Review: Conway High School’s MAMMA MIA! electrifies the stage

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Big Ensemble, Bigger Energy: Conway High Brings the Party to Mamma Mia!

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Fun! From beginning to end…FUN! That is the only way to describe Mamma Mia! at Conway High School, which ran April 23–25. This ensemble brought the fun and energy to the stage, so much so that they made you forget you’re watching a high school production. From the first beat to the final bow, this show was a full-on celebration of music, friendship, and storytelling, powered by a group of students who clearly love what they do.

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Set on a picturesque Greek island, Mamma Mia! follows Sophie, a bride-to-be determined to discover the identity of her father before her wedding day. After secretly inviting three men from her mother Donna’s past, things quickly spiral into a whirlwind of surprises and emotional revelations. As Donna reunites with her former bandmates and faces her history head-on, the story unfolds through ABBA’s iconic catalog, creating a wildly entertaining journey about love in all its forms.

Under the direction of AJ Spiridigliozzi, this production moved with confidence and clarity, allowing the story and students to shine. Music Director Kayla White ensured the vocals were strong and cohesive, with harmonies that rang out beautifully throughout the auditorium. Choreographers Olivia Stephens and San Kordsmeier infused the show with high-energy movement that captured the spirit of ABBA while giving the ensemble plenty of moments to shine. It was also exciting to see that student leadership was at work with Student Directors KC Bagwell, Carly Schluterman, and Ethan Brock helping guide their peers through this joyful production.

Before the show, I was told by a friend that this was “the best Donna ever,” and I’ll admit—I wondered if that might just be a proud family member talking. But let me tell you…they were absolutely right. Donna Sheridan, portrayed by Hadassah Smith, was beyond amazing. This was my first time seeing her perform, and she is an undeniable powerhouse. From the moment she stepped on stage, she commanded attention with confidence and vocals that soared effortlessly. Her performance was layered with strength and vulnerability, making every moment feel authentic, and when she delivered “The Winner Takes It All,” it was one of those goosebump-inducing moments that received the loudest and longest apllauses. The show could have ended there and everyone would have been fine with it.

And what a supporting cast she had surrounding her! Annabelle Champlin brought a bright, earnest charm to Sophie, grounding the story with sincerity and determination. The Dynamos were an absolute delight, with Lyn McKissick as Tanya and Farrah Sherman as Rosie delivering scene-stealing moments full of humor and that signature sparkle that makes those roles so iconic.

Sophie’s friendships truly shine in “Honey, Honey,” and it was such a wonderful introduction to what was to come. Annabelle Champlin, alongside Terryn Blake as Lisa and Ainsley Smith as Ali, created a fun, bubbly, and completely infectious number. Their chemistry was spot-on, and you could feel the genuine excitement and curiosity driving the scene. Vocally, they blended beautifully, and their playful energy made the storytelling so clear and engaging, that it was one of those moments where you couldn’t help but smile watching them.

And then there’s Tanya…because WOW. I absolutely loved “Does Your Mother Know,” and Lyn McKissick owned the boys from start to finish. She brought the perfect mix of confidence, sass, and comedic timing, making the number both hilarious and completely captivating. Paired with the younger boys of the island, the choreography and playful interactions made this scene a true standout.

But one of my absolute favorite moments of the night was watching Farrah Sherman as Rosie truly shine in “Take a Chance on Me.” Her performance was equal parts hilarious and endearing as she pursued Baylor Conley’s Bill with unwavering determination. The physical comedy in this number was fantastic, but what really made it special was how vocally strong and committed she was throughout.

At the heart of this story, though, is the mother-daughter bond between Donna and Sophie, and it’s the emotional anchor that grounds all the fun. “Slipping Through My Fingers” is always a moment that gets me, and this production was no exception. There’s something so universally relatable about watching a parent realize how quickly time has passed, and that quiet, tender scene provided a beautiful contrast to the high-energy numbers. I definitely felt that familiar lump in my throat.

And then there’s that trio of potential dads—such a fun group to watch! I’ll admit, I was already becoming a fan of Bennie Islas from previous shows at CHS, and he absolutely delivered here as Harry, but what really made it work was how well he meshed with Baylor Conley as Bill Austin and Tyson Garlow as Sam Carmichael. The three of them created a cohesive, believable dynamic that made their scenes together some of the most enjoyable in the show.

Romance was alive and well with Hutson Teague as Sky, who paired nicely with Sophie, while John David Kim as Pepper and Bennett Siegel as Eddie brought plenty of playful energy to the ensemble. The flashback moments were just as engaging, thanks to Karson Prince as Young Donna and Emma Spiridigliozzi as Young Sophie, who helped give depth to Donna’s story and made those transitions feel meaningful and clear.

Visually, this production was just as lively as its performances. The costumes were colorful and full of personality, perfectly capturing the carefree island vibe. I especially loved when the dance team hit the stage in those eye-catching silver jumpsuits, and of course, Donna and the Dynamos brought all the sparkle and sass with their super groovy, disco-inspired looks that felt like they stepped right out of ABBA’s heyday.

And let’s talk about that ensemble—because WOW. This may very well be one of the largest high school ensembles I’ve seen this year, and they used every single person to full advantage. The stage felt alive at all times, and every single performer looked like they were having the absolute time of their lives. That kind of joy is contagious, and it radiated out into the audience in the best way.

In fact, I didn’t realize just how popular this show was going to be, or I would have gotten there much earlier to snag a closer seat! The auditorium was buzzing with excitement, and that packed-house energy only added to the electric atmosphere of the evening. It’s always thrilling to see a school production draw that kind of crowd support, and we all had the best time!

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/little-rock/article/Review-MAMMA-MIA-at-Conway-High-School-20260505)._