Judy Craymer, creator and producer of MAMMA MIA!, the ultimate feel-good show based on the songs of ABBA, is thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming 25th Anniversary North American Tour coming to the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on June 25 – 30.
Leading the tour as Donna Sheridan is Christine Sherrill who last enjoyed the role of Donna during her residency with the Las Vegas company of MAMMA MIA! She will be joined by rising star Alisa Melendez as Sophie Sheridan, who was recently seen on Broadway in Almost Famous.
Joining Sherrill and Melendez are MAMMA MIA! alumni, Carly Sakolove as Rosie and Victor Wallace as Sam Carmichael. Principal casting also includes Jalynn Steele as Tanya, Rob Marnell as Harry Bright, Jim Newman as Bill Austin, and Grant Reynolds as Sky.
Rounding out the cast is Louis Griffin, Patrick Park, L’Oréal Roaché, Haley Wright, Sarah Agrusa, Gabe Amato, Caro Daye Attayek, Adia Olanethia Bell, Dean Cestari, Emily Croft, Madison Deadman, Jordan De Leon, Nico DiPrimio, Patrick Dunn, Stephanie Genito, Danny Lopez-Alicea, Makoa, Faith Northcutt, Jasmine Overbaugh, Gray Phillips, Blake Price, Dorian Quinn, Xavi Soto Burgos, and Amy Weaver.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Victor Wallace (Sam Carmichael) for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
I think maybe I was 7 years old. My older cousin was in summer theater program, and they were doing Alice in Wonderland and they needed small children to play with the Queen of Hearts. I got cast and it was the very first time I stepped on a stage.
What was your first professional gig and how much did you get paid?
I think the first time I made money performing was probably my summers in college. I worked at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia, and it was only like $300ish a week, for 5 to 6 shows a day. Back then it seemed like a lot of money.
When did you know performing would be your career?
When I was in high school I did a lot of community theater and went to Arts camp, which was a chance to be around a lot of other kids my age and to get more of a sense on how I can make performing a career. It also gave me the chance to know if I was any good at performing. After spending a few summers there I decided I can to this. Therefore, I decided to pick a performing arts university (Ithaca college), and the rest is history.
Other than this show, what has been your favorite role so far?
I probably have to say understudying and performing the role of Phantom in Phantom of the Opera was unforgettable and such a great experience.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
I don’t know if I have a specific role that I am dying to play, but I would like to think it hasn’t been created yet. Some that come to mind are Emile In South Pacific, Dan in Next to Normal, also, I have never done a Sondheim musical. I aged out of a lot of roles I would have liked to play when I was younger. Oh, I forgot, I would also love Frederick in a little night music.
Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure being in this musical being that is so iconic?
No, because I have such a long history with this show, as the first time I did the show was well before the movie was made. I have come back to it many times. What I can’t believe is that 25 years later we are still selling out.
What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being on the road all the time?
My least favorite part is that on our day off we are traveling to the next city, and my most favorite part is discovering new places and seeing this country as each city has its own personality…it’s fun!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, consistent, and optimistic.
What do you do for fun?
I like to find good eats and drinks, especially when I am on the road. I enjoy finding out what the local city has to offer. My favorite thing is to find a good local donut!
What should our readers expect from this touring company of, “Mamma Mia”?
I think that this particular production of Mamma Mia is better than ever as it has such an incredibly talented cast. For the 25th anniversary tour its top notch!
To find out more about Victor, go to Instagram.com/Mrvdubbs.
MAMMA MIA! sails into the Kravis Center June 25 – 30. Showtimes are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets starts at $45 and may be purchased online at the official Kravis Center website kravis.org; by calling the Kravis Center Box Office at 561-832-7469 during regular box office hours Monday through Saturday from Noon to 5 p.m.; or in person at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
For information about MAMMA MIA! visit www.mammamiathetour.com.
