Highlands reprising spring musical, 'Mamma Mia!,' for limited audiences

No matter the size of the audience, Liberty Vasey is going to give her all when she takes the stage as Donna in Highlands High School’s production of “Mamma Mia!”

The musical will not be open to the public for the performances April 30, May 1 and May 2.

The auditorium is limited to a fourth of its capacity. Students in the cast each get five tickets for their families and friends, said Michael Zeiler, the musical’s director and choreographer and high school choir director.

“My parents get to be there. A lot of the cast members’ family get to be there,” Vasey said. “No matter what, we are going to give it our all. We are going to give them our best. Whether it’s a thousand or 10, they still deserve the best we can give them.”

Performers will be socially distanced. Because of that, some cast members will perform off-stage from the seats and aisles of the auditorium, Zeiler said.

Still, the show will feature live singing and a live, seven-member orchestra.

“If this year has helped to prove one thing to our students and families, it is how much we need music and the performing arts in our lives,” Zeiler said. “Our musical productions help us to grow as individuals, stimulate creativity, cope with hard times, learn to express our true self, develop the importance of teamwork and creates an irreplaceable supportive family together.”

“Mamma Mia!” had been planned for 2020’s musical. The sets have stood since last year, when, after months of rehearsals, the performances were canceled two and a half weeks ahead of opening night because of the covid-19 pandemic.

“It was so heartbreaking,” Vasey said. “We were very, very close to the show happening. We had everything all ready to go. We gave it our all — and it was over.”

Zeiler said they stayed with the same show because of the investment that otherwise would have been lost.

Because of the seniors who graduated, Zeiler had to recast everyone. Only one student — Vasey, now a senior — is in the same role, while others moved up into other parts.

Vasey is happy to still be Donna.

“There isn’t a character that I can see myself wanting to be more,” she said.

Because of licensing, Zeiler said the district is not able to stream or record the show online for more to be able to see it. It can be shown only to a live audience in real time.

About 50 will be able to watch the musical live outside the auditorium in the high school’s audion, Zeiler said. For the cast, one of their five tickets will be for a seat there.

“This is something that the kids need and love,” Zeiler said. “It’s been such a hard year. So much has been taken away. This is going to reignite that appreciation for the performing arts. It’s going to be a great sense of healing.”

For Vasey, who has been performing in musicals since eighth grade, this will be her first time in a leading role since middle school. She’s been in five musicals and says “Mamma Mia!” is her favorite.

“It’s such a fun, high-energy show,” she said. “I’m so happy and lucky to have this opportunity. So many schools have gotten their shows completely canceled. I’m so thankful to Mr. Zeiler and our school for letting us do it.”