Ojai Valley News
It’s a fantasy-filled, music-filled story of a wedding where the bride is searching for a family. “Mamma Mia!” opening June 14 at the Ojai Art Center Theater brings families together onstage as well as in the audience. Singer Dianne Miller as Rosie, her son Hayden Miller as Eddie, R. Shayne Bourbon as Sam Carmichael, and his son Bodhi Bourbon as Sky make up the acting families in this production. The four dance and sing to the music of ABBA, sharing a unique experience of familial bonding.
For both acting families, “Mamma Mia!” has been an extraordinary experience.
“The most enjoyable thing about performing with Hayden,” said Dianne Miller, “is that he’s so good! He is a natural actor with a rich voice and commanding presence. I’m filled with love and pride when I see him perform. Our family values art and music and see the creative life as a way of living fully.”
“We don’t share many scenes, but I love seeing my mom act,” adds Hayden Miller. “Her singing is great, and her performance as Rosie is a lot of fun. It’s exciting seeing people close to you trying new things. It’s even better when they rock it!” Local audiences already know Dianne for her popular Dianne Miller Band, an Ojai-based musical group
that plays rock, pop, blues, and funk.
Being together onstage as a family can pose challenges, but these four take it all in stride.
“Most of the shows we’ve done together have been musicals,” said Shayne Bourbon. “Of course, singing and dancing always add extra challenges, but that’s what makes it so great!”
“Depending on the characters we’re playing, it’s always really exciting playing with the different dynamics when I get to interact with my dad on stage,” Bodhi said of being able to perform with his dad.
Both the Bourbons and the Millers feel that if you ever have the opportunity to explore the arts with your family, take it.
“Mamma Mia!” runs weekends from June 14 to July 14, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices are $30 general admission, $25 seniors and Art Center members, and $15 for those younger than 25. You can purchase online at OjaiACT.org or call 805-640-8797.
