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A wedding on a small Greek island descends into comic chaos when a bride secretly invites three men—each of whom could be her father.

Woodson High School will bring that story to the stage in its spring musical, “Mamma Mia!” Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. May 2 and May 9, with 1 and 7 p.m. shows May 3 and May 10.

Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can basis, ranging from $10 to $25, at the door and online. Information about a $50 Mother’s Day special on May 11 is also available through the ticketing website.

The production involves 105 students in its cast and crew, including a 30-member ensemble. Director Chris Rushing said the show’s roles proved especially well suited to the school’s performers.

“This is a super-fun show, which we all need right now,” Rushing said. He praised the production’s dancers and choreography and said the musical demonstrates how far the students have progressed since their COVID-era years in elementary and middle school.

The action unfolds at a Greek taverna owned by Donna, whose daughter, Sophie, is preparing to marry. Hoping her father can walk her down the aisle, Sophie reads her mother’s diary and identifies three possible candidates. Without telling Donna, she invites all three to the wedding.

The island setting includes a beach, a marble fountain, a Juliet-style balcony and 40-inch paper lanterns suspended from the lighting equipment. Rushing said the production is designed to transport audiences to a romantic island for “a couple hours of happiness.”

Its underlying message, he said, is that difficult periods are temporary and people should rely on—and care for—their friends and families. The familiar music and energetic dancing should send theatergoers home tapping their feet and humming the songs, he added.

Sophie’s search for what is missing

Sophomore Allie MacDonald plays Sophie, a confident and cheerful 20-year-old who nevertheless feels incomplete because she does not know her father’s identity.

MacDonald said Sophie is also naïve about how inviting all three men could affect Donna and her fiancé. By the end, however, Sophie recognizes that she does not need to identify her biological father to understand who she is.

MacDonald said she connects with the character’s mistakes and journey of self-discovery. A chorus member who enjoys singing, she called the role an honor and said she especially likes Sophie’s songs.

Her favorite number is “Under Attack,” a nightmare sequence featuring elaborate choreography and numerous lifts. She expects audiences to enjoy the show’s dramatic turns, surprises and humor, along with its lighting and detailed set.

Senior Marissa Von Ancken portrays Donna, a hardworking taverna owner described in the musical as an “icon of female independence.” Von Ancken said Donna combines strength and self-reliance with deep love for her daughter.

Having grown up watching the movie, Von Ancken had long hoped to play the role. Her favorite number is “Slipping Through My Fingers,” which Donna sings while helping Sophie prepare for the wedding. The song holds personal meaning because Von Ancken and her own mother used to sing it together.

She said the musical’s appeal comes from its layers of comic confusion, with some characters holding information others lack. Its relationships also remain central, from Donna and Sophie’s bond to the friendships among the women, Sophie’s circle and the three prospective fathers.

Friendship powers the comedy

Senior Peter Gardner plays Harry Bright, a wealthy, nervous English businessman and one of Sophie’s three possible fathers. Gardner uses a British accent for the role and said he is excited to portray Harry as a queer actor.

Although Harry may appear the least likely candidate, he becomes convinced—like the other men—that he is Sophie’s father. Gardner described him as the most sensitive of the three and particularly interested in caring for Sophie and ensuring she has what she needs.

The actors playing the other potential fathers are Gardner’s close friends offstage, making their comic partnership especially enjoyable. His favorite musical moments include the Donna-and-Sam duet “SOS” and the full-cast “Voulez-Vous,” whose singing and dancing fill the stage with energy.

Gardner also highlighted the production’s vocalists and costumes. Each character’s wardrobe evokes a Greek god or goddess whose traits reflect that character’s personality.

Senior Millie Manos is the understudy for Rosie, one of Donna’s friends. She described Rosie as quirky, confident and unconcerned with conventional feminine expectations. Rosie enjoys fishing, speaks openly about what she wants and remains fiercely supportive of Donna.

The part marks Manos’ first acting role at Woodson after four years in chorus. She said she sees aspects of herself in Rosie and particularly enjoys performing “Take a Chance on Me,” a playful number that includes crawling across a table.

Manos said the main and understudy casts have devoted extensive work to the production and encouraged audiences to see both. With its familiar music, ambitious costumes and determined performers, she said, the show promises “a great time.”