When Claremont Secondary’s musical theatre students bring Mamma Mia! to life this month, behind the big voices and pop hits will be a deeper story of mentorship, growth, and full-circle moments.
From May 20-25, the school’s musical theatre program will bring ABBA’s iconic soundtrack to life. It’s a homecoming, a farewell, and a passing of the torch all rolled into one, with a cast and crew that’s grown together over four years and a new director stepping into a meaningful role.
Laura-Jane Tresidder, a former Claremont student herself, is now leading the very program that shaped her. Taking over for longtime teacher Colin Plant, who is currently on leave, Tresidder said directing Mamma Mia! has been a reminder of how powerful and underestimated teenagers can be.
"Whenever someone asks me what I do and I tell them I’m a high school teacher, I’m almost never met with, 'Wow, that must be so fun to hang out with teenagers all day!' Instead, there’s often a chuckle or a sympathetic glance," Tresidder said. "There’s a prevailing perception that working with young people is exhausting or frustrating. And yes, some days are – but more often, it’s hilarious, inspiring, and deeply rewarding."
That inspiration is at the core of this year’s show – both in the story on stage and the community off it.
For Tresidder, ABBA’s timeless tunes and the intergenerational themes of Mamma Mia! have provided the perfect canvas for students to explore identity, connection, and growth.
“This show isn’t just about a wedding on a Greek island,” Tresidder said. “It’s about love, memory, and the ties between mothers and daughters, friends, and families. And when you hear a 17-year-old belt out 'The Winner Takes It All' like her heart’s on the line, you realize that emotion knows no age.”
Grade 12 student Brendan Dawes has been with the theatre program since his first year of high school. For him, the final production is bittersweet.
“I’ve kind of grown up with it,” Dawes said. “The community we’ve built – with our choreographers, our music director, and each other – makes the process so much more personal. You really learn how to support each other.”
That sense of mentorship and legacy runs deep. Dawes said one of the biggest lessons he’s learned is how to be the kind of leader and role model he looked up to as a Grade 9 student.
“It’s a really fun experience to be in because you can help continue on the tradition of being the older, wiser person that kind of helps out everyone.”
Fellow senior Giselle Breton echoed that sentiment. Like Dawes, she’s been in the program for four years – but this is her first time in a lead role, something she’s worked toward since joining as part of the ensemble.
“Everyone in theatre is on your team,” Breton said. “Even when things were tough, I knew if I was putting in the work, I had a whole network of teachers and castmates helping me get there.”
Next year, Breton heads to Montreal to study acting at Concordia University – a leap she credits to the confidence and support she found at Claremont.
“If you’d told my Grade 9 self I’d be doing this role now, she’d be jumping up and down,” Breton laughed. “This is one of my dream roles, and I get to do it with people I’ve known since the beginning.”
For both students, the message is clear: yes, Mamma Mia! will be packed with big numbers, bold costumes, and laugh-out-loud moments – but behind the scenes, it’s a story of friendship, growth, and finding your voice on and off the stage.
Eight shows will be spread across six days, with showtimes running daily at 7 p.m., and matinee shows on Saturday (May 24) and Sunday (May 25). Tickets can be purchased through claremont.saanichschools.ca.
