DIRECTOR'S NOTES:

This year marks my first year of 18 years at Enumclaw High School where I am the sole director of our Drama Club Productions. But I am certainly not alone. Harry says in the show, “There are all types of families.” And I am so lucky and grateful to have cultivated the one we have here. 

At its center, this show helps us embrace all types of family, recognize the gifts we are in the presence residing in the people around us, and, if we let them, come together in love to fuel the achievement of our own dreams and happiness. 

I've never understood that more than I have this year, and with this show. People I have called family for years stepped up in ways I could have only dreamed of in the past, and I am endlessly grateful. 

Paul Scott, our musical director, has been an absolute lifeline. He is a man who does not expect recognition, and sometimes doesn't even feel like he deserves it. He has high expectations, love to give in excess, energy that is unmatched, and he is human. So beautifully human. He pushes me to be better, without criticizing. And I hope someday to be half of the support for him as he is for me. 

Amanda Kelly, our movement director, is so much more than that. She has stepped into an advisor and coaching role for these students and is an integral part of the production team beyond responsibilities for choreography. She keeps me honest - she keeps me true to the art - she holds the students to high and professional standards. I am so proud to call her a friend and colleague. 

Noah Goucher, our assistant director, is new to the team - but not to our program. As an Alumni, it has been such a treat to collaborate in this show. I pushed him more than he was expecting, and he faced those tasks head-on! He values connections with the students, brings laughter to our space, and keeps us thinking about strengthening our characters and messages.

Mamma Shaw, our costumer, is a wonder woman. She is the resident costumer both here and at Auburn Riverside, whose musical opens next week! We share so many similarities, and she brings me so much comfort on the hardest of days. 

Kaya Abright, our props manager, never ceases to amaze me. It is not easy for me to let go of many creative elements. But with Kaya, I rarely even have to give direction. They are organized, quick, efficient, economical, patient, and thoughtful. 

Will Abrahamse, our technical director, never fails to wow with his design and implementation. He is learning how to blend his high standards for design with providing experiences for students to learn. He had pieces in place ahead of schedule - which gave us opportunities to explore the space - even when I asked him to build an ocean. 

My Kids - Riley, Leo, Finn, and Lorelai - who I often feel I don't devote enough attention to. I worry my art gets in the way of our time together, that I'm letting moments with them ‘slip through my fingers’. I hope they know how proud I am to be their mom - how utterly confused I am about how I could have created four intelligent, loving, talented, hard-working, beautiful children. How grateful I am that the universe gave them to me to care for. They give me grace when I stumble, and inspire me to be a little better every day.

The Kids - my students. I ask a LOT of them. I EXPECT a lot from them. I LOVE them. They love being here, creating with us, performing for you. They remind me to enjoy the small things, they remind me to slow down, they remind me we are human and we are FAMILY. Thank you for continuing to put your faith in me.

Embrace the people you call family. See the love in the families the people around you have chosen. Hold each other to high standards, and provide grace when they stumble, because we all will. And in all things, play it with love. 

Good Show,

Allison Abrahamse

Director

Mamma Mia! is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Special thanks to:

• Enumclaw School District Administration for their endless support.
• Our custodial staff - because we can be messy!
• Our generous donors
• Our EXTRA generous FAMILIES who fed us all on late nights
• Drama Club Leadership
• Juliet Bannerot for moral support
• Eric Fiedler, Gunner Argo, Christy Weinbrecht for love.
• Lori and Trevor Harding for clutch set and prop assistance
• Auburn Riverside High School Raven Players for love and costume support!