BWW Interviews: The Momma of MAMMA MIA! Discusses Her Role on the Road

Georgia Kate Haege is preparing to set out on another year of the national tour of Mamma Mia. In the ABBA-inspired hit musical, Haege plays the role of Donna, a single mother who is planning her daughter's wedding while running a resort on a Greek island. As a native Australian, touring the United States is a new adventure for Haege. Georgia Kate Haege took a few moments to talk to Broadway World about her experience traveling the country in Mamma Mia.

Broadway World: Can you tell me a little bit about Mamma Mia and the character that you play in the show?

Georgia Kate Haege: I play the character of Donna Sheridan and she is a single mom. She is raising her 20-year-old daughter. The show is set over a 48-hour period, and we meet all of the characters the day before Sophie's, her daughter, wedding. Donna doesn't know who the father is. There are three potential men from her past, but she doesn't know which one it is. She has tried to block it out, but Sophie reads her diary and figures out that there are three potential dads. Sophie invites them to the wedding. They show up. Craziness insues because Donna hasn't seen these three men in 20 years. She has totally tried to push them out of her memory, and suddenly, here they all are! She doesn't know why they have turned up and feels completely thrown. She is still in love with one of potential dads, Sam. The other thing is her two best friends that she hasn't seen in a while have also turned up to celebrate the wedding. Her old band members, Tanya and Rosie, are alot of fun and very strong charcaters. They tell Donna they want to help her but also tell her don't worry about it and this is what we think you should do. Amongst all of this, we've got fanatstic costumes, sets, and dance numbers and all of those amazing songs from ABBA.

BWW: What did you do to prepare for this role?

GKH: Before I got this role, I didn't know much about the show. When I was cast, I researched it and watched the movie and saw the show on Broadway. I realized how clever it is. It's quite brillant. They have barely changed the lyrics and they fit so well with the story and the plot. It's alot of fun, and there are some twists and turns.

BWW: What is the most challenging thing about performing in Mamma Mia?

GKH: My character of Donna is in so much of the show. In act two, I sing many songs in a row so the challenge is being vocally prepared to do so.

BWW: What advice do you have for young performers?

GKH: Be kind to people.

Mamma Mia is presented as the first show of the Fifth Third Bank's Broadway in Atlanta 2014-2015 season. The show runs September 22- 28 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets are available at atlanta.broadway.com .