Senior Ellery Sherwood is taking on the role of Donna in the Upper School production of “Mamma Mia!”
This will be Sherwood’s fourth and final musical production with the Greenhill program.
Sherwood has been in the realm of theater since she was young, attributing her passion for the art to spending several weekends with her family viewing productions.
“My family has always really liked going to musicals, especially when I was a little kid, and I was like ‘oh my gosh, I want to do that too,’” Sherwood said.
Sherwood’s acting debut was in second grade, where she played Alice in the play “Alice in Wonderland. ”
Later, Sherwood went on to participate in several productions, one of which being “Snow White,” but it was her involvement in “Honk Junior”, a musical about an ugly duckling transforming into a swan, that she says sparked her passion for musical theater.
“I had never sung before,” Sherwood said. “But I did it, and it was actually really fun; I have been hooked on musicals ever since.”
“Mamma Mia!” is a musical about Sophie, a young woman preparing for her wedding on a Greek island, who hopes to discover the identity of her father. Without her mother Donna’s knowledge, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past, hoping one of them is her dad.
The musical is entirely comprised of songs by the band ABBA.
“I know people are really obsessed with ABBA songs,” Sherwood said. “I am excited to see diehard fans.”
Last school year, Sherwood played the role of Regina in the fall musical of “Mean Girls.” She described her role of Donna as equally enjoyable to her role as Regina, however, Sherwood says Donna is sentimental to her.
“This is my last musical, so [Donna] is like the big culminating role,” Sherwood said.
Additionally, the role of Donna requires a different vocal range than Regina’s character did.
“I have been learning new vocal techniques in order to take on this new role,” Sherwood said.
Beyond the performing aspect, Sherwood says she has cherished the tight-knit theater community at Greenhill.
“I have definitely seen a lot of people grow,” Sherwood said. “I have seen myself grow throughout the theater community, so that is going to be sad to say goodbye to.”
