While the story is known as a classic family drama, the Burlington Theater Company’s production of “Mamma Mia!” has become a true family affair.
Chantel Burdick, who stars in the show as Donna, said her experience with the show began with her godmother and sister.
“We watched it all together, and I can remember specifically when they did Dancing Queen in the movie, we all just got up and started dancing,” Burdick said. “That was just such a fun memory for me so I was like, even if I can be just a small part of something so fun, I just wanted to do it, so I did.”
Burdick said she can relate most to her scenes with “The Dynamos,” but secretly enjoys the scenes she has with her character’s ex-boyfriend, Sam.
“There’s a lot of animosity between the two of us, so that’s fun because it really allows me to be assertive and that’s not who I am normally,” Burdick said.
Though Burdick did not know any of her fellow cast members when rehearsals began, she said she was welcomed with open arms.
Joel Irvin, who plays Bill Anderson, said his favorite part of the play has been watching his wife, Lee Irvin, perform alongside Burdick as friends, both on-stage and off.
According to Irvin, he, his wife and two daughters have been performing together for over a decade. He and his wife were at home in Illinois when they learned they had been cast in “Mamma Mia!” together, and have been living in their RV in Burlington for the last eight weeks in order to be a part of the show.
“It gives us a chance to practice and it gives us a chance to see everything that Burlington and the area offers, which we love,” Irvin said.
Irvin credits the show’s success to his director, Angela Dalton, who he says has a clear vision for the show’s choreography and music, and pays individual attention to every cast member.
Trinity Evans, a senior theater major at Weaver Academy who plays Sophie, says it’s the dynamic between the cast members which makes this rendition of “Mamma Mia!” worth seeing.
“I have a specific relationship with each of them, which I think makes the show even better than it is,” Evans said. “The bond that we have together is outstanding and it really shows on stage.”
Burdick said she hopes the audience leaves full of joy after a night of singing and dancing along.
“Come ready to have a good time,” Burdick said. “If you’re not in a good mood when you come, I promise you will be when you leave.”