Team effort . . . The cast and crew of Mamma Mia! pose for a photo on the Oamaru Opera House stage. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Producers 'stoked' with musical's success
Sally Brooker
Devoting six months of her life to the Musical Theatre Oamaru production of Mamma Mia! was "so worth it", co-producer Liss Yockney says.
Speaking to the Oamaru Mail on Tuesday, Miss Yockney said she and co-producer Daniel Martin were "thrilled" with how well the show went.
It was performed at the Oamaru Opera House from July 13 to 28, featuring a cast of volunteer singers, actors, dancers and musicians under the professional direction of Russell Dixon and the baton of Sam van Betuw.
Mr Martin and Miss Yockney began planning the show in January and auditions were held in April. The performers spent three months perfecting their parts.
The auditorium was nearly sold out for several of the performances, and some patrons attended two or three times. There were people booking seats for subsequent nights during the half-time interval, Miss Yockney said.
She and Mr Martin had a goal of outselling the most successful Musical Theatre Oamaru (MTO) show, 2010's Les Miserables
"We were 50 seats short. We got pretty damn close. We're pretty happy with what we did."
Les Mis had the drawcard of renowned professional singer Tim Beveridge in the leading role, whereas Mamma Mia!'s cast was entirely amateur.
Feedback from locals and out-of-towners alike had been hugely complimentary.
"We're really stoked," Miss Yockney said.
"The hard work of so many people all came to fruition."
The final financial details were not yet available, but Miss Yockney was almost certain the season broke even.
MTO had not discussed its next major production, she said. Everyone needed to catch their breath after Mamma Mia! and see how healthy the coffers were.
However, there are more shows coming up. A Christmas-themed theatre-restaurant production would be held from early November in the Scottish Hall, with catering by Pozzobons. The script was being written collaboratively by MTO members.
"That's as far ahead as we're looking now," Miss Yockney said.
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