‘Mamma Mia’ hit it big on Broadway seven years ago. With music and lyrics by Benny Anderson and Bj’ouml;rn Ulvaeus, members of the 1970s pop group, ABBA, the show is young, fun, and upbeat. It finally made it to the big screen this summer, featuring such big names as Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth. The advertisements say it will ‘leave you dancing in the aisles,’ but is it really worth it?
‘A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.’ Twenty year-old Sophie Sheridan has never met her father. All she knows is that in the summer of 1979, her mother, Donna, had three intimate encounters with three different men. Determined to discover which one is her father, Sophie invites all three to her wedding, without telling her mother. Hilarity ensues as they are all forced to interact. Complimented by the bubbly music of ABBA, the tone is never too serious, yet the characters are still real enough to care for. Sophie sees herself in all three of her possible fathers, but which one will walk her down the aisle? You have to see it to find out!
Overall, I really enjoyed the entire production. It is loud, bright, and larger than life — from the opening number to the grand finale. ‘Mamma Mia’ is a feel-good musical, not a dramatic piece of theatre. A young couple beside me actually left at intermission because they felt the acting was too ‘phony.’ However, that is musical theatre. I personally go for the experience, songs, and dance numbers; not the acting. My favorite number in the show was the title track, ‘Mamma Mia.’ It may be cheesy ’70s pop music, but give it a chance! They take it in an entirely new direction – yes, it is still flamboyant, but the show embraces the music’s bubbly, happy feeling and turns it into comedy.
‘Mamma Mia’ provides plenty of chuckles to keep you entertained. The absurdity of the plot mixed with the innocence of the music inspires quite a show. Think about it — the awkwardness of three different possible fathers coming together at your wedding, and your mother does not even know you have invited them. I don’t know about you, but my mother would kill me. Yet Sophie’s mother is more understanding than you would think. (Perhaps she enjoys a little romance herself.)
It’s the ultimate ‘Who’s your daddy?’ and you’re invited. See if you can guess who it is before Sophie can! Whether you see it on Broadway or in theatres, you will not be disappointed. Of course, the theatrical version evokes an entirely different experience with its bright lights and live music. You cannot beat live theatre! ‘Mamma Mia’ is at the Winter Garden Theatre, located at 1634 Broadway between West 50th and 51st Streets. Performances run Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. Prices are not cheap, but try the TKTS booth in either Times Square or South Street Seaport – selected performances are up to 50% off. Regular tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
