STERLING — This weekend’s production of the musical “Mamma Mia” presented by the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe will not only feature 34 cast members and the work of many others in costuming, set and lights but also a three-generation musical pit orchestra. The popular musical will be presented at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, July 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 7 at the Sterling High School Theatre. 

“Mamma Mia” is built around the music of 1970s pop rock group ABBA and features a slight plot involving a girl’s quest to find the identity of her dad before her wedding. With songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” The Winner Takes It All” and the title tune, the plot is basically an excuse to string together a lot of “feel good” summer tunes that are instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever listened to a radio in a car in the 1970s or 80s.

Sterling’s “Mamma Mia” band is composed of four keyboards, a drummer, bass player, percussionist and guitar plus the director, recreating the sound of 1970s pop rock group ABBA. Their sound has the distinctive disco era synthetic music vibe throughout. Over 150 different keyboard sounds  are used.

To achieve the authentic ABBA sound, the Troupe had to purchase a computerized keyboard patch program. Each of the four keyboards has a computer laptop beside it which controls the sound. 

Tickets to the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe production of Mamma Mia are $10 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door before each performance.