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Small Actors Make Big Debuts

“Young Sophies” with “Adult Sophie” Victoria Luther
Among the other actors making their OCP debuts in Mamma Mia! are six young ladies sharing the role of “Young Sophie.” For those familiar with the Broadway or touring productions of Mamma Mia!, you might notice that this isn’t a role you’ve heard of. The concept for this production’s entr’acte came from director Jeff Horger.

The lyric-less prologue is a visualization of the backstory leading up to present day in Mamma Mia! We watch as Young Donna (Sophie’s mother) meets her three beaus, discovers she’s pregnant and interacts with her little girl. It helps establish the loving relationship between mother and daughter for the audience.

Because 24 performances is an awfully big commitment for children so young, it was decided that multiple actresses could share the role and make four appearances each. Young Sophie appears in the first five minutes of the production and then becomes Adult Sophie, played by Victoria Luther. The young performers are allowed to leave immediately after their stage time and get home for bedtime. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children who’ve started out in classes at the Henry Fonda Theatre Academy to get a taste of being on stage before committing to a heftier role.

Meet Our Young Sophies

Anina Frey

Age: 5 ½
Grade: Kindergarten
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite color: Yellow
Dream job: Princess

Anna Krambeck
Age: 5
Grade: Kindergarten
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite colors: Pink & gold
Dream job: Sparkly glittery mermaid


Avery Peklo
Age: 8
Grade: 2nd

Favorite movie: The Emoji Movie
Favorite color: Rainbow
Dream job: Doctor

Giselle Schneider
Age: 7
Grade: 2nd
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite color: Red
Dream job: Dancer



Lillian Weisser
Age: 5
Grade: Kindergarten
Favorite movie: Moana

Favorite color: Pink
Dream job: Mommy



Madison White
Age: 7
Grade: 2nd
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite color: Pink
Dream job: Famous actress