Samantha Slunaker has been involved in drama throughout her high school career. Now in her senior year, she shares the stage with her sister, freshman Kayla Slunaker. Both play key roles in the upcoming production of “Mamma Mia.” Samantha will be playing the role of Donna, while Kayla will be playing the role of Sophie, and they will be acting as mother and daughter. This isn’t the first time the Slunaker sisters have performed together; they both had roles in the fall musical “Hadestown.” Even though this is their first year together, they’ve made a big impact on the stage.
“Just the difference already from the beginning of the year through Hadestown up till now, it’s been incredible,” director of theater arts Taylor Doverspike said. “At first, when I met them, they were both kind of quiet. But then, once they felt like they could open up, they did. And with both of them – Kayla being a Fate, and Sam being the understudy for Eurydice – they just really latched on and grew more confidently, and I could see that in their ‘Mamma Mia’ auditions.”
Given the sisters playing mother and daughter, there was a lot of thought going through Doverspike’s mind when it came to casting. She had to consider the chemistry and the vocals of the two stars. She thought the bond they have, both inside and outside of school, grew during this year. They seemed perfect for the roles.
“Not only do we get to enjoy the same things and are a part of the same things, but now she’s in all of my friend groups, and all my friends love her,” Samantha said. “She has also grown a lot this year. I feel like it’s shaping her to be a better person.”
Getting closer as sisters has not only had a big impact on Samantha, but also on Kayla. Kayla has been in theater since sixth grade. With this being her first and last year with her sister, it’s more than just a show.
“It’s definitely impactful playing mother and daughter,” Kayla said. “My sister’s a senior, and I’m a freshman. She’ll be leaving for college, so when we sing ‘Slipping through my Fingers’ we’ll all be crying.”
The year is coming to an end too quickly for the Slunaker sisters. The effect the sisters have on the drama department has impacted the cast greatly.
“The Slunakers are a huge ray of sunshine in our theater department,” Doverspike said. “They are not only very talented, but they’re always uplifting and sweet – not just to each other, but to everyone around them – and they definitely make the drama department a place [where] we all want to be.”
With this year being Samantha’s last, she has big plans for her future. Samantha wants to go to Missouri State to major in Vocal Education. With one of the sisters graduating, it makes the sisters’ roles all the more meaningful.
“I will forever be able to talk about it with my sister and with my family,” Samantha said. “I’ll never forget my last show with my sister. It’s just really special because not every sibling gets to have that, and I like that I am able to share this with my sister.”
Even though Samantha is graduating, she’s eager to see what the future holds for her sister.
“I love my sister, and she’s amazing,” Samantha said. “Even though I won’t always be here to watch her when I’m in college, I’m excited to come see the shows and see the amazing things she will do further in the future.”
