Mamma Mia – Tasha Toulouse – playing Sophie
After a wait that became nearly two years, Joe Cardinal and the gang at Cardinal Music Productions in Windsor have been anxiously awaiting to get back on stage once again for a show they’ve wanted to stage for a long time – Mamma Mia, the extremely popular show that tells its story through the music of ABBA.
Set on a small Greek island, the story follows Sophie, who dreams of a perfect wedding — one which includes her father giving her away. The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who he is! Her mother Donna, the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands. Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers: Sam, Bill, and Harry. She secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought.
Catch the Cardinal Music Productions version of the show on Friday, Saturday or Sundays at KordaZone Theatre (2520 Seminole Street, Windsor) through to October 31.
We sat down with Cardinal to chat about Mamma Mia and getting back on the stage after a few years.
This is your first production in nearly two years. How do you feel?
It’s great to finally be allowed a chance to get back to work. The entertainment sector was hit hard by the pandemic and it will take time for all of us to regain what we once had.
Why did you decide to do this show?
Mamma Mia is a fun, upbeat show and I think it is something that we need at this moment in time.
Why did it take all these years for Cardinal Music to stage this one?
Basically you have to wait for the rights to be available, on top of that, another local group did the show so you have to wait until the time is right and judging from the ticket sales that would be now.
Compared to other shows you’ve staged, how difficult would you say this one is to put on?
Every show presents its own challenges. You have to take so many things into consideration before you start. The talent level of the cast, the theatre that you are presenting the show in, the cost for staging it and so forth. This show has a lot of dance so it was important to find people who could move.
The entire run is mostly sold out, but there are extra tickets now available because COVID-19 restrictions changed. What draws people to this show?
In a word, fun. People love the music of Abba and the story has a happy ending and sometimes people just need an escape from reality.
It would be hard to beat Amanda Seyfried’s movie version of Sophie, but I bet you’ve got someone wonderful for it. Tell me about your lead actor?
Tasha Toulouse is playing the role of Sophie and she has done a wonderful job capturing the essence of the role. You will enjoy her performance.
You’re doing this one at KordaZone. Why the move and will Korda suit your needs?
I have presented many shows at the KordaZone Theatre and it is a lovely space to perform in.
The move was made because the school board is not yet accepting outside rentals at this time because of COVID-19 and we want to create theatre, we have waited long enough.
What’s your favourite moment in the show and why?
My favourite moment in the show is when Donna Sheridan played by Melissa Mills sings “Slipping Through My Fingers” to her daughter Sophie while she is helping her to prepare for her wedding.
It is a very touching heartfelt moment.
Be sure to get your tickets to “Mamma Mia” at Cardinal Music 2569B Jefferson or call 519-944-5800.
