Mama Mia! It’s top-notch amateur theatre in Bracebridge, Huntsville

BRACEBRIDGE — If you like amateur theatre at its best, you’ll love the latest new creation of the Bracebridge and Huntsville Rotary Clubs in co-operation with the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Four weekends of ABBA. It should be a hard to beat show as Rotary clubs in Bracebridge and Huntsville team up with the Huntsville Festival of the Arts in a new theatre company called Muskoka OnStage.

After running musical theatre shows separately for decades, the clubs have partnered with the arts festival for something they expect will be more grand the next month in the two towns.

First they’ll preview the show two weekends in Bracebridge at the Rene Caisse Theatre, then take in on up the road for a final two-week run in Huntsville at the Algonquin Theatre.

And they’re doing it under a new banner.

Muskoka OnStage presents: Mamma Mia!

Thursday night is the traditional opening night gala, an $85 sold-out affair for Rotarians, their friends and fans and family of the theatre community.

After a dress rehearsal Tuesday night, they’re ready to go.

The play is best known for its hit songs by Swedish pop group ABBA.

It’s about a mother, a daughter and three possible dads.

A trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.

ABBA’s pop and rock hits (led by conductor Neil Barlow) tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father.

This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

According to its billing: “The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show full of non-stop laughs that will have you dancing in the aisles.”

Shows:

  • Bracebridge- Rene Caisse Theatre, 100 Clearbrook Trail
    Friday Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., Sunday Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
    Thursday Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Friday March 1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday March 2 at 2 p.m.
  • Algonquin Theatre
    Shows will also run in Huntsville from March 22-31.