Chantilly High Performs 'I Rememer Mama'

To those lucky enough to experience the affections of a motherly figure, she is more than simply the woman who brought you into this world.  A mother is a warming embrace when you are alone, comfort on a bad day, advice in a tough situation.  She brings happiness, conquers all obstacles, and triumphs over any foe. Above all else, a mother is not truly appreciated until she is lost, leaving those she had touched with her love with an emotional hole impossible to fill. The touching story of such a matriarchal superhero was told with exceptional ability by an admirable cast and crew from in their poignant performance of I Remember Mama.

Penned by John Van Druten, I Remember Mama is based on a dramatized family memoir by author Kathryn Forbes.  Produced by Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the play ran for a solid 713 performances in 1944 before closing.  Set in 1930’s San Francisco, the play centers on the Hanson family, an affable clan of Norwegian immigrants led by Marta, or “Mama,” the caring mother, sister and wife who holds the eccentric group together.  The story is told by Marta’s eldest daughter Katrin, a budding author finishing a cathartic autobiographical novel on the times and trials of her pleasantly quaint family.

Amanda Miesner’s heart wrenching portrayal of Mama demonstrated a commendable level of emotional and dramatic dexterity.  Utterly consistent in her characterization, Miesner captured the relentless love of family that drives the mother through great hardships with laudable maturity. A true understanding of her character’s tragic past, immense burden, and adamant spirit, coupled with an exemplary Norwegian accent, made Miesner’s performance believable and emotionally gripping. Miesner also made room for comedy, as she dealt with the antics of her meddling aunts, kind-hearted husband (Matt Tillman), and vivacious children with often amusing disbelief and frustration. Alex Johnson, as Katrin, added an additional lachrymose punch to the show’s haunting climax and stirring message during her engaging narrations.

The rest of the Hanson children made a charming family unit, with Natalie Spitzel giving an especially noteworthy performance as Dagmar, the adorable and animal-obsessed youngest child.  Kelsey Monk, Connor Haggerty and Emily Sakowitz formed a trio of browbeating aunts, exuding pompousness, hilarity and solid chemistry as an ensemble.  Uncle Chris, the family’s intimidating, yet altruistic patriarch, was played with wonderful vigor and finesse by John Downey. Displaying acute mastery of accent, memorable comedic talents and impressive physicality, Downey was every bit the stereotypical flamboyant eastern European as he swaggered around stage with blustering zeal. He also demonstrated apt dramatic skill during his character’s moving highpoint, adding greatly to the play’s overall impact.

Pristine technical features were arguably the highest achievement of this production.  Most notably, an exquisite and intricate set, designed and built entirely by students, centered on the Hanson’s house, a standing two-story structure, fastidiously adorned with the accessories and details of a real home. An artificial, but convincing brick wall opened to bring out an armada of efficiently designed flats, maneuvered by the adept stage crew, to form the alternate settings in the show. Scrupulously designed and applied hair and make-up, as well as costume work, generally enhanced visibility and gave an extra sense of realism to the production.

As I Remember Mama concludes, the audience is left with a flurry of sentiments: the natures of family, perseverance, and a mother’s love.  Chantilly High brought these resonant messages to life with meticulous and outstanding success.


Written by Damian Leverett of McLean High School