When alumni return to campus, sharing their skills, passion, and creativity with the next generation of Navigators, the impact is undeniable. Island Pacific Academy’s lively Spring 2026 production of Mamma Mia! The Musical underscored this very magic.
The high energy production brought together nearly 200 students, staff, alumni and volunteers working on stage and behind the scenes. Showcasing the iconic music of ABBA and a heartfelt story of family and self discovery, the production packed the house in a public two-day engagement at The Leeward Theatre. As a floor-to-rafters-sized sparkling Mamma Mia! sign dropped down for the dazzling finale, it was met with standing ovations and audiences dancing in the aisles. Yet beyond the sparking costumes and performances, another story was unfolding–one rooted in mentorship, growth and the enduring impact of an IPA education.
Now working professionally in theatre, Jonah Bobilin (class of ‘17) traveled back from his current home in New York City to support IPA’s student artists for the spring show. Among his long list of credits and distinguished awards from productions in Hawai’i and abroad, Jonah was Associate Lighting Designer for the 2024 Tony Award-winning production of Stereophonic, which in addition to garnering five awards including Best Play, shattered the all-time record for Tony nominations. His journey from participating in middle school productions at IPA to contributing to one of most celebrated shows on Broadway served as both inspiration and a powerful reminder of where creative exploration can lead.
“I first became interested in this career path when I did a middle school musical at IPA,” Jonah shared. “A lot of programs don’t give students the opportunity to make real creative decisions early on but IPA does. That freedom to design and collaborate is something that stayed with me.”
Aligning seamlessly with the school’s core values of ingenuity and growth mindset, this hands-on approach to learning continues to define IPA’s theater program today. Students aren’t just performers, they are creators, designers, problem solvers, and storytellers. Whether developing lighting concepts, building sets, or stepping into leading roles, Navigator are encouraged to take ownership of their work in a meaningful way while supported by dedicated faculty who nurture skill and confidence.
For the students involved in Mamma Mia!, having Jonah onsite added another rich layer to this experience. His presences bridged classroom learning with real world application, offering insight into professional theater while reinforcing the spirit of collaboration, adaptability, and creative risk taking. Productions like these also highlight IPA’s strong connection to the broader community, including its ongoing partnership with The Leeward Theatre. Opportunities for students to perform for the public in such a top-notch setting is truly raising the bar for what school theatre can be.
As the curtain closed on this production of Mamma Mia!, the applause was not only for a job well done, but for the journey each student is on and the many paths that lie ahead. With alumni such as Johnah Bobilin lighting the way, IPA’s theater program continues to inspire students to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and perhaps even to find themselves returning one day as a mentor.
