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‘Mamma Mia’ draws record participation at Fairmont; students log extensive rehearsal hours
Summary
Fairmont High School’s fall musical Mamma Mia involves 139 students — a record for the program — with 46 male participants, 35 seniors and 16 seventh-graders; director Sarah Goodall said students have logged about 88 hours of rehearsal plus 147 hours of additional production work.
Fairmont Area Schools’ fall musical, Mamma Mia, will feature an unusually large and diverse cast this year as directors and student performers described the production during the Nov. 10 school board meeting.
"We have 139 students in the show," said Sarah Goodall, one of the show’s directors. Goodall told the board the cast includes 46 male students — the largest number the program has seen — 35 seniors and 16 seventh-graders. She said students have completed roughly 88 hours of rehearsal and an additional 147 hours of set, choreography and technical work.
Students who spoke at the meeting emphasized inclusivity and the program’s role in building community. Anthony, who plays Bill, said theater “brings us all together for a common goal.” Belle Lutterman, a student board representative and cast member, said the musical is open to students from seventh through 12th grade and provides leadership opportunities for younger performers.
Goodall previewed production logistics: the company added a Saturday matinee this year to provide a daytime option for families; the cast includes 25 musical numbers; and the production team includes choreographer Courtney Wolf, vocals lead Molly Bllee, pit director Katie Hogland (on maternity leave) and sound tech John Bartcher. The program is partnering with local businesses (Culligan and Alex’s Cakes) to sell concessions at intermission with proceeds benefitting the theater program.
Why it matters: The scale of the production and broad student participation indicate robust extracurricular engagement at Fairmont schools and create multiple community touch points—performances, fundraising and volunteer involvement.
What’s next: The district also announced a free senior-citizen matinee and a multi-show schedule (opening night Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. and evening show at 7 p.m.). The board thanked the students and staff; no policy action was taken on the musical itself.
