“‘Cuz somewhere in the crowd there’s you…”

“Life is short, the world is wide. I want to make some memories,” a younger Donna once said. It seems in studying the script, the cast and crew of the spring musical have taken Donna’s nostalgic spirit to heart. Upon the delightful conclusion of Walton-Verona High School’s 2025 drama performance, The Paw Press inquired of the cast and crew their reflections of how the show was executed and the memories they made along the way. 

Along the road to creating Kalokairi, the setting of the show, the cast and crew had an adventure of their own and were more than willing to share a sprinkle of the magic they experienced. Makayla Throckmorton replied with the unique position of assistant stage manager: “My favorite backstage memory is more of a collection of moments rather than a specific instance. It’s truly amazing to see the way all the set pieces come together and everyone’s unique talents combine into a beautiful production.” She goes on to relay the inevitable influence of time saying, “…my favorite part of the musical every year is seeing the growth in our theater family. By March, everyone is a bit more vulnerable, laughs a little louder, and is a little more excited to show up. Backstage is a place where it’s okay to be you in all your unique ways, and it’s a blessing to finally see members comfortably show off that ‘unique you.’” Makayla and the cast might agree with the “Super Trouper” lyric, “All I do is eat and sleep and sing.” After countless hours of rehearsals, memorizing lines, and learning characters, the drama club became bonded my the end goal of bringing Mamma Mia! to life. 

Just as Sophie was able to use music as an outlet in the show, so too did many of the cast members. “My favorite backstage memory from Mamma Mia! was when my fellow crew members and I would sing and dance along to the songs being performed on stage! Particularly to ‘Honey, Honey,’” Annie Kunkel, the fabulous stage manager exuberantly illustrated. Dancing must have been a key ingredient as several other cast members claimed a similar favor in boogieing backstage. Margaret Greene, playing Tanya, seamlessly summarized what the memory means to the drama club: “My favorite memory from backstage has to be the time one person started singing ‘Dancing Queen’ and then all of us just joined in. It reminded me just how much a cast is a family, and how we all care and support one another.” Gonzalo Parralicitra exemplified the support he has for the drama family in recollecting on the beauty in watching Emma Wolfe (Donna) and Olivia Hedges (Sophie) perform “Slipping Through My Fingers.” Some of the cast members, however, were close before the show. 

Ben Walton and Emma Wolfe had the opportunity to take their relationship on stage while acting as Sam Carmichael and Donna Sheridan. Ben includes in his reminiscing how sweet the chance was for him: “During every show, Emma and I would plan the kiss during ‘I do’ and the pose we would do at the end of ‘Waterloo.’ That was the most fun for me because usually it happened while I was helping her get her outfits out.” Ben described the experience as “revelatory.” He defends the adjective by claiming, “I don’t think anyone would expect Ben Walton, wrestler, football player, or whatever else people think of me as, to do the musical, and that includes me. I also did it because what boyfriend wouldn’t want to play their girlfriend’s lover in a musical, let alone Mamma Mia. We literally got to kiss in front of the entire school… and they clapped…” Ben appreciates the encouragement of his sister and girlfriend to become a part of the show, and ultimately another family. 

In gathering responses from the cast and crew, Ben was not the only member who brought forth a lesson given to them in the process of putting on the show. “Donna taught me to lead life with ambition and be ready to forgive, even when it’s hard to forget,” Makayla learned from the fiery leading woman. Gonzalo saw a collectible characteristic in Eddie, saying, “He taught me how to always be positive and optimistic about life. He taught me how to never forget to have fun.” Olivia admired the perseverance Sophie gave her: “Sophie has taught me a lot about my own strengths/weaknesses as an actor, and she has helped me grow a ton as a performer!” Playing Sophie’s mom, Emma notes Donna’s contribution to her life: “Playing Donna was an absolute dream. I’ve been obsessed with Mamma Mia since I was super little, and I always knew that I wanted to play Donna someday. Her character is a true testimony of resilience and joy.” Abby Hamilton also describes a theme she wishes to adopt: “My character Ali taught me that being there for your friends is important.” Although the audience was met with one joyfully tender musical, the cast and crew walked away with gems of memories to adorn their crown of talents, a crown fit for a “Dancing Queen.”