Performances of “Mamma Mia” are set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16, in the Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and can be purchased by clicking here.
We are profiling some of the students involved in the production.
Ella Stocker, 18, a Howell High School senior, is involved in ITS, Advanced Drama, Acapella, and “Mamma Mia.” The daughter of Thomas Stocker and Diane Macdonald, her family includes siblings Anna and Grant Stocker. She enjoys cooking, running, reading, hanging out with her friends and family, and listening to music. She plans to study elementary education with a minor in psychology at Eastern Michigan University. We asked her a few questions about this year’s production of “Mamma Mia
How did you get involved with the production?
I have worked on shows for all of high school: I have assistant stage managed, acted, directed, and stage managed since 9th grade. Last year, at the end of “Rock of Ages,” I came to Joey and asked if I could be a part of her team for my senior year and she said yes! I was very grateful!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Yes, so as I previously mentioned I have been working on shows since my 9th grade year. I have officially stage managed 5 shows, directed/assistant directed 2 shows, and been a cast member in 4. Mamma Mia is my ninth show.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy the process. The first musical I worked behind the scenes on was The Secret Garden in 2020, sadly it got shut down due to covid in early March of that year. I haven’t had much exper working on this side of musicals and the biggest difference I have noticed is that the process to learn and put on the production is much different, there are a lot more moving parts.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My biggest inspiration is my sister, Anna Stocker. She has always been the most leading female figure in my life and I have wanted nothing more than to walk in her footsteps. She is the most determined, passionate, and caring person I have ever known and it makes me beyond lucky to call her my sister. I am who I am because of her, I owe her everything.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I really enjoy the cast. I think they are so brilliant and just so full of creativity. They take this hilarious story and bring so much life into each one of these quirky characters. I know, without these amazing people Joey and I couldn’t put on this one of a kind show.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Everyone knows “Mamma Mia,” everyone has at least one ABBA song they know, so I think the audience can expect a fantastic time! Whether you are coming to see it because your child is in it or if you just want to watch a touching story, I promise you a blast!
