As dinner break ends and people bustle into their places, the air is full of nervous energy, excitement, and determination. But more than anything else, you notice the smiles. These students, faculty, and parent volunteers are all happy to be here. As rehearsals enter their final days, the attitude of gratitude is everywhere.
For four Encinal High School (EHS) seniors, their appreciation comes not only for being a part of such a fun-loving show like Mamma Mia, but also for the journey. When they started high school, the retirement of the long-time drama director coupled with the pandemic had completely killed the drama program. Yet here they stand, veterans of six previous EHS productions. They are not only grateful, but also are the recipients of gratitude from the EHS Drama program and the entire school.
In the fall of 2021, EHS did not produce a show. Four freshmen were determined that the drama program would return to EHS and were part of Legally Blonde, which coaxed former theater director Robert Moorhead out of retirement to direct one last time. A much harder task came the following fall when the school announced a production of The Wolves. The show needed 10 cast members but there wasn’t enough interest, so Samantha Cleminshaw, Emilia Arneson, Ava Diener, and Amelia Ericson started recruiting. When they could only muster nine, Arneson took on two roles.
They did it. They had a show.
They had a new director in Lachelle Morris, and the ball was rolling. In spring 2023, Morris directed The Lightning Thief and even more students joined the program. Clue, another straight play, was the show for fall 2023, with new director Megan Taylor assisted by EHS alum August Arneson. This time no extra recruitment was needed. Spring 2024 saw Taylor and Morris collaborate on Mean Girls, and the stage filled with even more new faces.
It’s now senior year for Arneson, Cleminshaw, Diener, and Ericson, and the program is unrecognizable. The fall production of The Outsiders pulled in more students than ever before. EHS is now set to share their spring musical, Mamma Mia, which not only features those four seniors, but also showcases new talent that will be ready to step in and carry the torch.
The road to reboot the EHS Drama Program has not been without challenges. “The hardest part was the uncertainty,” Arneson commented. The seniors said that one of the most important factors in bringing the program back stem from the nature of theater itself. Cleminshaw added, “It brings together eclectic communities. It is a space for everyone.”
The seniors are relishing every moment of their last show together. Diener, who plays Donna, notes, “My character reminds me of my mother. As I’m getting ready to leave for college, it makes me more aware.” Ericson, who plays Rosie, appreciates her character’s authenticity. “I really like her willingness to be herself,” Ericson stated. Diener, Ericson, and Arneson make up the Dynamos, and especially enjoy performing “Dancing Queen.” “It’s just so much fun,” Arneson said, as Ericson added, “because we are friends in real life.”
Mamma Mia director Megan Taylor said, “This has actually been a long-anticipated show here for the past few years. Students have been asking to do Mamma Mia since my first year here at Encinal and I could think of no better way to celebrate this year’s graduating seniors than to do this production.”
Beyond the numbers, Taylor added that the students are growing in their acting practice as well as their technical and artistic expertise. “It is so inspiring to me to see the upperclassmen pass on their knowledge and experience to the newer students, helping them learn and grow as cast and crew members together,” she said. She hopes audiences who see the show will just have fun. “I want them to smile and laugh and gush along with us at all the endearing moments,” she said. “I want them to feel the joy, passion, and energy that the students have poured into this show and let themselves be immersed in this wacky, groovy show.”
Mamma Mia, which features the music of ABBA, is not only a good time, but a show with a good message: There are times when you must take a chance and risk everything in order to achieve your dreams. If you do, it might be the start of something wonderful and beyond all your expectations. Seniors Arneson, Cleminshaw, Diener, and Ericson would whole-heartedly agree.
Mamma Mia is playing March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 7 p.m., in the Encinal Gym, 210 Central Avenue.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected].
