|
Mamma Mia!
Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson &
Bjorn Ulvaeus
Book by Catherine Johnson
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd
Choreographed by Anthony Van Laast
Produced by Broadway In Chicago
At the Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1400, tickers $37 - $85
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays at 2 & 7:30 PM
Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 2 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2 PM
rinning time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through December 31, 2006
A phenomenon that 17,000 people see nightly throughout the world.
Mamma Mia! is an amazing show in that it is immensely popular despite being too loud with a pop-rock score by ABBA of mostly forgettable songs. In a curious way, I enjoyed the event more for its charm and its feel-good elements. I was mesmerized by how much audiences enjoyed Mamma Mia! They simply went wild with enthusiasm throughout. Amazing, since it is full of average rock songs and the story is fine but not overwhelming. I guess audiences come to hear ABBA songs performed on nice sets by talented actors. I guess?
Why such overpowering response to such slightly above average material is, indeed, one of life’s little mysteries. I’ll not try to render a guess as to why, I’ll simply state that Mamma Mia! entertains audiences, period. I’ll also state that as a piece of musical theatre, Mamma Mia! has merit. It has wonderful sets with gorgeous lighting, interesting costumes and a white rotating piece that is both a Greek villa and a hotel room.
 |
Synopsis: a mother, a daughter, three possible dads. A mother confronts her past as three men converge on a Greek Island to attend a wedding. They realize that one of them could be Sophie’s father. The mother doesn’t know that the daughter invited them so she could have her ‘real’ father in her life. With 22 ABBA songs cleverly interspersed by playwright Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! works magic on all who see it. It simply captivates us. This lightweight fare is a delight for everyone, especially those between 40 and 50 years old. ABBA was their group. ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Honey, Honey,’ and ‘Take A Chance On Me’ recall the 70’s when romance, sensuality and adventure reigned. I never did disco so ABBA was only background noise for me. But I guess I may have missed something. ABBA's tunes are sweet and rhythmatic and easy to swallow. 30 million people have seen Mamma Mai! in the last eight years.
 |
The cast features Laurie Wells as Donna Sheridan (the Mamma). Wells smoothly moves through her songs with style and energy. Local Chicago favorite, Sean Allan Krill sings up a storm as Sam Carmichael with Milo Shandel and Ian Simpson as the other "possible fathers." Carrie Manolakos as Sophie was charming but lacked a powerful enough voice to be heard over the too loud orchestra. I like the work of Laura Ware as Rosie and Lisa Mandel as Tanya.
Mamma Mia! looks terrific with neat lighting effects and much credible choreography. The mini disco concert at the show’s end was breathtaking as the principles donned Elvis-like jumpsuits complete with large bellbottoms and fringe. The silver, yellow and orange colors jump into our eyes almost causing sensual overload as the songs blare through the gigantic speakers. Everyone left the theatre grooving. Mystery solved. Try Mamma Mia! It is pure sweetness and joy.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago Podcast
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2006
|
