Savoy Theatre Manager Pam Leader says it was a long process to secure the show.
“We originally tried to obtain the rights to it ourselves,” explains Leader. “But when it became evident that would be nearly impossible, we started trying to figure out how to make it happen for Cape Breton anyway. That’s where Neptune comes in. We’re thrilled to have it work out this way!”
The fully contained production is set to open on June 26 and runs until July 1 at the historic Savoy Theatre. Neptune Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jeremy Webb, who recently directed Disney’s Beauty and The Beast at the Savoy, will also direct the Mamma Mia cast.
“I am so thrilled that we get to pack up our show and bring it to the Savoy,” enthuses Webb. “The Savoy has a special place in my heart, having spent so much time there over the years with a variety of shows.”
Mamma Mia will have played for months in Halifax before packing up and hitting the road to Glace Bay.
“Neptune is really intending to reach out to the Cape Breton community and this is a great opportunity to bring our work to the people,” Webb goes on to say. “It’s delightful that our lead actor is from Cape Breton and we get to bring her home for a visit.”
The show features Cape Breton’s own Julie Martell as leading lady, Donna Sheridan. Born and raised in Cape Breton, Martell made her Neptune debut 10 years ago playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and was a standout performer 10 years before that in the 1997 Cape Breton Summertime Revue. After graduating from the University of Windsor she landed the role of Sophie in the Toronto production of Mamma Mia. Other credits include Gypsy Rose Lee on Broadway with Bernadette Peters; Maria in The Sound of Music; Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys Musical; and eight seasons at the Shaw Festival.
Pam Leader is excited for this production to be staged in Cape Breton. “We are so fortunate to be able to work with Neptune on this, for a hundred reasons. The show is incredible. The technicians have already been here to check out the site and our staff are very eager to work with them. We expect we’ll be sold out for all shows.”
Presented in conjunction with the Neptune Theatre, Mamma Mia, featuring Julie Martell and directed by Jeremy Webb, runs at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay June 26 to July 1. Tickets are on sale now at the Savoy Box Office, Commercial Street, Glace Bay, by phone at 902-842-1577 and online at tickets.capebreton.ca.
