In May 2023, The Lawyer Show returns to the Waterfront stage on Granville Island after a three-year covid related hiatus with the smash hit mega-musical MAMMA MIA! Featuring the iconic music of ABBA, the show boasts a glowing cast and band of 36 Vancouver-based lawyers and law students from some of the city’s most notable firms including Miller Thomson, Osler, Roper Greyell and more.
Now in its 20th Anniversary year, the rip-roaring legal event is also a vital fundraiser for Touchstone Theatre, a long-established cultural institution with the mission of bringing original Canadian voices and stories to the stage. Funds raised through the musical will directly support company programming including new play development, commissions, and productions.
Directed by Touchstone Theatre Artistic Director Roy Surette (right) and supported by musical director Marguerite Witvoet and choreographer Miranda MacDougall, MAMMA MIA! is chocked-full of hilarity, spirited dance numbers, and some of ABBA’s most memorable tunes including Dancing Queen, S.O.S, and Take a Chance on Me!
Director Roy Surette offers a peek into month two of the rehearsal process and what audiences can expect when MAMMA MIA! hits the stage this spring:
Tell us a little bit about the challenges and rewards of working with this cast of lawyers?
I’m always in awe of the singing talent of our lawyers. Several of them have previous degrees in theatre and music, and it’s a joy to watch them express themselves and share these talents.
One of the biggest challenges is our tight schedule. We start by meeting twice weekly in the evenings and cover a lot of material in a fairly fast fashion. I’m impressed at how diligent the lawyers are and how they put the time in to ensure they’re getting their harmonies and dance steps right- they’re a lot more focused then many actors I’ve worked with in the profession, haha.
Mamma Mia is so iconic and it feels like there’s extra pressure- high expectations! I’m confident we will deliver!
What’s been the most surprising thing that’s come out of the rehearsal process so far?
Our Sky, played by James, a law student who came to the audition having never sung, danced or acted before, is becoming a triple threat right before our eyes!
What part of the production are you really looking forward to seeing on the stage?
It’s always exciting when we put the pieces together and everyone is taken on a journey: the artists, the musicians, and the audience! With all of our postponements - we started rehearsing this musical in January 2020, so “here we go again” became our mantra - this joyful excursion to a Greek island wedding will be extra special- a reason to raise our glasses!
“My My, how can I resist you!?” Don’t miss it!
MAMMA MIA! The 2023 Lawyer Show runs May 10-13, 2023 at the Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St). A post-show reception and silent auction will follow each evening performance with amazing auction items from Lulu Winery, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Underway Sailing and many more!
Tickets are going fast!! Get Yours Here
Pictured: Centre Linda Sum; Counterclockwise L-R: Jonathan Braun, Johanna Goosen, Craig McCue, Vince Kanasoot, Kiera Neufeld-Heinrichs, Mandana Namazi, Jeevyn Dhaliwal, Nimrit Dhillon, Ilana Teicher