“Mamma Mia” is a production that needs no introduction. At the very sound of the title, you know that you are in for great music, high energy and a lot of fun, and that is exactly what
the Tall & Short Theatre Co have offered.
Established in 2023, the Tall & Short Theatre Co is a new and enthusiastic group committed
to making theatre accessible and inclusive. Company Manager, Benjamin May, has served
as Director, Designer and Musical Director for this project and has brought together a
company of creatives and performers whose love for theatre is tangible.
“Mamma Mia” could well be considered a passion project for May as this the second
production of the show that he has directed and many of the lead cast are also reprising
roles which they clearly love. The camaraderie and chemistry amongst the cast was evident
and this brought an authenticity to affection between characters and grounded the
complicated emotional landscape of the narrative by providing a believable sense of
relational history.
At its core, “Mamma Mia” is about mother-daughter duo Donna and Sophie and the casting
of real life mother and daughter, Nella Magnante and Brodie Fraser brought an additional
layer of emotive power. Magnante reprised her “dream role” of Donna with honesty, heart
and powerful vocals while Fraser’s portrayal of Sophie established the requisite balance of
sweetness and mischief in both her vocals and acting. Their scenes together were magical,
particularly the emotionally arduous moments of Act 2. As a mum of teenagers, “Slipping
through my fingers” always tugs at the heart strings and brings a tear to my eye but to
witness Nella sing to Brodie as she dressed her in a wedding gown took that to a new level.
How neither of them broke in that moment amazes me, however, I would advise audiences
to bring tissues because you, like me, may not be that strong!
Acknowledging the themes of love and friendship that undergird the production, I must make
mention of Isabella Gallant and Hannah Gleeson in the roles of Tanya and Rosie. These
performers embraced their roles with gusto, embedding the characteristics audiences will
expect while adding their own personal nuances. The true strength of characterisation came
when all three (Donna, Rosie and Tanya) were on stage together, as the bond of friendship
they portrayed was authentic, their comic timing was on point and their harmonies were
perfect.
Another joyous trio were Josif Jovanovski, Damien Morley and Tim Wotherspoon as
Sophie’s dads. Jovanovski’s managed the range of Sam’s character with relative ease,
balancing humour, powerful vocal performances and sensitive moments. His scenes with
Magnante and Fraser were heartfelt and poignant. Morley’s “Aussie” take on Bill was
delightful and established a nice contrast to the characterisation of the other male leads. He
had many strong moments but I cannot go past the comic joy of “Take a chance on me”;
both he and Gleeson were brilliant. Tim Wotherspoon completes the trio with his portrayal of
Harry. A strong vocalist, Wotherspoon shone in his solo moments but also, commendably, he
matched his castmates in every duet, trio and ensemble number to provide nicely blended
harmony and a firm but gentle stage presence which grounded every scene for which he
was on stage. In a role which can often lean into stereotype, Wotherspoon offered an
authentic and engaging portrayal of Harry with an especially strong chemistry with Donna
(Magnante).
While the romantic entanglements of Donna and the dads provide both comic and emotive
moments (as well as some brilliant songs!) let’s not forget the lovebirds and the wedding
around which the narrative revolves. I have already mentioned Brodie Fraser’s portrayal of
Sophie and her work opposite her mum, but as the bride to be, playing opposite Lachlan
Whitehead (Sky) created a strong on-stage partnership which matched energy and
emotion in every scene as well as lending and balance in their duets. This was no mean feat
on Fraser’s part as Whitehead brought a strong stage presence and powerful vocals, so her
capacity to meet and match him while maintaining the gentleness of her character is
noteworthy. That is not to detract from all that Whitehead brought to his performance. His
vocal power was evident in both solos and ensemble numbers, he brought incredible energy
through his dancing and an authenticity in every scene whether in earnest moments with
Sophie or in true “lad” mode in the celebratory scenes.
Indeed, the celebratory scenes of “Mamma Mia” are key to the fun and energy for which the
show is most known and loved. The impact of these are reliant on two key factors – the
choreography and the ensemble. Jaila Ellem and Isabella Gallant are credited with
choreography for this production, creating an impressive visual feast which embraced the
skills of the cast, exuding energy whilst not undermining the vocals. Nevertheless, the
challenging task of executing high energy choreography while maintaining the vocal power
and harmonies of the ABBA classics is one that can only be met by a talented and well-
trained cast.
The supporting cast and ensemble were energetic and joyful. Led by Alicia
Clover (Ali), Isabel Holley (Lisa), Daniel De Ruvo (Pepper) and John Tracy (Eddie), this team
of youthful performers brought life to every scene whether delivering well-timed comic
moments, giving their all to the choreography and vocals, or moving set pieces. They worked
well together, with every contribution exuding the love, joy and friendship that “Mamma Mia”
seeks to celebrate.
At Tall & Short Theatre Co, love, joy and friendship extend beyond the on-stage narrative.
Reviewing the credits of the production you will find a team of friends and family members
who have supported this production including Jo Bonney & Peter Scott (Production
Coordinators), Lachlan Ganderton (Stage Manager), Tomas Gerasimidis (Lighting Designer)
and Wade Madams (Set Coordinator). The talents and dedication of this group, and many
others, reminds me of what community theatre is all about. Even more so, when I read the
program and see acknowledgements of other community theatre groups donating costumes
and sets, and Tall & Short Theatre Co promoting productions of other groups, my heart feels
the love, joy and friendship of theatre extending beyond the story line of “Mamma Mia”.
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