As Urbana High School’s Drama Department reaches its 30th anniversary, the production of Mamma Mia! continues to generate excitement. Much of the show’s direction and structure can be traced back to the steady leadership behind the scenes. While the previous article highlighted the cast’s energy and teamwork, this installment focuses on the director and the vision shaping this milestone performance. For the director, teacher at Urbana, Stephen Ward, the goal has been simple and straightforward: honor the source material while guiding students through a clear and organized production process. “I wanted to stay true to the original show while still putting my own small twist on it, which we’re calling ‘Ward’s Secret,’” director Ward explained. “It’s not a huge change, but it’s something subtle that makes this production feel a little more personal.”
That balance between tradition and originality has influenced rehearsals from the very beginning. Rather than reinventing the beloved musical featuring the music of ABBA, the director chose to focus on clarity in storytelling and consistency in performance. “I focused on keeping the energy high during the big musical numbers while making sure the quieter scenes felt honest and natural,” he said. “I also tried to include my own small touch to help connect those emotional and fun moments in a simple way.” Despite the mention of a personal twist, the overall production remains faithful to the script and traditional staging. “We’re not making major changes to the show,” he noted. For a production of this scale, consistency and structure have been key priorities.
When working with students on well-known songs, the director emphasized fundamentals over flash. “I told them to focus on singing accurately and staying in character,” they explained. “It’s important to perform the songs confidently and clearly.” With iconic numbers that audiences instantly recognize, maintaining control and clarity has helped the cast build confidence over time. That growth has been noticeable throughout rehearsals. “They’ve become more comfortable on stage and more familiar with their roles,” he shared. “Their timing and confidence have improved over time.” Watching the cast transition from early run-throughs to more polished full rehearsals has been one of the more rewarding parts of the process. “Seeing a full run-through come together was rewarding. It showed that everyone’s hard work is paying off.”
Beyond the performance itself, the director hopes students take away lasting lessons. “I hope they learn responsibility and teamwork,” they said. “Being part of a production teaches commitment and collaboration.” In a show involving a large cast, crew, and pit, those skills become just as important as vocal ability or choreography.
As opening night approaches, the director’s hopes for the audience remain modest but meaningful. “I hope they feel entertained and enjoy the performance,” he said. “Overall, I just want them to have a good time watching it.” With a steady vision, subtle personal touches like “Ward’s Secret,” and a commitment to keeping the production grounded in its original spirit, the director’s leadership serves as the foundation for Urbana’s anniversary celebration. As this series concludes its spotlight on the many individuals behind Mamma Mia, one thing is clear: every role, onstage and off, plays a part in bringing the island to life.
