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.
Ethan Norton, 17, is a senior at Howell High School. The son of Sandy Kinstle and Rick Kinstle, Ethan enjoys hanging out with his friends; playing with his dog, Boomer; trying new movies he hasn’t seen, singing, acting and reading Shakespeare. He plans to attend the University of Michigan and become a successful traveling nurse.
How did you get involved with the production?
I saw “Mamma Mia” for the first time on my cruise in June of 2022 and it was amazing to watch. It made me want to see the real movie which only made me more excited for the show.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I’ve been in 12 other shows apart from “Mamma Mia” that I did with Hartland, Pinckney as well as Howell. Those shows made me who I am as an actor today because they showed me how other companies do their shows and what I like in each. I’ve been Michael Banks in “Mary Poppins,” the White rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland,” Santa in “Elf,” and Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love the amazing cast we have; everyone is really taking in their characters. I love the music the most; ABBA is such an amazing group and the way their tunes are intertwined in this show makes it that much better.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
Amanda Malo, the drama teacher here at the high school, has always been of great motivation to me. I’ve been with her since fourth grade in “Wizard of Oz,” and she has always taught me to be myself and excel as an actor.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Again I’d have to say the music. It’s such a vital part of our show and I love the ABBA songs so much. Every day after rehearsal I have whatever song we rehearsed that day in my head for hours.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
An amazing dedicated group of kids putting on a great rendition of the show you all know and love! We have all worked so hard to learn the dances and songs for this amazing spring show!
