After almost two and a half decades, “Mamma Mia!” is back on Broadway at its original home in the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway). This musical tells an engaging story that features the fun music of ABBA — it’s an opportunity to hear ABBA hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Mamma Mia,” “Money, Money, Money,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Name of the Game,” and “The Winner Takes It All.” I saw some attendees wearing tie-dyed pants, platform shoes, and lace tops to get into the vibe.
The musical takes place on a Greek Island where Sophie is about to marry Sky. Her mother Donna does not know that she has invited the three men who were in Donna’s life the year that she got pregnant with Sophie — Harry, Sam, and Bill. When these men get to the island and Donna sees them, that’s where the zaniness begins. There is definitely romance in the air, but for who?
There are many fun, wonderful performances full of humor, passion, and delight. Donna, the main character, is portrayed by Christine Sherrill. Her performance in the beginning and into part of the second act was nothing spectacular — she did not really seem to get into the role until near the end of the production, when she gave all her energy and being to “The Winner Takes It All.” Before that, she appeared to be straining as she sang. Maybe I came to an off performance.
The company surrounding her was on point from the moment they stepped on stage. African American Jalynn Steele (Tanya) and Carly Sakolove (Rosie) deliver exceptionally engaging performances. Their energy, vocal gifts, and dancing were wonderful. Amy Weaver is delightful as Sophie. She and Grant Reynolds, who plays Sky, had great chemistry on stage. However, there are times when you can’t clearly hear what they are singing because the music drowns them out.
The actors playing Sophie’s potential fathers are absolutely marvelous. Victor Wallace is memorable as Sam, Donna’s first love. He has a smooth charm. Rob Marnell is delectable as Harry and Jim Newman is energized, funny, and captivating as Bill.
The musical has engaging choreography by Anthony Van Laast and direction by Phyllida Lloyd. On the technical side, the production is designed by Mark Thompson, lighting by Howard Harrison, and sound by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, with glorious costumes by Lucy Gaiger.
The production has music and lyrics by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, as well as songs with Stig Anderson, and a book by Catherine Johnson.
While I enjoyed hearing the music of ABBA, the best part of the show was after the cast took a bow and went into a mini-concert of ABBA’s best songs, performing them in front of an audience that leaped to their feet, sang, and danced along. The energy of the cast, including Sherrill, was off the chain.
For tickets, visit mammamiabway.com.