Lausanne thespians will present Mamma Mia! as this year's Upper School from March 2 – 6, 2023. Check out some of the cast member spotlights below and get tickets to show here.
Malaika Kumar '23 as "Donna"
What do you enjoy most about playing Donna?
Donna is a character that tells her emotions almost entirely through song, with songs that range from emotions of nostalgia to frustration to excitement. She is versatile in her emotions and musical style, and that is what I love most about Donna. There is something so powerful about emoting through music, and Donna is a prime example of that.
What do you think people will find most exciting about the show?
I think what people will really enjoy about the show is the music! The musical is written using music from the Swedish group ABBA, so it makes you want to get up and dance!
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
The personalities that my castmates naturally have will definitely bring uniqueness to the character developments that frame the story. But more than that, LUST (Lausanne Upper School Theatre) is a very tight-knit community. I am performing with some of my best and life-long friends, and that is what will make our production amazing; the bond that we have as a cast.
Jarius Jones '23 as "Sam"
What is your favorite Mama Mia! scene?
My favorite Mama Mia has to be the scene in money money money when Malaika is raised into the air; it makes me laugh every time.
What do you think people will find most exciting about the show?
I think people will enjoy the show's mature comedy.
What do you enjoy most about being on stage?
I enjoy being around my friends as well as slowly watching the stage transform from a lifeless black floor to a tropical greek cafe.
Josephine Bonnot as "Tanya"
What do you enjoy most about playing Tanya?
I think what I enjoy most about playing Tanya is that she is unlike any character I have ever portrayed before. In the past, I have mostly been cast with more juvenile, innocent characters, so I was really excited to take on this more mature and comedic personality. Something that made me really happy when I got the role was also the song; hers is my favorite one in the whole show!
What is your favorite Mama Mia! scene?
My favorite scene in Mamma Mia! It is probably the song “Super Trouper”. It is just such an iconic time capsule, and I can’t wait for everyone to see our disco, girl band, and 70s costumes!
What do you think people will find most exciting about the show?
I think people will be really excited about how familiar they are with the show. This year, people will be able to sing along or even dance along just because it is such a universally known show! I am especially excited for people who remember the music or fashion from their own youths.
Shromona Malhotra '24 as "rosie"
What do you enjoy most about being on stage?
I’m personally a singer first, so my favorite part of being on stage is getting to share it with so many talented singers, but I also really enjoy learning how to better myself as an actor from my fellow castmates.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I think each one of us is bringing some of ourselves into our characters, and there’s something inherently unique about that. All our onstage chemistry is more genuine than acted too, and I believe that’ll come through when the show opens.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about your role or the upcoming performance?
We’ve put a lot of hard work into this show, especially the seniors, and I just hope our audience loves it as much as we do!!
Ben Kohanbani '25 as "Pepper"
What do you enjoy most about playing Pepper?
I think the most enjoyable part about playing Pepper is being able to be the manliest man possible, it's great. He just steals the spotlight every time he's onstage, and being able to play him so far has been a really fun experience because of it.
What do you think people will find most exciting about the show?
I think people will find the choreo very exciting. Ms Jones is an excellent choreographer, and the dances she comes up with are very lively and exciting. I only wish I could watch it all, too!
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I feel like Lausanne, and its students have a notorious reputation for recreating things in a rather unique way: anything we do, we do it the Lausanne way. This Mamma Mia is going to be fun, engaging, and exciting because of all the unique ways each of us affects the show.
Jasmine Younes '23 as "sophie"
What do you enjoy most about being on stage?
One of my favorite parts about theatre is the sense of community and family and there’s no better feeling than getting to create a piece of art that we are all very passionate about with friends. When you are on stage, you really have to look after each other and it’s very evident that we all care and love each other as we get to let loose and have fun. When you have worked on a show for so long, you must trust that the work is there and just have fun when you are on stage. It is also just so rewarding to have a live audience and see just how our show is impacting people’s lives! There is such a rush and feeling of excitement when you are on stage and the energy is so special in a live theatre!
What is your favorite Mamma Mia! scene?
My favorite Mamma Mia! scene is the scene with Chiquitita and Dancing Queen as those songs are so iconic and I love getting to see my fellow cast mates just have fun and let loose! You really get to see their real life relationships shine through and it’s clear they’re having a blast on stage! I also love Honey Honey as it’s also such a fun and energetic number and I really feel like I’m just playing with my friends, while of course singing such a fun and catchy song!
What do you think people will find most exciting about the show?
I think people will find the amazing songs and dances most exciting about the show as they are all such fun and energetic songs! I also think people will be excited to see songs they have grown to love be performed on stage!