Mamma Mia! - ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

Jennifer Ayers plays Sophie in Fauquier Community Theatre's production of Mamma Mia! along with her husband Will who plays her fiancé in the musical.

Article By Bonnie Hobbs

Photo Credits: Stephen Rummel Photography

Bursting with all the joy, love and heart audiences loved in the movie, Fauquier Community Theatre presents Mamma Mia! live on stage. With a cast and crew of 33, the musical takes the stage Sept. 23 through Oct. 9 in Warrenton, Virginia.

With help from two old friends, taverna owner Donna is readying for her daughter Sophie’s wedding in Greece. Meanwhile, Sophie – wanting to learn who her father is – secretly invites three of her mom’s past lovers to attend, so her dad can walk her down the aisle. What could possibly go wrong?

Mamma Mia! is directed by Scott Olson and produced by Maggie Swan along with a dynamic production team that includes music director Katherine Hawkins, and choreographer Christie Dubnansky. Swan, exclaimed “There’s great chemistry among all the actors. When the cast is having a good time, it shows onstage and the audience will enjoy themselves, too.”

Both the set and projections will whisk the audience to Greece. And, said Swan, “Most people know all the songs, and this show has such a good spirit and is so entertaining. We’ll even invite the audience to sing along on a song or two – and dance at their seats at the end. They’ll have a joyous time.”

As Sophie, Jennifer Ayers is a triple talent who has it all in the realm of singing, dancing and acting. Ayers describes her character Sophie as “hopeful, spirited and optimistic and wants to help her mother, now that she’s the same age her mom was when she had her, with no support system,” said Ayers. “I can’t believe I get to do this show – it’s so much fun and the music is intoxicating. Best of all, though, she said with a smile “My husband Will plays my fiancé in this show.”

Portraying possible dad Bill Austin is Jason Damaso. “He’s a writer and adventurer, living out of a backpack all over the world,” said Damaso. “He’s happy with his solitary life until he comes to Greece and learns Sophie could be his daughter. Then he realizes what he missed.”

Danica Shook plays Donna the mother of Sophie, who is played by Jennifer Ayers. Audiences will love the song and dance numbers!

Portraying Donna is Danica Shook. “She’s bold and a hard worker, loves the Greek lifestyle and has a big heart,” said Shook. “There’s so much going on inside Donna as she questions why her three, old lovers arrive the day before her daughter’s wedding. You get to see Donna as a friend and a mom, she is happy about Sophie’s marriage, but also sad to lose her. The show’s excitement will leave the audience energized, and they will have fun participating at the end.”

Pictured is Sophie played by Jennifer Ayers, and...which one is her dad? From left to right, is it Harry Bright played by Scott Pierce, or Sam Carmichael portrayed by Jamey Pellegrini, or Bill Austin performed by Jason Damaso?

Scott Pierce plays possible dad Harry Bright. “He’s an uptight, conservative, buttoned-down banker – the antithesis of spontaneity,” said Pierce. “But once on the island, he discovers his youthful joie de vivre. He really cares about Donna and Sophie and remembers his time with Donna fondly. She was the first and last girl he ever loved.” “It’s fun speaking in a posh, British accent for this role,” added Pierce. “And my wife Hilary plays Tanya, a friend Donna sang with in a 1970s disco group, Donna and the Dynamos. The chemistry between the members, including Esther Wells as Rosie, is compelling and a joy to watch.”

FCT’s production of the musical Mamma Mia! is sponsored by Brookside Neighbors - Best Version Media and is by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Performances will take place on Fridays and weekends between September 23 and October 9, 2022 at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees are at 2 pm. All tickets are for reserved seating and on sale at www.FCTstage.org. For questions or additional information, call the FCT message line at 540-349-8760.

The Greatest Generation Speaks

Based on Tom Brokaw's Book

Our Town

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Season Tickets provide a discount for each production and are available for all 5 main stage shows as well as a choice of 4 main stage shows. For more information, click on "Event Packages" at the top of the page HERE

Auditions for The Greatest Generation Speaks

October 13, 2022: 7 pm to 10 pm

October 15, 2022: 10 am to 2 pm

Location: Fauquier Community Theatre

4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA

Pre-registration for auditions is required.

Click on the link below for more information and to pre-register.

Audition Form Link for The Greatest Generation Speaks

(Callbacks if needed: October 19: 7 pm to 9 pm.)

The Greatest Generation Speaks written by Tom Brokaw is being adapted for stage by Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich. The production will be vignettes of letters and reflections sent to Mr. Brokaw over the years. It is a collection of stories about WW II and its heroes told from 1^st and 3^rd party perspectives.

