Dear Editor,
I recently attended the St. Patrick’s High School musical theatre production of Mamma Mia! at the Imperial Theatre. I was treated to the most amazing, high-quality, school musical production ever. The acting, singing, dancing, choreography, set designs and more were so well done that I thought I was witnessing the professional version staged in Toronto.
From March 5 - 8, 2025, Sarnia audiences were treated to six energetic and entertaining shows. Musical theatre tells a story through music, drama, visual and dance arts. Mamma Mia! is a beautiful and entertaining story about love, life and family bonds, as told through the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA.
The two St. Patrick’s directors and organizers of Mamma Mia! assembled stage managers, running crews, lighting design and operators, sound engineering, projection, costumes, set construction, set decor, props, photography, lighting, technology, sound reinforcement, promotions, ticket sales and a pit orchestra with pit choir. Two features among many standouts was the live music and dancing choreography.
Thank you, Brian Austin Jr., Executive Director, Imperial Theatre and thank you, Mike Hartford, for your sound Engineering. Once again, the Imperial Theatre was the perfect host to showcase Sarnia’s best.
If you missed it, St. Patrick’s High School Arts Community not only showcased their talented students but the teachings of their highly skilled and dedicated staff. I believe that these students will have learned more life skills and developed more cognitive processes in this one arts production than in years of classroom work.
Congratulations and thank you to all who had a hand in Mamma Mia! including all the students of St. Patrick’s. I know our community values you and supports you. Now, carry on supporting the Arts wherever you go, as quality arts programming greatly matters.
Special recognition is extended to the following:
Martina Austin - Director
Dan Sonier - Music Director
Choreographer - Jackie Burns
Dance Captain - Ten Miller
Stage Manager - Karoline Lobsinger
I end by asking some fundamental questions about arts education: Is one required arts credit sufficient for students to earn their Ontario High School Graduation Diploma? Are Sarnia high school students receiving appropriate support for their training in arts programming?
Geoffrey Gander
Retired Music Teacher, Retired Department Head of Arts
St. Patrick’s High School