The Succop stage is being transformed into a Greek island for the Butler Musical Theatre Guild's production of “Mamma Mia!” opening Oct. 11.

Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, the production is based on the songs of the band ABBA. The Butler show is under the direction of Patrick Erkman and Cindy West and produced by Barbara Osche.

The title of the musical is taken from ABBA's 1975 chart-topping song “Mamma Mia.”

The story is the tale of a girl trying to figure out who will walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. Sophie doesn't know who her father is since her mother, Donna, refuses to talk about her past.

After perusing her mother's diaries, Sophie comes up with three possible options. Secretly she invites the men to the wedding, convinced that she'll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought! The story is told through the songs of ABBA.

Playing Sophie for MTG is Maddie Smith of Adams Township.

“Most challenging is displaying all of the different emotions Sophie feels throughout the show. In one song, she goes from excited and silly to longing and thoughtful,” said Smith, whose favorite song in the production is “Dancing Queen” although she is not in the number.

“I feel I'm bringing in a new energy. Everyone has previously worked together and this is my first production with MTG,” Smith said.

Her mother is being played by Katy Wayne of Center Township.

“Donna is the proprietor of a tavern in Greece and mother of the bride,” said Wayne.

“'Mamma Mia' is about relationships and creating, repairing and coming to terms with them. The movie and the stage production are pretty similar,” she said.

“Some of the songs are in a different order and the dialogue changes a little, but the plot and characters are the same,” she added.

Matthew Buzanoski plays Sophie's fiancé, Sky, described by Buzanoski as “good natured and loving.”

“While he is young, he is dedicated to Sophie and enjoys having such an honest relationship. Since Sophie grew up without a father, Sky wants to be the best person he can be for both Sophie and Donna,” said Buzanoski.

One of Sky's scenes during the “Under Attack” song is one that is not included in the movie.

Buzanoksi has not performed in a musical for the past two years and was delighted to make a comeback with this production.

“The music is fantastic and catchy, and the entire cast is incredibly talented and eager to perform,” he said.

Portraying one of Sophie's possible dads, Bill Austin, is Jayme Russo of Butler.

Russo said he uses repetition to prepare for his role.

“Everybody is different on what works for them — but for me it is constant repetition of my lines and trying a different approach every time. I never stop listening to the music. As soon as I am in my car, the ABBA CD is on — so I can learn my lines.”

The role of Bill is not a major one but still requires work. “The challenge is coordinating a tremendous amount of music, dancing, singing and acting with a limited 'cast number' and making it look professional,” he said.

Russo was hard pressed to come up with a favorite song. “That's a tough one, there are multiple numbers, such great music from ABBA, but if I had to choose I'd pick 'Thank you for the Music' and 'Does your Mother Know,'” said Russo.

One of the other potential fathers is Sam Charmichael, played by Rik Medic of Penn Township.

“He is a man who has loved the same woman (Donna) for 21 years, but assumed he had lost her. Now, 21 years later, he feels that he has one more chance to reconnect with his lost love,” explained Medic.

“My biggest challenge with this role is how high the notes are that Sam has to sing,” said Medic.

“I'm trying to bring realness and emotion to the character of Sam. I want people to realize that he is hurting, too,” Medic added.

His favorite song in the production is “The Winner Takes It All.”

“Donna sings to me as she reveals how much Sam has hurt her and how finished she is with our relationship,” he said.

What will happen at the wedding on the Greek island? MTG presents the “Mamma Mia” musical for a three-day run.

The show also features a host of other talented actors who help make Sophie's dream a reality.

WHO: Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “Mamma Mia!”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12, and 3 p.m. Oct. 13WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $17, available at www.mtgbutler.org