“Mamma Mia!” brings behind-the-scenes opportunities for local students

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The national touring production of “Mamma Mia!” recently completed a two-week technical rehearsal period at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center, followed by a sold-out run of performances earlier this month.

The production team arrived in Wilmington on Feb. 23 for what is known in theater as “tech week,” a period focused on coordinating lighting, sound, set design, costumes and scene changes. The process involved collaboration between the touring cast and crew and the Wilson Center’s technical staff.

Wilson Center Production Manager Robert Coluccio said the experience provided local stagehands with a rare opportunity to work alongside Broadway designers.

“Watching our stagehands interact with Broadway designers and really get a sense of the design process was an exceptional experience that many technicians only rarely get to have,” Coluccio said.

Ash Black, another production manager at the Wilson Center, said the experience offered insight into the creative side of touring theater.

“As a road house venue, you don’t get to experience the creative or directive side of theater very often, so it was interesting to see the creatives make tweaks and adjustments,” Black said.

During the rehearsal period, the Wilson Center partnered with Cape Fear Community College’s theater program to offer backstage tours for students. The tours provided a behind-the-scenes look at the technical aspects of a large-scale production, including opportunities to observe crew members at work and ask questions.

Some students were also invited to attend a dress rehearsal on March 4 ahead of the public performances. More than 100 members of the local arts community attended the preview.

Rhapsody Stanton, a CFCC Fine Arts student, said the experience offered a new perspective on live theater.

“Being able to see everything behind the scenes made it even more special when I got to see the preview,” Stanton said. “It showed how much work and dedication go into giving the audience a magical experience…the hard work that goes unnoticed is what makes the show unforgettable.”

The show’s three performances, held March 5 through March 7, sold out and drew more than 4,000 attendees, according to the Wilson Center.