Musical for the whole family

The legacy of globally adored musical 'Mamma Mia!' lives on as year 12 student Makenzie Clark takes to the stage as the film's free-spirited matriarch, Donna Sheridan. Cathedral College is in the final stages of preparation for their upcoming production of 'Mamma Mia!', and Makenzie Clark feels honoured to star as her dream role in the very film that sparked her love for the venture. "The film was one of my first exposures to musical theatre, and honestly, it made me fall in love with it," she said. "The possibility of portraying Donna and playing a role that has been a dream role of mine was all I needed to audition." Makenzie has certainly made her mark in the world of theatre, having portrayed a number of roles at both the school as well as with her involvement in the Wangaratta Players, starring as Emma Pritchard in their production of 'The Long Road' in 2023. "I am so incredibly lucky and grateful that I get to add Donna to that list and play a dream role of mine," she said. "Little 12-year-old Makenzie would be freaking out." Makenzie said from an actor's point of view, getting to uncover and portray the layers of Donna's personality has been a beautiful experience. "In certain scenes she is headstrong, not letting anyone and anything get to her, but then she’s humorous and up for a joke, then vulnerable and showing just how much certain things are affecting her within the story," she said. 'Mamma Mia!' is probably best known for is its unforgettable soundtrack from ABBA, so it's no surprise Makenzie is most looking forward to performing 'Dancing Queen', the song she said resonates with her the most. "It’s only once in your life that you can be performing the iconic ‘Dancing Queen’ on stage with some of your best friends while being a ‘young, sweet and 17’ dancing queen yourself," she said. She also said performing 'Slipping through my fingers', a poignant and heartwarming song alongside Sophie (Georgie Edwards) in the musical's denouement is "so rewarding and powerful". Throughout the production process, which has been both very challenging but also rewarding according to Makenzie, doing Donna's character justice has been something that Makenzie has strived to achieve. "Donna is a mum who has nurtured and created a business, travelled the world and fallen in love, again, and again, and again, while I am a teenage girl who is just starting that chapter of her life, without anywhere near as much experience in life as Donna," she said. With only a few months remaining until year 12 students finish up, Makenzie said her final production at Cathedral has been nothing short of bittersweet. However, she said the dedication she's seen from other students, as well connections she's made with them over her schooling journey, there's no doubt in mind that this production will shape up to be a spectacular final send-off. "Doing these shows for the past five years have been my favourite moments of my time here at Cathedral, and saying goodbye to that has been challenging, scary, and emotional," she said. "But I’m so grateful that I’ve had this experience and that Mamma Mia! is my year 12 show." You can experience the magic of 'Mamma Mia!' for yourself at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 15 August at 7pm, and on Saturday, 16 August at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at wpacc.com.au.

Musical for the whole family

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