If you’re looking for upbeat entertainment, dance galore and music that’ll have you singing in the shower for weeks – “The Smash-Hit Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: Mamma Mia” is a must this summer! This show has been tried and tested for decades. It has been adored by audiences since its premiere in London in 1999 by a three-woman production team (Producer Judy Craymer, Writer Catherine Johnson, and Director Phyllida Lloyd)- so there is no room for error! Goes to show that when women get together to start something, there’s nothing but magic!
Valerie Easton is the Director and Choreographer for the Arts Club, and for this Vancouver production. She has created a spectacular display of talent that showcases voices which take your breath away and choreography that puts an extra skip in your step. Michelle Bardach, who plays Sophie Sheridan is a vision! Her voice and energy are beyond compare. Likewise, Stephanie Roth, who plays Donna Sheridan in the musical, carries the almost 3 hour-long production with seamless ease, showing off her vocals with precision and pizazz!
The ensemble cast too deserves praise and equal ovation. With beautifully performed dance numbers and a cohesive sensibility that reverberated through to the audience, we are able to become a living part of the show. Irene Karas Loeper’s performance, who plays Tanya in the musical, is particularly noteworthy for her impeccable comedic timing. She had the audience in fits of laughter!
Needless to say, “Mamma Mia” is not ‘serious’ theatre. The content, as expected, is not particularly thought-provoking. It also does not attempt to have a diverse cast, though that is perhaps a general commentary on mainstream theatre at large. Having said that, it is a classic that does talk about things that we all think about and experience in life. It speaks to the complexity of our deepest relationships, such as those with family, parents and friends. Relationships that often hang on a fragile balance but that we cherish for their unparalleled strength.
As well-known as “Mamma Mia” is, both as a musical that has been performed for years worldwide or through the star-studded movie with Meryl Streep, the live performance is enchanting. The Stanley Theatre is also the perfect stage for the production because its elegant space adds to the fantasy of the musical’s Greek Island setting. In case the weather in Vancouver isn’t indicative of summer, this show will surely warm you up for the season. And if you liked the movie, you’ll love the production – but the show is so immersive. I would go so far as to say that even if you didn’t like the movie, you’ll fall in love with the musical on stage.
“Mamma Mia” plays at the Stanley Theatre till August 12th. Get your tickets here!
– Maira Hassan