My take: “Mamma Mia!” the stage musical
To mark her birthday, I took my mom tonight to see the national touring production of the musical “Mamma Mia!” at the Civic Center Music Hall. The hit musical, based on the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, is the first show in Celebrity Attractions 2008-09 Oklahoma City season.
The entertaining and effervescent musical uses more than 20 ABBA songs to weave the simple, fun and touching story. It centers on single mom and former pop star Donna (Susie McMonagle), who has raised her daughter, Sophie (Rose Sezniak), on a tiny Greek island. While planning her wedding, Sophie reads her mom’s diary in the hopes of figuring out who her father is. Sophie learns her mom had three beaus the summer she was conceived – American architect Sam (John Hemphill), Australian travel writer Bill (Martin Kildare) and British banker Harry (Michael Aaron Lindner). She secretly invites all three to her wedding so she can realize her dream of having her dad walk her down the aisle.
“Mamma Mia!” offers lots of cheeky humor, energetic dance numbers, some genuine emotion, many outfits adorned with spangles and Spandex (there’s even a disclaimer at the beginning about the ’70s-inspired styles), and of course, those infectious ABBA songs.
Appropriately, the musical is almost nonstop song-and-dance action, and it covers all the big hits, including the title track, “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Lay All Your Love on Me, “Gimme! Gimme!” Gimme!” and “Super Trouper.”
But some of the most poignant moments are expressed through lesser known songs like the reminiscent “Our Last Summer” and the mother-daughter tune “Slipping Through My Fingers.”
Sezniak and McMonagle offer the full package, shining through their singing, acting and dancing in both the serious and merry parts of the story. Hemphill isn’t as suave as Pierce Brosnan, who plays Sam in the movie version that was released earlier this summer, but he captures the role perfectly. Plus, unlike Brosnan, he can really sing. His performance of “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is particularly impressive.
But the real scene-stealers of the production are Michelle Dawson and Kittra Wynn Coomer, who play Donna’s BFFs and former backup singers Tanya and Rosie. Dawson blows the lid off with her sexy rendition of “Does Your Mother Know,” while Wynn Coomer provides some of the funniest moments throughout the show, culminating in her spirited belting of “Take a Chance on Me.”
At the end, the show turns into a sort of concert, with the cast getting the audience clapping and dancing along with reprises of “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen,” along with a glitzy performance of “Waterloo.”
While the hit movie covers most of the musical’s territory – and was directed by Phyllida Lloyd, helmer of the stage version – it’s so much more fun to see it live.
ABBA fans shouldn’t miss the show while it’s in Oklahoma City, and even people who just like pop music and a fun time at the theater will probably get caught up in the joy.
The final two shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker.
For more information, go to www.okcciviccenter.org.
-BAM
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I was actually in that production. I played Eddie. If you don’t remember I won’t blame you, it’s not a huge role. I played the bagpipes, if that helps. Glad you enjoyed yourself. It’s a very feel-good show. If you get the chance please visit my blog at http://www.fighttobroadway.com
It’s a blog about my tooth and nail fight to get into a Broadway show (not the national tour of one). Hope you enjoy it!