May 1, 2025

Most Copley High School students know that the school’s upcoming spring musical is “Mamma Mia!,” but so much work goes into the production that ticket buyers never see. 

So what do audiences miss? 

“Practically everything,” freshman Jeremiah Hollinger said. “They don’t see how many hours are put into the show, how much money everything costs. They just think that we throw a show together in one night but that’s not true.” 

 “I think a lot of the stage crew work,” senior Maria Kramer added. “There is a lot that goes into the makeup and costuming. People don’t typically see that, but I think it really makes it all come together.” 

One of the biggest challenges that cast members faced was the extensive singing and dancing required by the musical. 

““Mamma Mia!” is a very music and dance-heavy show,” senior Kinsie Willis said. “It’s been difficult to learn all the songs because there are so many, and [difficult to] learn all the dances because we have such a large cast.” 

There is another significant factor weighing on the minds of the cast and crew. Director Joe Pine, who has been a stalwart director of Copley shows for four years, is going to make “Mamma Mia!” his final CHS production. 

“This is my dream role and a dream come true,” senior Callie Conzaman said. “I’m going to have to find a new dream, and the fact that it is my last year and Mr. Pines’ last show…it’s all just really special.” 

“It’s going to be my last show with people who were there for me last year, people I’m close to,” sophomore Emily Neuhauser said. “It’s Mr. Pine’s last show. He’s a very important figure for me. Those factors are making it a little more special than in prior years.” 

Before Pine retires, he has a challenging and complex musical to deliver. 

“The amount of dancing that’s required is challenging,” Pine said. “Definitely the amount of music, [and] set building is something that I am stressed about as well.” 

Pine is taking every opportunity to finish strong and reflect on his experiences at Copley. 

“I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do,” Pine said. “I did not quite anticipate how fun it could be to work with high school students.” 

A favorite memory? 

“In between shows of “Miss Holmes,” everyone was hanging out afterwards, eating dinner, and there was music playing in the theater, and it turned into this karaoke dance party,” Pine said. “I remember sitting there and thinking ‘This is the kind of thing that doesn’t happen outside of this environment.’ It was such a cool moment. Everyone was having a good time celebrating the end of this journey.”