Blythe Wilson will star as single mom Donna Sheridan in Drayton Entertainment’s production of “Mamma Mia!”

The role was made famous by another Canadian, Louise Pitre, who received a Tony Award nomination in 2002 for originating the role on Braodway.

Wilson’s illustrious career includes a recent Broadway appearance as Mrs. Banks in Disney’s “Mary Poppins.”

Fans of The Stratford Festival will remember Wilson’s critically acclaimed leading roles as Nancy in “Oliver!” (2006) and Laurey in “Oklahoma!” (2007).

Danielle Wade will play Donna’s plucky daughter and the bride-to-be, Sophie. Wade is best known to audiences as the winner of CBC’s reality show “Over the Rainbow,” and for her turn as the title role in Drayton’s “Anne of Green Gables.”

Colin Sheen, who played Gilbert Blythe to Wade’s Anne, will take on the role of Sophie’s fiancé Sky.

The upbeat musical is brought to life by Director and Choreographer David Connolly, whose résumé includes work on major musicals including the recent pre-Broadway production of “First Wives Club” in Chicago and television specials including “The Tenors Live in Las Vegas,” as well as numerous Drayton Entertainment productions.

Connolly is joined by Musical Director Steve Thomas, a recipient of the Duke Ellington Arranging award. Thomas has been on the faculty of the Sheridan Institute’s Music Theatre program for over 15 years.

“Mamma Mia! is a global phenomenon,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From the moment we announced Mamma Mia! last fall, the audience response has been fantastic. We look forward sharing this enormously popular show with excited theatregoers across southwestern Ontario.”

Jackie Mustakas and Jenni Burke will play Donna’s friends and fellow Dynamos Tanya and Rosie respectively. Mustakas most recently appeared as the wicked Queen Diabolica with Burke as the Blues Fairy in Drayton’s “Snow White: The Panto.”

Drayton reports that over 22,000 tickets have already been sold for the limited run.

Details, Details:
Dunfield Theatre Cambridge: March 22 to May 7
Drayton Festival Theatre: May 12 to May 28
Purchase Online online at www.draytonentertainment.com
Call the box office: 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866)