This week, Emmaus High School Theater will debut its long-awaited performance of the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” Based on a 1999 jukebox musical featuring some of Swedish pop group ABBA’s most popular songs, the EHS rendition of the performance will run 7 p.m. April 2-5 and 2 p.m. April 5 and 6 in the school auditorium.

Led by Director/Producer Jill Kuebler, Music Director Julia Wallace, Head of Costumes Diane DiDona, Choreographer Jerri Brown and Stage Crew Director Chris Kollar, the musical resembles the original show. The story follows Sophie Sheridan, a young woman preparing for her wedding on a beautiful Greek island. Wanting to learn more about her past, she secretly invites three men from her mother’s history, believing one of them is her father. As the big day approaches, tensions rise, old memories resurface and unexpected reunions take place.

Set to the music of ABBA, the tale unfolds with humor, heart and a celebration of love and family.

A cast and crew of over 60 students work to put on the production, including 13 cast members on stage. The play stars Hannah Kern as Sophie Sheridan, Anna Chavolla Ramirez as Donna Sheridan, Lila Schneider as Tanya Chesham-Leigh, Kyra Kelly as Rosie Mulligan, Charles Kenney as Sam Carmichael, Noah Hover as Harry Bright, Thomas McDonnell as Bill Anderson, Aiden Bullard as Sky, Dylan Dueh as Ali, Emily Brown as Lisa, Matthew McCambridge as Pepper, Leo McCabe as Eddie and Santiago Chavolla Ramirez as Father Alexandrios.

Ava Grace Saab is also pivotal to the production of “Mamma Mia!” In addition to participating in the ensemble for the musical, Saab is also student president of the EHS Theater Department. Being involved in theater since second grade, Saab manages fundraisers, runs theater meetings and produces content for the theater department Instagram page.

“I’ve been involved with the shows [at EHS] since sophomore year,” Saab said. “Being in ‘Fiddler [on the Roof]’ ‘Cinderella’ and now ‘Mamma Mia!’ has all been so life-changing and I’m so grateful for the relationships and friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Saab’s favorite part of the musical remains the iconic ABBA songs the cast performs throughout the show.

“My favorite number in ‘Mamma Mia!’ would be ‘Waterloo,’ ‘Does Your Mother Know’ or ‘Money, Money, Money,’” Saab said.

Countless students also work behind the scenes to make the musical production come to life. Senior Jabari Howard has been acting in plays since elementary school but has found a home in the stage crew at EHS.

“Being on the crew is great because it’s like being a well-oiled machine, and different intricate parts need to all do their own thing correctly for it to work out — not only crew but also when actors get included in set changes,” Howard said. “And as you spend the hours that we spend together, you learn everything about each other and become good friends.”

As a member of the run crew, Howard’s main responsibility is to maintain things backstage, keeping sets in order and completing scene changes. Howard, who has done seven shows at EHS, previously worked as a stage manager and set builder.

“My crew adviser Christopher Kollar and I spend a lot of time in the shop with the rest of our crew building intricate stuff like we did this year,” Howard said. “The exciting part is that this [‘Mamma Mia!’] is the biggest we’ve ever done.”

With months of dedication from cast, crew and directors, “Mamma Mia!” brings energy, nostalgia and community to the EHS stage. From lively ABBA performances to seamless backstage coordination, the production showcases the talent and teamwork of over 60 students.

For many seniors, it marked a bittersweet final performance. As the curtain closes on this year’s spring musical, EHS Theater continues to foster creativity, passion and lasting friendships.