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    EXCITED: Ararat Regional Theatre Society’s Mamma Mia cast, including, back from left, Faye Johns, Tim O’Donnell, Maree Fraser, Russell Purdie, Jodie Holwell and Scott Rigby, and front, Abbey Rigby, Zyggie Fraser, Imogene Tonks, Daniel McCready and Evee Cosgriff.

Ararat cast of Mamma Mia revealed

Ararat Regional Theatre Society is excited to announce the cast for this year’s production of Mamma Mia.

More than 40 people auditioned for the 12 main roles and the cast, including ensemble and children, is expected to exceed 50 people from across the region, including Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Warracknabeal and Beaufort.

The cast includes Maree Fraser, as Donna Sheridan; Imogene Tonks, Sophie Sheridan; Russell Purdie, Sam Carmichael; Tim O’Donnell, Bill Austin; Scott Rigby, Harry Bright; Daniel McCready, Sky; Jodie Holwell, Tanya Chesham-Leigh; Faye Johns, Rosie Mulligan; Zyggie Fraser, Lisa; Abbey Rigby, Ali; Noah Wineberg, Pepper; Evee Cosgriff, Eddie; Karinda Atkins, priest; and Jo Rigby, Yiayia.

Director Emily Friedrichsen said it was a difficult selection process with so many talented people auditioning for the coveted roles.



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“Mamma Mia is such a popular and loved show, particularly because it features so many ABBA songs interwoven with the story, and attracted a huge number of auditionees,” she said.

“The selection of the female cast was very difficult given the phenomenal talent that auditioned from across the region, some of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in any of my directorial positions over the years.

“I am confident our lead cast and our hugely talented ensemble will bring Mamma Mia to life, our audiences are going to be blown away.”

Rehearsals start at 7pm on Tuesday at Ararat Scout Hall, with all lead cast, ensemble and children required to attend this first rehearsal. 

Ms Friedrichsen said it was not too late if people wanted to be part of the ensemble – they can attend the first rehearsal.

Mamma Mia will be staged at Ararat Town Hall with eight performances across three weekends – June 20-22, 27-29 and July 4-5.

The entire February 5, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!