By Courtney Almeida

Mamma Mia! adds another performance to current schedule

Feb 7, 2019 | 4:30 AM

After the success of Mamma Mia! performances, Grande Prairie Live Theatre will be adding an additional matinee performance to its current schedule.

The special “Command Performance”, will take place February 16 at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre at 2 p.m.

Rory Tarant, Director for Mamma Mia! says, the current success of the show is all thanks to community support.

“We had 10 original shows that were set, running from January 31 to February 16. As they approached, they filled up so fast that by opening night we were virtually filled up for every show. The theatre was telling us that there was a demand to have more so we decided to go with it.”

Mamma Mia!  features the Co-Production of Grande Prairie Regional College and volunteers from the local, award-winning, Grande Prairie Live Theatre group.

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The musical tells the story of a young woman who is about to be married and discovers that one of three men could be her father. As the bride-to-be tries to find her real father, the story is told using hit songs by the famous 70s pop group, ABBA.

“The number one selling feature is the music and dancing,” says Tarant. “Having ABBA songs blaring, is a huge draw for a lot of people. People love the music, love the upbeat nature of it.”

But the biggest draw he explains is “the superb cast that we’ve put together. It’s all local talent.”

Tarant says the set has been a fan favourite so far too. 

“You feel like you’re going to a nice, sunny, Mediterranean vacation.  You get to escape some of this deep freeze for a few hours so that’s certainly a draw there.”

Future showtimes are as follows:

Thursday, February 7, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 8, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 9, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 10, 2019 – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 14, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 15, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 16, 2019 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

The process to show open has been a lengthy one. Tarant took on the role of Director last May, by June auditions were up and running, with the cast working through rehearsals from the summer months all the way through December.

When asked what his favourite part of the show is Tarant says, he can’t decide.

“I think people are just in awe from the start to finish. From the wonderful vocals provided by the cast to the superb choreography …  it’s just a well put together show. I think we’ve had significant input from the community. [chuckles] You’ll just have to come and watch!”

Tickets to Mamma Mia! are available now via the Grande Prairie Live Theatre Box Office.