Fort Walton Beach High School’s Theatre Department will present “Mamma Mia!” beginning Jan. 30, marking the first full-length musical under new director Kailey Madison.
- The production features over 40 students and runs for five performances across two weekends. Shows are scheduled for Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., Jan. 31 at 7 p.m., Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m., Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m., and Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
“This is my first full-length show here, and we’re going big,” Madison said. “This program and my former theatre teacher here, Christa Whittaker, changed my life. To return and lead this department is incredibly meaningful, and I’m so proud of the work these students have done.”
After spending six years in New York City, Madison returned to Fort Walton Beach to co-found Mosaic Theatre Company, a local nonprofit specializing in children’s theatre education for ages 5 to 18. FWBHS Principal Lindsey Smith, who was Madion’s English teacher in 2013, sought her out for the role after seeing her work with Mosaic. She officially came back to her alma mater in July.
The jukebox musical features ABBA’s music, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Super Trooper,” “Waterloo” and “The Winner Takes It All.”
- Set on a Greek island, the story follows a young woman who invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father.
The production includes over 140 costumes and is student-run technically. Students handle technical aspects of the production alongside their performance roles.
The Theatre Department and Thespian Troupe 4967 recently earned multiple Critics’ Choice awards at district competition and advanced to the state level with their one-act production of “Wait Until Dark.”
Tickets are available through GoFan.
