Written by Communications Department Intern Dalesha Jeanty
February 13, 2026
Mamma Mia! Takes Center Stage at Maine West High School
Maine West’s Fine Arts Department is excited to present Mamma Mia! on February 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and February 22 at 2 p.m. in the Maine West Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at https://bit.ly/MWFABoxOffice and are $7 for students and $15 for adults. The show is directed by David Harmon, Maine West’s Speech and Drama Teacher.
Mamma Mia! is a joyful, heart-filling musical set on a picturesque Greek island, featuring iconic songs from the musical group ABBA. The day before her wedding, Sophie dreams of walking down the aisle with her father, only she doesn’t know who he is. She secretly invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, one of whom might be her father. Sophie sets in motion a hilarious and heartfelt journey filled with love, laughter and unforgettable music.
“Donna is a challenging character to play, not only vocally but emotionally,” shares Penny Wurster (12th grade). “I’m not a mother, so learning how to portray someone watching her child grow up and get married has pushed me in new ways. I feel like I’m stretching farther as a performer than I ever have before, and it’s been incredibly meaningful.”
Behind the scenes is a tech crew of about 20 students under the direction of auditorium manager Peter McManus. The crew is designing and constructing the set, designing and controlling the lighting, organizing all props, and handling all of the sound engineering.
“The set is more realistic than what we’ve done before,” says student director and tech crew member Abby Gomez Tello Urias (12th grade). “From bright, sunny scenes to nighttime settings, the lighting and sound are really designed to create beautiful, immersive moments. ”
Costumes are being designed by Marquecia Jordan, along with student assistants and parent volunteers. Tuesdai Perry is the production’s choreographer and Stefanie Herrera is the vocal director. Additionally, there is an orchestra pit with twenty-two musicians under the direction of Bernie Gerstmayr.
“Mamma Mia! is such a joyful, recognizable show, but there’s also a lot of heart,” says Harmon. “The relationship between Donna and Sophie, especially in Act Two, really resonates with parents, particularly those preparing to send off their seniors. It’s fun and lighthearted, but there are also truly beautiful, emotional moments.”