Another wave of triple-digit temperatures is on the way, but imagine if you could escape the heat by traveling to a Grecian island and enjoying the cool breezes of the unbelievably blue Aegean Sea.
Well, you can. For a few hours, anyway.
Let Turlock Youth Performing Arts take you away with their presentation of “Mamma Mia” July 26-28 at the Turlock Community Theatre.
“Mamma Mia” is based on the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, which had eight songs reach the top 20 — including chart-topper “Dancing Queen” — during the 1970s and early 1980s.
The musical centers on Donna and her daughter Sophie, who helps her mother run a taverna on a Greek island. Sophie, soon to be married to Sky, has never known the identity of her biological father. She secretly invites three past lovers from Donna’s wild and reckless youth to the wedding in hopes of sorting out the mystery in time for one of them to walk the bride down the aisle.
TYPA’s production is directed by Mari Armendariz and Tom Oakley (who also serves as music director), choreographed by Hanna Whitfield and Ava Dubel, and produced by Robin Wooten. Sets were designed and built by Allen Alvernaz and Russ Wooten.
“It’s been going great,” said Oakley, who also directed last year’s TYPA production of “Grease.” “We had been rehearsing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we’re at the point now where we’ll be rehearsing every day from here on out.”
The cast consists of high-school-aged actors.
Donna is played by Mia Santoya, while Emma Smith handles the role of Sophie. Sam, Harry and Bill — Donna’s old flames — are played by Logan Rocha, John Ladine and Riley Allen, respectively.
Donna’s besties Tanya and Rosie are played by Grace Madriaga and Anahi Cuevas. Sky is portrayed by Ayden Day, while Sophie’s pals are played Bella Armendariz and Sophia Alvarado.
Co-director Armendariz said the overall timeline for the production has been the biggest challenge faced.
“We were only given two months, as opposed to the three months we typically get to put a show like this together,” said Armendariz, a former TYPA performer. “Rehearsals had to be longer and in a more condensed time period. It’s been kind of a rush-process, but these kids are so talented and really, really committed. They bring so much, not only to their individual performances, but as a whole.”
The production features students from Turlock, Pitman, and Turlock Christian high schools, as well as Hart-Ransom and Keyes Charter.
“The kids are all friends,” said TYPA board member Karen Dubel. “They all just get along. There are times when you think it’s all too much and that it’s too much for them. But these kids are awesome.”
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on July 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. on July 28. Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 if purchased in advanced by going to turlockyouthperformingarts.org or by calling 209-380-5507.
“The show is family-friendly, but there are some adult themes,” said Armendariz. “It’s probably a PG-13 rating.”
