Kasey Allin may be new to the stage, but she’s already made an unforgettable impression. As a senior at The Morgan High School, she decided to leap of faith and audition for the musical Mamma Mia, a choice that would not only change her senior year, but also open her eyes to a world of theater she had never fully explored.

“I’ve always loved singing, but I was a little nervous to try out

for a musical. I never thought I’d be someone who took the lead,” said Allin. “But all my friends encouraged me to give it a shot. They told me I had a good voice, and that senior year was the perfect time to do something bold.”

Allin was given the role of Donna Sheridan, the strong-willed mother at the heart of Mamma Mia. The musical, which revolves around Donna’s daughter, Sophie, played by junior Alexa Kinniburgh, and her quest to find her father on the eve of her wedding, became a perfect fit for Allin, especially with her connection to the character.

“I’ve always felt close to Donna, especially because of her hardworking, loving nature,” Allin said. “I see a lot of my mom in Donna, which made portraying her feel so much more real. We even watched the Mamma Mia movie together before auditions, and that helped me connect with the character.”

Though Allin had performed in middle school theater at Jared Eliot, this was her first time having a high school key role in a musical. The experience was far more rigorous than she expected. The audition process alone was intense; she had to spend weeks preparing and attending boot camps for music, lines, and dance. For her actual audition, she memorized Mamma Mia, sang it solo, and danced to a number with a small group. The callbacks required her to perform “Winner Takes It All” and “Does Your Mother Know,” learning both the songs and choreography.

“It was a lot of pressure, especially singing in front of the panel of judges and my peers.” The judging panel consisted of Mrs. Mustakoos, Mrs. Robinson, and Mrs. Rivideniera. Allin explained how she always wanted to be Donna in the play, so she focused on her character and she said, “I worked hard and was determined to give it my best shot”.

When the cast list was posted, Allin was stunned to see her name as Donna. She had hoped for a side character, maybe a role in the ensemble, but to land the lead was a dream come true for her. “It’s my first year in the high school play, and to be cast as Donna, it was rewarding after all the effort I put in.”

Rehearsals began soon after the cast list was revealed. Allin, like the rest of the cast, has been working tirelessly on blocking, choreography, and music. Sundays are practices reserved for learning the intricate choreography, which could last from 3 to 5 pm. While weekday rehearsals are focused on blocking, figuring out where to be on stage during key scenes and fine-tuning dialogue. The music rehearsals last for two hours, starting at 2:45 or 3 pm.

Though the schedule is complex, Allin was committed. “I didn’t have any winter sports to worry about, so I could focus on the play. I work at an ice cream shop over at Bill’s Seafood, too, but we’re closed for the season, so it worked out perfectly,” Allin said.

Despite her growing confidence in her role, the journey on the stage has been challenging. Allin admits that stepping into the lead role forced her to confront her fears of stage fright. “I’m used to being behind the scenes, not the center of attention,” she explained. “But everyone in the cast has been so supportive. They’ve helped me grow and feel comfortable in front of an audience.”

Allin has not only gained confidence as a performer, but she’s also come to realize that theater could be something she pursues beyond high school. “I didn’t think I’d be interested in acting or musicals after graduation, but now I’m considering joining a club or doing community theater in college,” she said. “I just didn’t know how much fun it could be until now.”

Now, as the opening night for Mamma Mia approaches on March 21st, Allin feels a sense of accomplishment in her journey. “Being in this play has taught me to take risks and try new things, even when they scare me”, she said.  “It’s been a really special way to end my senior year, and I’m grateful for everyone who supported me along the way.”

For Allin, Mamma Mia hasn’t been just an accomplishment, but it was a bold discovery of confidence, and talent, and a reminder that sometimes, taking the biggest leaps leads to great rewards.