should expect a carefree show that makes them want to sing, dance, and laugh. Many may be familiar with songs such as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “I Have a Dream.” These catchy tunes are sure to bring a smile to any audience. 

According to Brittany Andersen, the musical director at Bingham, the change from “The Addams Family” to “Mamma Mia!” was made to be more tailored to Bingham students. Typically, a larger percentage of females audition for the school musical, and “Mamma Mia!” is full of fantastic roles for these young actresses. The musical celebrates enduring friendships and women supporting each other. 

During this unprecedented time for the musical theatre industry, theatre lovers are excited for the chance to get back to what they love. “Mamma Mia!” is a heartfelt show to help lift students’ spirits. Theatre student Chloe Warnas says, “I love theatre because when you go to see a show, for those 2-2½ hours, you can become part of a different story. The amount of magic that happens on stage is unlike anything else.”

Andersen is excited for Bingham students to contribute “The excitement and the energy that we desperately need in this time.” She encourages all who wish to be part of this celebration to try out. This musical needs every student’s unique voice and should be a creative outlet in a stressful world. Andersen continues, “This is, for all intents and purposes, a fun show, and that is what our whole world needs right now, just lots more fun and celebration rather than heavy, heavy stuff that just adds to the weight of the world.”

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for the first week of December, and curtains will rise February 18-23. However, these dates are subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to be part of this fun-filled production, strap on your dancing shoes and take a chance. Break a leg, Miners!