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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Mamma Mia! Also see Susan's review of Soft Power
The production, derived from the original staging by director Phyllida Lloyd and choreographer Anthony Van Laast, follows a template that has lasted through the decades: the still-running original London production is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, while the Broadway production ran for almost 14 years after its opening in 2001. Catherine Johnson's solid, serviceable book strings together the songs as Sophie Sheridan (Alisa Melendez) prepares for her wedding to handsome, stalwart Sky (Grant Reynolds). Her mother, Donna (Christine Sherrill), one-time disco star and now proprietor of a small taverna on the island, has never told Sophie anything about her father, but (through industrious snooping) Sophie has identified three possible dads and, unbeknownst to Donna, invited all of them to the wedding. Humorous and romantic complications ensue. While most of the hijinks are played slightly over the top, Sherrill shows real pathos in her performance of "The Winner Takes It All," and all three possible fathers–American architect Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace), British banker Harry Bright (Rob Marnell), and Australian adventurer Bill Austin (Jim Newman)–also get opportunities to catch their breath. On the other hand, Donna's former singing partners, sophisticated Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and sturdy Rosie (Carly Sakolove), lean further into the generally silly mood. Then there's the giddy excess of Van Laast's dances. In one scene, the young men of the chorus perform a routine while wearing snorkeling gear; in another, Donna's nightmare comes to life with dancing figures dressed in surreal fluorescent costumes. Most notably, the members of the ensemble still have enough energy after the show itself ends to power through a giddy, extended post-curtain call sequence. The orchestra, conducted by keyboardist Matthew Croft, is small but its sound easily fills the theater. Mamma Mia! runs through September 1, 2024, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Opera House, 2700 F St. NW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org. For more information on the tour, visit mammamiathetour.com. Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and some songs with Stig Anderson Cast: |
