A Broadway show generates excitement no matter the script, acting, musical notes or set design. There is just something in the air that can make a grown man giddy. The dimming of the lights, the slow lift of the curtain, the pews of people clutching yellow playbills all add to the expectant scene. The opening night of “Mamma Mia” at the Pantages Theatre led to an uproarious applause from an eager audience before the performance even began.
“Mamma Mia” transports us to a Greek Island where disco dancing to the hits of ABBA seemed to have never gone out of style. We meet Sophie Sheridan (Liana Hunt) a day before her wedding. She invites three men to her nuptials, three men who may be her father. Sophie’s mother Donna (Michelle Dawson) is forced to cope with the return of former lovers while her daughter prepares to choose someone to walk her down the aisle.
There seemed to be an overall sense of energy and silliness in “Mamma Mia.” The unusual story is told through the dancing and singing of classic ABBA songs. The actors appeared to genuinely have fun while they danced in platform shoes and glittery pantsuits.
Rosie (Kittra Coomer) and Tanya (Rachel Tyler) added dimension and hilarity to every scene they were in. They portrayed the spoiled cougar and cynical spinster with extreme tact as they high kicked in high heels and swapped one-liners.
Coomer belted ABBA’s “Take a Chance” while falling over dirty chairs and awkwardly posing sexy in doorways. Her embodiment of Rosie caused ecstatic laughter as she chased a man through a wedding chapel.
Dawson and Hunt looked almost identical as a mother and daughter pair but their physical similarities were contrasted with their abilities to perform. Dawson has been in many hit plays and projected each song confidently. Hunt seemed a little nervous and was a tad hard to hear during a few solos. Both Hunt and Dawson were believable and sang with fervor but were often overshadowed by secondary characters.
The sharp dialog and vigorous dancing in “Mamma Mia” left the audience wanting more after each scene. The fog machine, flashing lights, and neon costumes were over-the-top without being overbearing. The sets were relatively sparse, leaving the characters room to create the setting and mood. Hair dryers, power drills and floppy hats were all used as props to add to the detailed humor.
The film version of “Mamma Mia” starring Meryl Streep might deter some from seeing the play. The film awkwardly tries to hold on to scenes and moments that were meant for the stage. Although the film was far from a failure, its over indulgence distracts from the subtle details that are electric in the play.
We can watch “Gossip Girl” or “I Love You, Man” any time we want through the magic of TiVO and Fandango. We can sit on our couches or go to the movies in our pajamas, but “Mamma Mia” offers something different. It offers the chance to see a live performance in a theater from Hollywood’s golden age. There is no retouching, voice editing or multiple takes. Stage performances are given one chance to impress and excite the audience.
“Mamma Mia” ended with a standing ovation for a remarkable and memorable performance.
Why, why, did I ever let you go?