The show spangles a who’s-my-father mother-daughter mystery with retro glam and disco delights. It was sometimes hard to tell where crisp, creative choreography ended and fun physical-action direction began. Whatever I call it, the show was action-packed and high on style and sass. (Choreographer Anthony Van Laast; Director Phyllida Lloyd)
The set is two units of simple white buildings twirled and positioned with minimal furniture whisked around by extremely fast set-ninjas. Simple, but very effective and beautifully lit for all the show's many moods. (Production designer Mark Thompson; lighting designer Howard Harrison.)
Though this is a “juke box musical” built around ABBA songs, it has a worthy plot with twists and turns and some food for thought about marriage and sex. Alisa Melendez is the angel-voiced Sophie, plotting to meet her mystery father and planning her wedding to the charming and talented Grant Reynolds.
Christine Sherrill is Sophie's down-to-earth diva/mom/entrepreneur, Donna, who has definitely NOT lost her glam, especially when teamed with her gal group Donna and the Dynamos. The other two Dynamos are a true delight and lifted the comedy level whenever they were on stage: Jalynn Steele as the seductive “cougar” Tanya, and Carly Sakolove as the “out of shape” but still a dervish dancer, Rosie. Bob Marnell, Jim Newman and Victor Wallace offered distinctive portrayals of the possible fathers, each with his own appealing character.
Mamma Mia brings disco joy to Wharton Center’s Great Hall through January 21. Tickets at
https://www.whartoncenter.com