“It’s such a beast of a role.”
That’s how Jessica Crouch describes her role as Donna Sheridan in the touring production of Mamma Mia!, playing Altria Theater October 6 – 11.
“Donna is a beautiful, complex character,” Crouch says. “I get to feast in it every night and show so many facets of this iconic character. This is one of, if not the most fulfilling roles of my life.”
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, Mamma Mia!, is a tale of love, friendship, and identity told through the timeless hits of the Swedish pop music group ABBA. The story revolves around a daughter’s quest to discover her father — one of three men from her mother’s past.
The show, now on its 25th anniversary tour, has been seen live on stage by 70 million people across the world.
A Role With Heart and Stamina
The jukebox musical is fun to watch and fun to perform, Crouch says.
“It’s great seeing the show connect with the audience and how much the audience feeds off of us like we feed off of them,” she says. “The story has so much heart and joy. It has touched so many people, and that’s why it’s been a success for 25 years.”
The catchy tunes of ABBA help tell the story through beautiful, heartfelt lyrics.
“It gives you new perspective on the songs, and I find that interesting,” Crouch says.
The iconic songs have people on their feet, singing and dancing during the show, she adds.
“One of the beauties of the show is that it takes the audience along with it. There is no way you are not getting up and singing and dancing. The more energy you give to us the more we give back to you, and that’s so much fun for us,” she says.
Finding the Balance in Donna
Because it is fast paced, the show requires both physical and emotional stamina.
“I have had a difficult times navigating the emotional stamina,” Crouch says. “This is the first time I have not been wigged in a show. I’m in a robe and I’m barefoot. It’s very raw and real. Donna is going through a lot emotionally. It’s a really big journey. It took a bit to find a healthy balance between me and my character.”
Crouch, who is from Sacramento, California but has spent many years in New York, has toured through Richmond with the show Pretty Woman: The Musical (she was also in the original Broadway production).
“I’m so excited to come back to Richmond for Mamma Mia!” she says.
Additional ticket and show information can be found at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com.
