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JILL SCHMELZER Amherst Reporter

+ MAMMA MIA! - Clarence editor Kim Karcher, Bee production manager Karl Scheitheir and I had the opportunity to go to the opening night performance of "Mamma Mia!" at Shea's Performing Arts Center. And "my, my" what a great show it was. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the performance because I am not a big fan of the song "Dancing Queen." (It goes back to my childhood, don't ask). But when the opening scene began, and "Sophie Sheridan," played by Carrie Manolakos, start- ed singing "I Have a Dream," chills shot up and down my spine.

As the play went on, more and more characters were revealed, each one adding a special touch to the story line. "Sophie's" mother, "Donna," played by Laurie Wells, kept the audience tapping their toes as she sang such songs as "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S."

However, the performance that, in my opinion, stole the show was given by Laura Ware, who was "Rosie." Her character is a longtime friend of "Donna's," and the two of them, along with "Tanya," played by Lisa Mandel, used to be in a singing group together. Well, the now middle-aged gaggle of friends have reunited for "Sophie's" wedding. "Rosie's" character is an overweight woman in her mid-40s, and she is hilarious. Her awkward dancing and quirky comments had my belly aching from laughter. The way she tripped around the stage and chased her love interest had the audience roaring. Don't get me wrong, the entire cast

was spectacular, but Ware's "Rosie" was certainly the best performance of the night.

"Mamma Mia!" has left Shea's, but this season's lineup is a must see. "Cirque Dreams" makes its way to Buffalo Nov. 14-19. My all-time favorite musical, "Rent," will be center stage Dec. 5-10. Everyone's favorite 1980s teen queen, Molly Ringwald, will star in "Sweet Charity," to run Feb. 6-11. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" will be performed March 20-25. "Monty Python's Spamalot" will be at Shea's May 1-6. And "Chita Rivera, The Dancer's Life," will close the season May 29-June 23. For tickets, call 847-0850 or visit www.sheas.org.

 FAMOUS NAMES - Are you an Amherst resident who has a famous name or know someone who does? Do you get a tabloid reporter calling you because your driver's license says you're Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie? I want to hear your story. Recently, I've met a Matt

Lauer and a Gretchen Wilson but it wasn't in New York City at the "Today Show" or at a country music concert. It was right here in Amherst. I would be willing to bet that other people have famous names, too. Wouldn't that make an interesting feature? A former co-worker and I often spoke of the idea and she expressed interest in the matter as well. If I am intrigued by it and she was, then maybe the readers would find it an exciting topic. So, if you have a famous name or know someone who does, call Jill Schmelzer at 204-4914 or e-mail JSchmelzer@beenews.com.

 MEET THE CANDIDATES - Coffee with the candidates will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway. There is no fee, call 636-3059 to make a reservation before Oct. 17. The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Amherst Center for Senior Services.