Mamma Mia makes it almost impossible for you not to jump out of your chair and dance along to the music!
The first time I saw this musical was in theaters with Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried as the leading ladies. I remember how much fun I had while watching that film. The music, the color, the dancing, it was a blast! But, that was before I got to experience the live Broadway musical performance in which I was truly able to feel the energy and joy of this story by such a talented cast.
For those who don’t know the story or haven’t seen popular film, let me sum it up. Three months before Sophie’s (Chelsea Williams) wedding day she decides to send out a letter to three men, one of whom could possibly be her father, in hopes that she will have her dad walk her down the aisle. Surprisingly enough, all three men agree to come only because they believe Donna (Rebecca Mason-Wygall), Sophie’s mother, sent the invites. The day before her wedding the three men arrive and they reluctantly agree to not tell Donna what Sophie did and just act like they are in town coincidently. When Donna finally runs into her past lovers, old feelings return and a possible relationship is rekindled. As Sophie struggles to figure out which man is her father, she begins to discover a realization in herself.
Talk about a vibrant cast, from the leads to the chorus, everyone involved gave their all while on that stage. Once you hear t the soft, angelic, voice of Chelsea Williams in the opening number, goose bumps will appear and eyes will be glued to that riveting star. That is until you meet Rebecca Mason-Wygall. Her sultry voice will awe you in the hypnotic “Money, Money, Money” number. The two women make for a fantastic mother/daughter pairing.
Even though these ladies lead the show, each cast member managed to have plenty of “star” moments. Each of the three men had no problem making a fool of himself for this ridiculously entertaining story. Mark A. Harmon, who plays Harry Bright, lets loose as the “head banging” British gentleman. Michael Colavolpe gives a raunchy comedic performance as Bill Austin. And with a voice that demands to be heard, Jeff Drushal solidifies the fact that Pierce Brosnan should probably leave the singing to the pros. Expect plenty of laughs anytime Gabrielle Mirabella and Carly Sakolove make an appearance. The two play Tanya and Rosie, Donna’s long time best friends. They are immature, outlandish and downright hilarious! And boys, Tanya’s got a pair of legs that goes on for days.
After an already exciting start, Act II comes back with a bang. The entire musical flies by, but if you’re sad to watch it end (like me), don’t fret; you will be treated with THREE encore performances. And this time, everyone is already standing from the deserved ovations, so you can feel free to foolishly dance (like me).
Mamma Mia is running at the Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park through Sunday, June 15.
Rating: 4.5/5
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
This film allows us to get to know all the characters a lot better. It was nice to see Effie as part of the Katniss team along with Peeta and Haymich. Stanley Tucci as Caasar still makes for some great comic relief. And thank you Jena Malone, who plays the blunt Johanna Mason, for continuously saying what everyone in the theater was thinking. The best thing about Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is how you could feel every emotion Katniss was feeling. Whether it was the reminder of Rue’s death, or even the love she feels for Peeta and Gale. Whatever the emotion, she nailed it and it will be the reason that you may tear up at multiple times through out the film.