It’s hard to believe that the show sensation “Mamma Mia” first opened its doors at the Winter Garden Theater on Broadway back in 2001. Over 20 years ago! It doesn’t seem to be …
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It’s hard to believe that the show sensation “Mamma Mia” first opened its doors at the Winter Garden Theater on Broadway back in 2001. Over 20 years ago! It doesn’t seem to be one of those oldies, but goodies we’ve known for decades. Yes, all of the songs are done by that 70’s/80’s pop group… What is their name again? I think it’s because the story is so contemporary in any decade. Set on a beautiful island paradise in Greece, the plot revolves around young Sophie’s upcoming wedding. She has never known a Dad in her life and comes across her mother’s diary from the year before she was born. On the QT, she invites the three men her mother “met” that year in hopes of figuring out which one is her father. The three men show up for the wedding and Sophie’s Mom Donna is in for a surprise. Her life turns upside down with plenty of emotional twists and comedic encounters. It’s a silly story that you can’t wait to see resolve itself. The Forestburgh Playhouse picks this welcome winner to do this year and we are all better off for it! Jessi Kirtley’s Sophie is a cutie and shines through all of her songs, but I really liked her “I Have A Dream” that starts us off and sends us off. A few of my favorite parts were Sophie’s interactions with her potential Dads. Edward Staudenmayer as Donna’s most serious ex-love interest Sam Carmichael provides that strong leading man who can open up his heart to her. They share a lovely duet in ABBA’s “S.O.S.”. Playhouse Alumni Scott Evans swoons us as the British ex-love Harry Bright in their number “One Last Summer”. But the duet that steals the show doesn’t include Donna, but does include her third candidate for Dad, adventure writer Bill Austin played by Joseph Torello. His hilarious cat and mouse rendition of “Take A Chance On Me” is done with equally uproarious Rosie (Donna’s friend played by M’Lainie Hunter). This number filled the Playhouse with laugh out loud roars. Donna’s second friend Tanya (Michelle Alves) sashays and pounces on pool boys all the while. The trio of Donna, Rosie and Tanya are the backbone of the show and absolutely kill it in their songs together especially “Dancing Queen”. Then there’s Donna played by Christina Stroup. What a wonderful performance. Ms. Stroup exudes a struggling single Mom with her hands full. She’s a gal that juggles life’s hurts and problems, but can still let the walls down to let her hair down and get wild! She absolutely brought the house down with her “The Winner Takes It All”. The entire ensemble was an enthusiastic mob of high steppers and more than capable voices. From the leads on through to the chorus, every cast member appears to be having a blast on stage. The tech crew did it all. Steven Velasquez’s vivid scenic design plopped us right into the middle of the ocean on this tropical island heaven complete with the white washed, rounded structures for which Greece is known. Ethan Newman’s vibrant lighting design colorfully outlined this distinctive architecture and glided our moods from pounding celebration to moonlit solitude. And, of course, Director/Choreographer Chaz Wolcutt had his hands full with this production and the result is a treat to the senses. He assembled an escapade that is so much fun to experience. And his choreography is no less thrilling and I’ll say it again… fun! A tap number in scuba fins, the cat and mouse number I mentioned earlier and, of course, the ensemble “Dancing Queen” lists only a few. How can you go wrong with this one? The songs of ABBA, a clever plotline, high energy dance routines, brassy and tender tunes, and an ending that warms the heart. Get on the next boat to this island getaway. It’s worth the trip! “Mamma Mia” will run through July 31. Tickets and info are available through the box office at (845) 794-1194 or online at fbplayhouse.org.
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