MAMMA MIA 5: The Barn's Pryor, Reed and Hershow
By: Jeffrey Ellis Aug. 31, 2017
Broadway vet Rachel Potter stars with the nine-time First Night Award-winning Martha Wilkinson (a 2015 First Night Honoree) in the upcoming Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre production of Mamma Mia!, the hit musical set to a score of ABBA's biggest hits. Mamma Mia! runs September 7-October 21 at Nashville's iconic dinner theatre.
Opening on Broadway in October 2001 - just weeks after 9/11 - the musical provided a much-needed dose of escapism to a battered New York City theatre scene still reeling from the attacks of September 11. It went on to run for 14 years on the main stem, with some 5,773 performances to its credit. The North American touring production, which opened in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2002, continued until its final performance in St. Louis on July 30 of this year, racking up in excess of 4,000 performances along the way.
- photo by Michael Scott Evans
tarring Broadway veteran and former X Factor finalist Rachel Potter as Sophie and Martha Wilkinson as Donna, Mamma Mia! tells the comic story of bride-to-be Sophie and the hilarity surrounding her wedding on a Greek island paradise. The magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating a trip down the aisle audiences will never forget!
Bradley Moore directs, with choreography by Everett Tarlton and music direction by Kelsi Fulton.
Chaffin's Barn's production of Mamma Mia! will include 30 performances, staged on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, as well as Thursday matinees, with one special Sunday matinee on September 17. Reservations for Mamma Mia! are now available via www.ChaffinsBarnTheatre.com.
In addition to Potter and Wilkinson, the cast include Gracie McGraw, Meggan Utech, Jenny Norris-Light, Cat Arnold, Taylor Novak, Will Pope, Austin Olive, Greg Frey, David Arnold, Geoff Davin, Curtis Reed, Christina Candilora, Brett Cantrell, Anna Carroll, Heather Hershow, Jenna Pryor and Sarah Katherine.
In the coming days, leading up to opening night on Thursday, September 7, members of the cast take on our Mamma Mia 5 questions, to offer up some reasons for you to make sure you're in their audience through October 21. First up, today's edition features Jenna Pryor, Curtis Reed and Heather Hershow.
What character do you play in Mamma Mia? Leslie/ensemble .
What's your favorite ABBA song? "The Winner Takes It All!"
Why should people come see Mamma Mia? This cast is all-star. Also, Bradley Moore is just a visionary. He is on a roll lately, and audiences need to keep their eye on what else he has up his sleeve.
Who's your favorite character in the show besides your own and why is that? My favorite character has always been Donna. I think everyone has that one lost love from our past that we dream will show up on our doorstep one day...and Donna has three ex-flames do just that! It's so fascinating and relatable to me how she reacts to it all over the course of the musical. And of course, Martha Wilkinson is incomparable.
Who would you want to play you in the film sequel to Mamma Mia? Probably Rachel Bloom of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
What character do you play in Mamma Mia? I play Gunner in the Ensemble and I am also dance captain. I am fortunate enough to also go on as Sam for three performances!
What's your favorite ABBA song? "Gimme gimme gimme," which unfortunately I am not in, but learning the choreography for it was so fun, I just might don a dress and run out there!
Why should people come see Mamma Mia? This show is like no other that the barn has done in the past. We have new tricks and gadgets, huge dance numbers, and with a musical book that everyone knows, why would you miss it?!?!
Who's your favorite character in the show besides your own and why is that? I love the character of Tanya and not only because she is played by my best friend, Jenny Norris Light, but because she is fiery, brassy, bold, and can hang with the guys, but also cut a rug with the girls.
Who would you want to play you in the film sequel to Mamma Mia? Well, since I dance like a mad man, I'd love to see Travis Wall or Derek Hough play my role and feature their dancing as much as possible.
Heather Hershow
What character do you play in Mamma Mia? I play Petra, a guest at Sophie's wedding, island vacationer and proud member of the ensemble!
What's your favorite ABBA song? Probably "Lay All Your Love on Me."
Why should people come see Mamma Mia? The show is full of talent, energy, and ABBA songs. We've worked hard to make sure y'all are dancing in your seats by the finale!
Who's your favorite character in the show besides your own and why is that? I think it would be Rosie. She's full of subtly sassy comebacks and has an adventurous spirit!
Who would you want to play you in the film sequel to Mamma Mia? I have no idea what the plot of the sequel is...maybe an aspiring artist taken under Donna's wing? Any role where I would get to sing, dance, and wear bell bottoms, I suppose.
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