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philiplynchtheatre · 5 years

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There are plenty of sub-plots that swirl and weave around the crowd-pleasing ABBA musical "Mamma Mia!" which hits Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) on July 19-21 and July 25-28, and tickets go on sale June 24. Who's Sophie's real father? Will Donna reunite with one of her old boyfriends? And just who is the "Dancing Queen"?

OK, that's not really a mystery, but one of the things that makes this musical resonant with fans beyond the Swedish group's iconic '70s pop tunes is the mother-daughter bond that is displayed by characters, Donna and her daughter, Sophie. It's the emotional core of the story.

Olivia Gerk and daughter Elena Gerk both reside in New Lenox and enjoy spending time together. They also share a love for performing, particularly shows at the PLT. Elena performed in last summer’s production of “The Little Mermaid,” and Olivia was last seen on the PLT in “Chicago” performing the role of Velma Kelly.

They love the music, the infectious energy of this wildly popular hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. But they also connect to the sometimes strained, but always close, relationship between the mother and daughter characters. “It’s the closeness of the relationship I really love and can really relate to,” said Olivia, who is an English teacher and Speech team coach at Minooka Community High School.

Her daughter, Elena, who will be starting esthetician school in September, agrees. “My mom and I are both free spirits like the characters in the show. We make each other laugh more than anyone else, much like the characters in the show,” Elena said.

The show remains irresistible for mothers and daughters who see a little bit of themselves come to life onstage. For the Gerk mother daughter duo as adults, their relationship has deepened and sweetened. They are not only mother and daughter. They are also the best of friends.

“Mamma Mia!” will be performed on July 19-21 and July 25-28 and tickets go on sale June 24. Evening performances are 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are 2:30 p.m. In addition, there is a 3:30 p.m. matinee performance on July 27. Ticket prices are $15 for an adult, $14 for students and seniors. Lewis students pay $3 with an ID. Group tickets are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets are non-refundable. For more information patrons can follow us on social media @pltlewisu, call the box office (815) 836-5500 Monday through Friday 1-4:30 p.m., or purchase tickets online with a credit card on the PLT Website at www.lewisu.edu/plt. Click the “buy tickets” link to select your seats. The theatre is located on the main campus in the Oremus Fine Arts Center on Route 53, Romeoville.

Lewis University is an innovative and entrepreneurial Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected and socially responsible graduates. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.

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