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WILKES-BARRE — The tables inside the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre were filled Saturday, as several young thespians prepared to audition for a coveted spot in the theatre’s upcoming performance of hit musical “Mamma Mia!”.
This will be the first local showing of the classic romantic comedy centered around young bride-to-be named Sophie, who invites three men to the wedding with the hopes of meeting her real father.
Show director and theatre board member Joanna Bryn Smith, Esq., said show choices at the venue — one of the oldest community theaters in the nation — are left largely up to patrons.
“We ask our audiences a lot ‘What do you want to see?’ and we always get ‘Mamma Mia!’,” she said. “We are the third longest-running community theatre in the country, and that’s something special. We’re historically significant, and that’s something that I would like to help keep alive.”
Auditions for the production have been ongoing throughout the week, with roughly 12 open primary castings plus additional ensemble and production roles to be filled.
Those auditioning for parts must sing a song, read from a script and perform a dance.
Holding her sheet music in her hands, 15-year-old Erin Barno was excited for her first audition with the theatre. The Mountain Top resident has been involved with local theatre since she was 7.
“I really like the music from ‘Mamma Mia!’ and I would just really enjoy being in a happy show on stage. We haven’t had a lot of these in the theaters in our area,” she said.
One by one, hopefuls took the stage as they belted out tunes from Broadway shows, movies and even Billy Joel. Technical difficulties caused for some playful banter when cellphones playing backing music would stop for incoming calls, although many singers just opted to continue where they left off after stopping their ringtones.
Once auditions are completed, Smith said roles will be assigned with rehearsals for about six weeks before opening night in March.
Smith credits the nonprofit’s good working relationship with the community for allowing it to continue to thrive. Often during performances, the theatre will hold bucket drops where actors pass around donation buckets to aid other local groups.
“We are very, very appreciative of our community,” said Smith. “We invest in our community as well as they invest in us.”
The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre has a goal of raising a cumulative $1 million by its 100th anniversary in 2022. Funds raised will go toward revitalizing the North Main Street building by adding new HVAC systems, lighting and sound upgrades, house remodeling and more.
The theatre’s next show is “August: Osage County” from Feb 1-10.
“Mamma Mia!” will run March 22-24 and 29-31.
