The Performance Club took to the stage Friday May 30, with its rendition of the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!”
The cast acted, danced and sang in “Mamma Mia! Sing-a-long In the Park” at the Wrightsville Beach Amphitheater where LJ Woodard, Performance Club director, gave stage directions to the young actors.
“I’m feeling very calm and confident,” Woodard said before the performance began at 5:30 p.m. “I know my kids are going to be great. They always are.”
Seated on beach chairs and blankets, friends and family were excited for the Performance Club’s season grand finale.
“It’s always really exciting,” said Stephanie Farrell, mother of 6-year-old cast member Kennedy Farrell. “They’re always getting better.”
“It’s just really fun to do it,” said Kennedy as her mother adjusted her costume.
The Performance Club’s first musical number was “I Have A Dream,” followed by “Honey, Honey,” “Mamma Mia,” “Super Trooper,” “Take A Chance” and the crowd-pleaser, “Dancing Queen.”
Woodard surprised both the audience and cast members when she introduced a short skit with several of the Performance Club members’ mothers.
Carolyn Landenberg was one of the Drama Mamas who participated.
“Since my daughter loves music and theater, I want to be involved with the performing arts,” Landenberg said. “The children were a bit surprised.”
At the end of the performance, cast members lined up to take a bow as the audience applauded.
“I think it went fantastic,” Woodard said after the performance. “They always do.”
Sisters Kajsa and Peyton Andersson were surprised when their mother, Beverly Andersson, and grandmother, Kathy Laing, were part of the performance.
“I was like, ‘what?’” Kajsa Anderssson said. “It was really fun.”
“[It] surprised my daughters,” Beverly Andersson said. “They had no clue.”
Local performances, like the Performance Club’s, are ways for the community to come together.
“I think arts in the community is a great thing,” said Michelle Ennis, mother of Meghan Ennis, who played the role of Sophia. “It’s important for the kids to be exposed to the performing arts.”
“Mamma Mia! Sing-a-long In the Park” was the Performance Club’s final performance before club members attend summer camp.
“It’s adorable,” Woodard said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
