Mamma Mia! is Shreveport Little Theatre’s summer musical, opens Thursday, runs three weekends, is almost sold out, and I have a very important role.

Silent prayer.

They do not need my help singing, dancing, or reciting lines. They need my butt in a seat applauding. And when at home, they need my butt in a chair being quiet.

Because…

I have purchased three tickets to three different performances as my spousal unit, Linnea Fayard Allen, is in the show and scheduled to sing this song I really, really like. It’s called The Winner Takes It All. If she messes up it will be because I talked too much at home or got in the way. I am trying to do my part and be quiet because these shows are much harder and time-demanding than anyone but the performers and stage hands and set designers and sound folk realize.

Our Game Face is on for the rest of the month.

Each night I set a bowl and spoon and the cereal in her bathroom, make sure the milk is in the outside icebox, and go to bed so she can be thinking and practicing in her head. After she eats cereal.

If you want a ticket — precious few are left — call 318.424.4439 from noon until 4 p.m. weekdays or go to shreveportlittletheatre.com and click on Buy Tickets Online.

Again, both DW co-founders will be in attendance and this one will offer a first-weekend review. (I’m sure it will be a positive review! But I’m sure they will deserve it. This DW co-founder prefers Gypsy or Chicago as musicals go. Mamma Mia! is not my fave. But I am in the minority.)

DW loves the arts. DW respects the arts. DW wishes it were better at actually PERFORMING the arts.

This is a musical of ABBA songs, it is carefree and requires — as a patron — little thinking. It is what they call a “fun” show. Good date night and all of that.

Except for me. And except for the matinee with our No. 1 son, I will be sitting alone. I’ll be the one applauding. And praying.

But for reals, they have all practiced hard. And long. The director and choreographer, Laura Beeman Nugent, and musical director Adam Philley, are studs. They care. It’ll be a fun night. And it continues to surprise me what our neighbors can do. Talent everywhere. Can’t wait.

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