Mamma Mia! - 25th Anniversary Tour at the Orpheum

Photo by Joan Marcus

Mamma Mia! 25th Anniversary Tour?!!! It has been 25 years since I last saw this on stage? WOW.  This show has a life in it, both historically and in performance. It started out back in 1997 with an idea of putting ABBA songs into a musical. Well, if you wanted you could say it started back in 1972 with the creation of the band ABBA...but I don't think any of us want to go back that far. That being written, the show Mamma Mia! was created, produced and has been around the world since 1997. When you go see this production at the Orpheum, you will see why.

By now I am certain most people know the story - Sophie (Alisa Melendez) is getting married to Sky (Grant Reynolds) on a small Greek island at a taverna owned and run by her single mother Donna (Christine Sherrill). Sophie has done some sneaking around and read her moms diary and realized that there are three possibilities for who her dad may be. She invites Harry Bright (Rob Marnell), Bill Austin (Jim Newman), and Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace), but doesn't tell her mom. All three arrive on the island, as well as Donna's two best friends Tanya (Jalynn Steele), and Rosie (Carly Sakolove). The three of them used to be a singing group named Donna and the Dynamo's - which clearly provides for some great moments! So, all these folks, along with Sophie's friends, and on a Greek island... the stage is set for fun, dance, great songs, and some emotion and growth.

Photo by Joan Marcus

The cast is fantastic and they all get plenty of time to show off their vocal chops. Sakolove and Steele get a bit more time than the guys, but when the guys get their turn - Marnell, Newman, and Wallace are as fantastic. The ensemble sounds great, and keeps the energy going through some really fun group dances. With music like this, honestly nothing can go wrong. Sophie and Donna carry most of the music and they were both incredible. Sherrill, as Donna, has a strong voice that she knows how to use to the best effect. Melendez is right up there and does her part in carrying the show. It is mainly her story that is being told and she makes the most of it. 

If you are looking for a fun night out, this is the show for you! Such great songs by ABBA, a fun story, a fantastic cast with a simple and effective set. Great costumes through out and a really fun big closing number!