'Dancing Queen' rocks Yuma High School Thursday, Friday

  Dancers at Yuma High School will transport audiences back to the quirky and colorful 1970s this week.

  That's because their show "Dancing Queen" will feature all the moves and grooves of the quintessential '70s star - Abba.

  "This is definitely going to be a show people are going to enjoy," said Tami White, dance teacher at Yuma High School. "I think show will truly take people back in time."

  "Dancing Queen" will have the disco pumping and silver bar spinning Thursday, April 30 and Friday May 1. Shows are slated for 7 p.m. at Yuma High's Snider auditorium, located at 400 S. 6th Ave.

  Tickets are $4 in advance or $5 at the door.

  To create "Dancing Queen" White took inspiration from the Broadway and movie versions of "Mama Mia," then applied her own creative magic.

  "This really is a different show," the teacher said. "Every song is put to dancing."

  "Dancing Queen" will boast the dancing talent of almost 100 young performers. Such a big cast is needed to fill out the show's big dance numbers, which

  "It's pretty much a mother-daughter story," White explained. "A daughter is trying to find her father, finds out there are three possible dads and she invites them all to her wedding. It's kind of just a wild ride to see what happens at the end."

  Two casts of stars have been chosen so different dancers will perform on the two nights. The Thursday cast will be Meagan Hancock as Sophie and Julie Koepp as the mother, followed by Friday's cast of Marissa Rubio playing Sophie and Carolina Colton dancing as the mother.

  White said her students have been preparing for their big show all semester. They've also been busy with numerous fundraisers, helping to fund that show, which White estimated has a price tag around $10,000. One expense was the rental of costumes from a professional company.

  Now, with the final rehearsals underway, all the young performers need now are audiences to pack the house.

  "I'd tell people to get their tickets early because our concerts usually do sell out," White said. "This is a show everyone will enjoy."  

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.