'Mamma Mia!' graces the stage at The Out-of-Door Academy

By Madison Bierl
| 8:30 a.m. April 27, 2026

Zachary Papper and Dillon O'Callaghan carry Tatiana Moskalenko, who plays Tanya, as she sings "Does Your Mother Know" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

East County
Schools

When Hays Wilson, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, is playing a role on stage, he is nervous at first.

He said after a few moments, the wave of anxiety breaks and he becomes focused.

"It's helped me find myself and it's helped me find community," Wilson said of his acting. "It feels exhilarating."

Wilson, who played the role of Harry, was among the 27 cast members, nine orchestra members and 14 crew members who combined to present "Mamma Mia" April 24, 25 and 26 at The Out-of-Door Academy.

Gabe Saienni was the director and Jasmine Deall was the technical director.

Erick Crow is the director of fine and performing arts at ODA. He said it is gratifying to see how much the students grow through the preparation for a show. He said "Mamma Mia" includes themes of love, acceptance, growth and family.

"Every show is unique and they'll never get to perform with this cast again," Crow said. "I hope they appreciate the time that they have and how quick it goes."

Tatiana Moskalenko, a junior at ODA, had three roles in the production of "Mamma Mia!" She was the dance captain, the costume manager and she played the role of Tanya.

She said she wouldn't change her experience.

"I hope they (the audience) feel immersed and excited about the future of the ODA theater department," Moskalenko said. "We've done a lot of great shows, but I think this one is going to set the standard for our upcoming shows. This team has been one of our strongest."

Grace Chren, a junior, was one of the three stage managers alongside Sophie Roelens and Andreia Azevedo. She enjoys working on the production behind the scenes and on stage as well.

"There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that the audience doesn't necessarily realize," Chren said. "But every single part of that is the core of a great and amazing show."

Scarlett Moyer, Sophia Rios and Tatiana Moskalenko play Rosie, Donna and Tanya in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Sophomore Sophia Rios sings "Money, Money, Money" as Donna in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Marleigh Matras, Ava Rosin and Jules Whittemore perform "Honey, Honey" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Kegan Gargano and Tatiana Moskalenko perform "Does Your Mother Know" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Senior Mason Chase and junior Tom Bergerat play Sam and Bill in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Junior Jules Whittemore sings her first song "I Have A Dream" as Sophie in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Caleb Rodriguez, Zachary Papper and Dillon O'Callaghan perform in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Sophia Rios and Hays Wilson sing "Our Last Summer" in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Juniors Jules Whittemore and Julian King play Sophie and Sky in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Grace Chren and Sofie Roelens are stage managers for the The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Reese Canterna styles the hair of Marleigh Matras before The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

Erick Crow, director of fine and performing arts, and actors Sophia Rios and Jules Whittemore are proud to present "Mamma Mia!" at The Out-of-Door Academy.

Tom Bergerat, Mason Chase and Hays Wilson play the male leads of Bill, Sam and Harry in The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!"

The Out-of-Door Academy production of "Mamma Mia!" took place April 24, 25 and 26.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.