Norwich High School students grades 8 to 12 on stage rehearsing for upcoming musical “Mamma Mia!” (Photo by Michele Pomares)

NORWICH — Music teacher and director Michele Pomares presents the musical "Mamma Mia!" Show time starts at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 and 11, and 2:30 p.m. on March 12 in the Norwich High School auditorium. Admission is free. The show is rated PG-13 for language and content.

Pomares said that this is her fifth high school musical. She really loves working with the students and the collaborative nature of the high school musical.

“I work closely with the creative team: Sarah Benson, my assistant director, Maria Pomares, our choreographer, Sue Grenier and Miranda Hunter, our costume and prop manager, to make the show come alive,” Pomares said.

The story takes place on a small Greek island. Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding and her father giving her away, but Sophie doesn't know who her father is. Her mother, Donna, the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands.

Sneaking a peek in her mother's old diary, she discovers three possible fathers: Sam, Bill, and Harry. She secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced she'll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought. Told through the legendary music of ABBA, "Mamma Mia!" has become a worldwide sensation.

The cast began rehearsals in December and consists of 29 students in grades 8 through 12. Cast performers are as follows: Halie Rotundo as Sophie Sheridan; Leah Spence as Ali; Isabelle Voss as Lisa; Elspeth Hunter as Donna Sheridan; Leona Tyler as Tanya; Katie Zieno as Rosie; Joseph Hall as Sky; Liam Hunter as Pepper; Ethan Guzewich as Eddie; Matthew Hall as Harry Bright; William Linder as Bill Austin; Anthony Pomares as Sam Carmicheal; and Michelle Smith as Mother Alexandria.

The ensemble of islanders and wedding guests include: Sophia Bosworth, Bianca Burton, Emma Cresci, Alexandria Fink, Anna Harris, Arya Keene, Vinny Lawson, Emilia Pepe, Gillian Safavizadeh, Lucas Sheeley, Rory Shtrauch, Delilah Spiegel, Willoughby Swingle, Lily Turnbull, Ella Jayne White, and Mya Yantz.

Pomares said, “Many considerations go into choosing a show and the process starts as soon as this show finishes.

“The first thing I consider is the cast I anticipate having and what show will fit them the best. Then I consider the appeal for the students, community, and if the show is a different style from previous shows we have done to give the students a variety of experiences. Finally, I consider if it is feasible for us to produce in terms of sets, costumes, and orchestra."

NCSD puts on two musicals a year. The junior show is directed by Allison Rehn, and performed in November. The high school show takes place in March.