Merion Mercy Earns Seven Cappies Nominations for Mamma Mia! Production

In just its second year participating in the prestigious Cappies theater program, Merion Mercy Academy’s spring musical, Mamma Mia!, received an impressive seven nominations, showcasing the talent and dedication of its student performers and technical crew.

The 2025 Cappies nominations for Merion Mercy Music Theater (MMMT) are:

• Christina Flanagan, 11th Grade — Cappies Critic
   
• Olivia Haenn and Kaitlin McCullagh — Sound
   
• Sienna Davenport and Christina Flanagan — Costumes
   
• Audrey Dougherty — Featured Actor in a Male Role
   
• The Dancing Queens — Dance Ensemble
   
• Maria Stowell — Comic Actor in a Female Role
   
• Alex Segreti — Supporting Actor in a Female Role
   

Winners will be announced at the Cappies Gala on June 1, where students from across the region will gather to celebrate excellence in high school theater.

Although Mamma Mia! did not receive a nomination for Best Musical, director Chris Monaco expressed tremendous pride in the MMMT cast and crew. “The work we do for MMMT is important,” Monaco told the students. “It moves people and helps us all to grow and discover more about ourselves as artists and people.”

He also encouraged students to revisit the enthusiastic reviews from Cappies critics, including this praise from Episcopal Academy’s Lucia Forte:

“A dance-filled show like Mamma Mia! shines brightest in its large ensemble numbers, and Merion Mercy’s cast delivered with vitality and precision. From the first notes of the titular song, the ensemble’s cohesion and dance ability were evident. This only grew in high-octane numbers like ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ where harmonies, choreography, and unmistakable ABBA spirit electrified the stage.”

Fellow Episcopal Academy critic Sean Reagle added:

“The leads truly excel in this production. Lily Nelson (Sophie) delivers a standout performance, capturing the character’s innocence and vulnerability with her beautiful voice, especially in ‘Honey Honey.’ Eve Laurito brings depth and power to Donna with a showstopping rendition of ‘The Winner Takes It All.’ As Sam, Libby Shea offers a sensitive portrayal of a man still in love, adding emotional resonance to the story. Together, Nelson, Laurito, and Shea drive the show’s emotional core through a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and identity.”

The Cappies—short for Critics and Awards Program—is a national initiative that trains high school students to be skilled writers, discerning critics, and engaged leaders. Student critics attend peer productions, publish reviews, and vote on end-of-season awards, culminating in a Tony Awards-style celebration that honors excellence in high school theater.

Merion Mercy congratulates all nominees and celebrates the entire Mamma Mia! cast and crew for bringing energy, artistry, and heart to the stage.