What follows is a Q&A Interview with Toni Wilson, Director of Mamma Mia playing at the Palace Theatre from May 28 to June 7 . The Interview was conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher & Content Manager, Richard Young.
Q. Tell me about Mamma Mia! – backstory, author, performance history, etc.
Mamma Mia is a story of love, family, and friendship built around the musical hits of ABBA. It takes us to a beautiful Greek island where we can escape the complicated world in which we live – we all need a little glitter and joy once in a while.
Mamma Mia is based on the songs of ABBA, a Swedish pop/dance group active from 1971 to 1982 and one of the most popular international pop groups of all time.
Mamma Mia is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on songs recorded by Swedish group ABBA and composed by members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
In 1997, Judy Craymer commissioned Catherine Johnson to write the book for the musical. In 1998, Phyllida Lloyd became the director of the show, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast.
Mamma Mia premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in the London West End on April 6, 1999 then staged at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto on May 23, 2000, followed by a Broadway production on October 18, 2001
Q. What prompted LPL to select Mamma Mia! for its Spring production?
LCP was looking for a big-name show to complete their 2025/2026 season, and both Jeff Holbrough, Music Director, and I have been waiting for the opportunity to bring Mamma Mia to community theatre. It has great music, engaging characters and lots of dancing, and we knew it would be a whole lot of fun.
(Pictured: Keyboards Annette Gilbert, Music Director Jeff Holbrough, and Director Toni Wilson.)
Q. Could you provide a brief plot synopsis?
Sophie is preparing to marry her fiancé, Sky, on a beautiful Greek island where her mother, Donna, runs a small hotel. Wanting her father to walk her down the aisle but unsure who he is, Sophie secretly reads her mother’s diary from the summer she was conceived 20 years ago and invites her possible dads to her wedding. The men, Sam, Harry and Bill, arrive, unaware of the real reason they were invited to the wedding. At the same time, Donna’s former 1970’s rock bandmates, Tanya and Rosie, arrive to support their friend Donna and her daughter Sophie. Donna is thrown into a state of panic when she discovers that her old flames have arrived for the wedding, and Sophie begins to question her marriage to Sky. In the end, all is resolved, and the play ends with a wonderful Greek island wedding.
Q. Mamma Mia! Is an obvious crowd favourite and it has been staged several times by different troupes in the London area in recent years. What sets this production apart from the others?
Mamma Mia has been a crowd favourite for many years.
The cast of 35 is comprised of two generations of people from the ages of 20 to 75. They offer so many different perspectives on an age-old story of love and marriage. After spending so much time together, we have become our own family and are loving every minute of it.
This production incorporates a large ensemble that provides a backdrop to the story with their wonderful vocals, their creative movement throughout the story and their ongoing interest in the lives of the main characters. The cast will have a hard time saying goodbye on closing night.
Q. I understand the show is officially SOLD OUT before it begins. How do you account for this?
Mamma Mia sold out well before the run of the show, and this is why.
People want to be entertained, people want to hear good music that they recognize, people want to be part of a big cast that has fun, people want to suspend their disbelief and dream of a world like the one we create in Mamma Mia – full of smiles, glitter, dance and music. People want to dream…….so ABBA, thank you for the music.
(Pictured: Director Toni Wilson and Choreographer Laura Wood.)
Q. Can you comment on the Cast – Leads and Ensemble?
I am the luckiest director – over 100 people from our London Community and beyond auditioned for this show. They all wanted to be part of the magic of Mamma Mia.
All of my leads are very strong and perfect for the parts they play. They came to rehearsal with a very professional attitude, knowing their lines and music early in the process and have set a precedent for all of the cast members. They are also kind and generous in their work with each other and with the ensemble, and appreciate the crew that makes them look so very good.
I love them all very much.
Q. How would you describe the sets, props and costumes of the play?
David Long is my set designer, and he is a gift to the Palace Theatre. He is creative, hard-working and has brought my vision of Mamma Mia to life with a beautiful set. You will feel as if you are on a Greek Island and part of the story.
Both my costumes and properties teams have collaborated and worked together with our artistic team to elevate the vision of Mamma Mia – a bright, colourful summertime feel. Sending heartfelt thanks your way.
Lighting and sound are also an integral part of the success of a big musical production. I have listened to their suggestions and trust their expertise to bring Mamma Mia to life. The technical pieces of the show add so much depth to the performances.
Q. What can audiences expect from Mamma Mia?
Mamma Mia is going to grab you from the moment the curtain opens until the end when you join in with the singing and dancing during the encore. Be ready to be entertained and leave the theatre feeling like a dancing queen.
Q. Is there anything else you think readers should know about the show?
Mamma Mia has been a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Having my vision come to life depends upon the collaboration of both the cast and crew so that everyone respects the contributions we all make in the creation of a musical theatre production. The people I have brought together for this project, both cast and crew, have been outstanding in developing positive relationships with one another. Their collective effort to do their very best for the good of the show amazes me, and I am grateful.
I think we have created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both the cast and crew of Mamma Mia and for our sold-out audiences. We are living the dream together.
ARTISTIC TEAM: MAMMA MIA!
Director: Toni Wilson
Producers: Cathy Weaver and Mike Jewison
Music Director: Jeff Holbrough
Choreographer: Laura Wood
Stage Manager: Anita Goodfellow
CAST: MAMMA MIA!
Melissa Metler: Donna Sheridan
Sophie Sheridan: Jordyn Taylor
Rosie Mulligan: Angela Southern
Tanya Cresham-Leigh: Bronwyn Powell
Sam Carmichael: Jim Noonan
Harry Bright: David Bogaert
Bill Austen: Sam Shoebottom
Sky: A. J. MacDonald
Ali: Kate Deman
Lisa: Emma Vanderkuyl
Pepper: Ethan Couchman
Eddie: Tate Stadnisky
Father Alexandrios: Jim Brock
ENSEMBLE: MAMMA MIA!
Michelle Brock
Lisa Shelton
Sue Bruyns
Karen MacDonald
Janice Van Dasler
Megan Dow
Janet Bueckert
Hayley Kell
Lauren Brooks
Megan Gilliland
Isabel Dalimore
Kaity Adam
Jesse Grant
Rob Carver
Basil Gracious
Frank Delle Donne
Liam Sweezey
Gabriel Sizeland
Iain Guild
IF YOU GO:
What: London Community Players present Mamma Mia!
When: May 28 to June 7, 2026.
Where: Main Stage, The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Interview conducted by Richard Young, Publisher and Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025.
The Beat Magazine 2025 