CAIRO- The Cairo High School Stage Makers are set to dazzle audiences with their highly anticipated production of Mamma Mia!, the internationally acclaimed musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. The show will take the stage at the Cairo High School Auditorium on Friday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m., with additional performances on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and a final matinee on Sunday, February 23rd at 2:00 p.m.

Under the expert guidance of a passionate creative team, The Stage Makers have been hard at work bringing the vibrant world of Mamma Mia! to life. According to Music Theatre International, the licensing company behind Mamma Mia!, “ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit for any theatre. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!”

The creative team behind this production includes Austin Harrell as director,  Joshua Moore and Christina Baker as music directors, ensuring the vocal and musical elements of the show shine, while Ashley Bearden serves as choreographer, crafting dynamic dance sequences to bring the music to life. This production is making history, as it will be adjudicated for the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (GHSMTA), a prestigious statewide competition that celebrates excellence in high school musical theatre. The Stage Makers’ participation marks the first time any high school in all of Southwest Georgia has competed in the GHSMTA, a groundbreaking achievement that showcases the growth and dedication of the theatre program over the past several years.

The creative team states that a favorite feature of this production is its remarkable set design, which all of them had a hand in bringing to life. Reimagined from existing set pieces built for previous shows, the set has been fully constructed by Yancy Burkes and the CHS Construction class. Described as “next-level” by the creative team, the immersive design will transport the audience straight to a Greek island, enhancing the magic of the production and bringing the story to life in a visually stunning way. The Stage Makers are thankful for a supportive school community and CTAE classes such as construction that can work hand in hand with the fine arts programs to create high-quality productions, provide hands-on learning experiences for students, and showcase the incredible collaboration possible between technical education and the performing arts.

“As a new staff member at CHS this year, the transition was challenging, but getting involved with The Stage Makers has made it so much easier,” said Bearden. “The students have been so welcoming – now they see me in the hallway and stop to talk, which makes the whole environment feel more like home. Being part of the production team for Mamma Mia! has also reignited my love for movement in theatre. I love working with these students because they’re open to trying new things and bringing so much energy and dedication to the stage.”

The Stage Makers have already enjoyed a phenomenal season, solidifying their place as a South Georgia powerhouse in high school theatre. This fall, the group secured their second consecutive Region One Act Play Championship with their production of “Ranked,” a thought-provoking musical one-act tackling the pressures of academic competition. Their outstanding performance led them to the GHSA Division AAA State Championship, where they placed an impressive third overall, a historic accomplishment for the program that has not been achieved in decades.

Tickets for Mamma Mia! are available at the door or online at https://thestagemakers.ludus.com/200475078. General admission tickets are $12, while student tickets are available for $10.

Supporting the arts in the Cairo community is vital to ensuring opportunities for young performers to develop their talents and share their creativity. Theatre teaches discipline, collaboration, and confidence – skills that students carry beyond the stage and into their futures.

“This show has always been a dream of mine to perform in, so I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it,” said Morgan Griffin, Stage Makers president and the actress portraying Donna. “The limited rehearsal time has really challenged us as performers, pushing us to grow and give it our all. I can’t wait for the community to experience it!”

The Cairo High School Stage Makers continue to elevate the standard for high school theatre in South Georgia, and this production is an opportunity for the community to show their support while experiencing a top-quality performance unlike any other. Don’t miss the chance to be part of history – come out and support these talented students as they light up the stage with the hit classic Mamma Mia!