From the Director: Like Mr. Brokaw, I feel it is important to keep history live and in proper perspective for our future generations. This is why I only write and/or direct plays that have a meaning to history. In borrowing a quote from Mr. Brokaw from the back dust cover of the book: “If we are to heed the past to prepare for the future, we should listen to these quiet voices of a generation that speaks to us of duty and honor, sacrifice and accomplishment. I hope more of their stories will be preserved and cherished as reminders of all that we owe them and all that we can learn from them.” - Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich

More information is available under "Auditions" on the Fauquier Community Theatre website: www.FCTstage.org.

Performance Dates - The Greatest Generation Speaks will be presented on Fridays and weekends February 3 - 19, 2023 in the Vint Hill Theater on the Green at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Tickets for reserved seating are available online at www.FCTstage.org.

Auditions for Our Town

Friday, November 4, 2022: 7 pm to 10 pm

Saturday, November 5, 2022: 1 pm to 5 pm

Location: Fauquier Enterprise Center:

4263 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA

Pre-registration for auditions is required.

Click on the link below for more information and to pre-register.

(Callbacks if needed: Sunday, November 6, 2022: 2 pm to 4 pm.)

Thornton Wilder’s classic drama Our Town is set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, during the period from 1901 to 1913. Through three acts, guided by a Stage Manager, we follow the daily lives of its inhabitants, their celebration of a marriage, and their response to mortality and the afterlife. The production is directed by Sonia Bronder and produced by Don Richardson. Our Town is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Performance Dates – Our Town will be presented on Fridays and weekends between March 10th and 26th, 2023 in the Vint Hill Theater on the Green at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Tickets for reserved seating are available now online at www.FCTstage.org.

More information is available under "Auditions" on the Fauquier Community Theatre website: www.FCTstage.org.

Any member of FCT is welcome to join the artistic committee: simply send an email to the Artistic Chairman, Don Richardson, at artisticchair@fctstage.org. Meetings are scheduled at least 4 times each year. 

This is also a call to potential Directors to visit FCT's Directors page on the website at FCTstage.org/directors and submit your proposals for shows you would like to direct at FCT. Currently FCT is accepting proposals for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 Main Seasons and youth shows.

October 1, 2022 from 12 pm to 5 pm

Fauquier Community Theatre is participating in Vint Hill Day on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Join us and "Be Our Guest" as we present Peter McCory as the One Man Band. Many will recognize him as Peter Fakoury who wrote and directed the musical "Captains Courageous" performed at FCT in 1996 and 2015.

Peter McCory will be performing at 1 pm and 2 pm at Vint Hill Day for 30 minutes each set. If you will be attending, please complete this form so that we can get an approximate count and can contact you with additional information as the time gets closer: FCT Be Our Guest Form for Peter McCory Event on Vint Hill Day. FCT's "Be Our Guest" event is sponsored by the PATH Foundation.

Peter McCory is the Northern Virginia area's "One-Man Band for Kids and Familes!" Since 1996 he's been playing music kids and parents love -- lively, upbeat renditions of familiar songs, folk songs, novelty numbers, and his own award-winning original music for kids. His shows are always interactive, which makes him a hit at any event and with any audience.

The entire Vint Hill Day event hosted by Fauquier County Parks & Recreation, takes place at the Vint Hill Village Green space between the extended bandstand area and the community center. For directions, you can use the theater address where the food trucks will be located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton. Stop by and enjoy this family friendly event from 12 pm to 5 pm with lots of games, music, crafts, vendors, and amazing food!

Founded in 1978, Fauquier Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and currently has 11 board members. The board of directors meet a minimum of 4 times a year for scheduled board meetings, as well as additional meetings as needed.

Sheryl Solow, Board Chair

Robin Ellenson Verity, Vice Chair

Sherry Bendt, Treasurer

Saralyn Aylor, Secretary

Board Members: (Those listed with an asterisk are new to FCT's Board.)

Laurie Bersack

Rick Davis

Harry J. Kantrovich *

Ryan Miner

Matt Moore *

Scott Pierce

Rob Tessier *

For more information about board members and to read their biographies, visit the Board of Directors page on the "About" tab on FCT's website HERE

Business sponsors and partnerships help us all build a better and more resourceful community. Fauquier Community Theatre sponsorships can be started at any time throughout the year. Whether as a new sponsor, or a returning one, it is easy to add your sponsorship. For more information and to see the list of sponsors, click on COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. Please frequent the businesses of these generous sponsors, many have online services. Have your business front and center in the community with FCT. Questions? Email info@FCTstage.org or call FCT's executive director Debra Smyers at 540-349-8760.