Cessy Newmon
Unlike many of the numerous jukebox musicals around town this year, British playwright Catherine Johnson did not use the music of ABBA to write the musical about the group ABBA. Partnered with primary ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), she instead wove ABBA’s music through a unique storyline to take audiences on a romantic comedy adventure. I have seen both the stage and movie versions many times, and I do prefer the stage version.
Since I have seen MAMMA MIA! so often, I was really deliberating going out in the cold. I am so glad I did. If you want an evening loaded with laughs and music, this was the best production of MAMMA MIA!, and one of the best touring productions I’ve seen. What sets it apart? The staging of this production takes the playful comedic side to a whole new level.
This is executed by a terrifically talented cast. Sophie is played by Amy Weaver. Ms. Weaver has a beautiful voice, and I suspect we’ll be seeing her onstage for years to come. She opens the show hauntingly with, “I Had a Dream”. She is joined by her best friends, Ali (Haley Wright) and Lisa (Lena Owens). For those of you not familiar with the show, Sophie has been raised by her mother on a Greek Island never knowing who her father is. She discovers her mother’s diary, and in it three potential fathers. She invites all three to the island, pretending that her mother sent the invites.
Her mother, Donna Sheridan, is played by Christin Sherrill. She has a powerful, rock-and-roll style voice with jazz undertones. Teamed with her best friends Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and Rosie (Carly Sakolove), the director seems to delight in pulling the frisky side from these women throughout the show. Not to mention that all three have great voices that complement each other in a trio and comedic timing. Ms. Steele is at times a scene-steeler with her sultry side, but then Ms. Sakolove really pulls the comedy with an older person trying to act like a youth.
Then we have the three potential fathers: Harry Bright (Rob Marnell), Bill Austin (Jim Newman) and Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace). Again, we have three actors who not only have voices that can solo, but can also hold their own across from the powerful Ms. Sherrill. They play their paternal, romantic and comedic moments very believably.
Lastly in the MAMMA MIA! named ensemble we have the groom, Sky (Grant Reynolds), and his friends Pepper (Ethan Van Slyke) and Eddie (Rob Marnell). These may be smaller roles, but they all take full advantage of their moments to shine, and along with Sophie’s friends and the ensemble, they help move the story and comedy forwards. And the guys all looked good in their swimsuits and flippers!
I do have one critique of the show, but it won’t keep me from telling everyone to get tickets: While the set and costuming was effective, I found it at times to be too bland. The set was very quick and functional with very neutral colors. More color really needs to be added to more of the costuming. I found that the cast was blending too much into the background in some scenes.
There is quite a bit of sexual innuendo and physical comedy in MAMMA MIA!, so some parents may not think it appropriate for young children. There really wasn’t anything you won’t find on television, though, and the audience had all ages. It runs about three hours including intermission.
MAMMA MIA! is at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts January 7th-12th. Ticket prices vary based on show and seating. For tickets, go to fscjartistseries.org or call (904) 632-5000.
by Cessy Newmon
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