The Dancing Queen Is Alive and Well at Hopebox Theatre’s Production of Mamma Mia! in Kaysville, Utah

By LeAnna Hamblin

Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville, Utah does an outstanding job bringing the high energy show Mamma Mia! to life. The ever popular musical, Mamma Mia!, which was originally conceived by Judy Craymer, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaes (from the Swedish pop group ABBA ), some songs with Stig Anderson, and book by Catherine Johnson, is quickly on its way to becoming a stage classic. Director Brighton Sloan has gathered a phenomenal cast and crew that transform the stage to the Greek Isles. Before the show starts, the audience is transported to Hotel Hogan, a magical vacation spot one can only dream about visiting. Warmth and love emanate from the stage throughout the show, which is especially welcoming during this frigid winter season.

As the show begins, the audience is first introduced to Sophie, perfectly played by Hannah Olsen, whose beautiful vocal performance in “I Have a Dream” truly conveys her dream of being walked down the aisle by her father on her wedding day.  In order to find out who her father is, unbeknownst to her mother, she invites the three “candidates” to the island for her upcoming nuptials. Donna, played by Jan Williams, is flabbergasted to discover her three past lovers are on the island—at her hotel—all at the same time—the night before Sophie’s wedding. This has to be more than just a coincidence. But the joy Sophie feels at finally finding out who her real father is radiates from the stage. Olsen’s smile illuminates the room and brings joy to those privileged enough to watch her perform.

Williams’ vocal performance in “Money, Money, Money” is phenomenal as she delves into her many life choices. This number is full of intricate choreography created by Kassidy Gull who fills the stage with glitz and glamour and—muscles (oh my). As Donna comes to terms to the situation at hand, she must figure out a way to juggle the three men who changed her life. Will past feelings return? Will she stay at her precious hotel that she has built from the ground up? Or will she follow her “one true love” to a more glamorous life?

And who better to guide Donna through the ensuing chaos than her two best friends and former bandmates, Tonya (Brittany Carroll) and Rosie (Missy Riffle)? These two friends know better than anyone what’s best for their friend, even though they have been apart for many years. True friendship lasts the test of time no matter the time and distance apart. And while Tonya and Rosie help Donna through her crisis, they come to terms with what they want in their own lives. Riffle brings an energetic and carefree attitude to the role of Rosie while Carroll’s sensuality and nonchalant attitude is perfect for the role of Tonya. It is clear that the friendship these three women have onstage is genuine and continues offstage as well.

As Donna continues to prepare for Shophie’s wedding, she has no choice but to face each of her former love interests, Sam (Brent Sloan), Harry (Andrew Cole), and Bill (Adam West). Cole is a pleasure to watch onstage as he brings humor and compassion to the role of Harry. His smooth, melodic voice is featured in “Thank You for the Music” as well as his skills on acoustic guitar. West is hilarious as Bill as he connects with Sophie and discovers that his family has played a large part in her and Donna’s life since he left the island 21 years ago. It is this realization that makes him believe he is Sophie’s father. On his path to discovery, he also discovers a connection with Rosie, no matter how hard he tries to fight it. West and Riffle are brilliant with their physical comedy during the number “Take a Chance on Me” and Bill can no longer ignore the palpable connection he has with Rosie. Sloan is commanding in his role of Sam, especially while he and Williams bring such strong emotion to the song “S.O.S.” The realization of the past mistakes both Sam and Donna made are apparent and their feelings for each other are as strong as the day they first met 21 years ago.

Music Director Andrea Fife and assistant music director David Sullivan expertly trained and rehearsed the entire cast, most notably in the numbers “Our Last Summer” and “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” where the harmonies are tight and well-balanced. For this reviewer, the stand-out vocal performance is given by Williams during her solo number, “The Winner Takes It All.” The emotion she portrays brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how perspective can change one’s entire life course. I have had the privilege of watching many performances from Williams and never have I seen her exude such authentic emotion and power.

The impressive male ensemble is led by Stefan Kurzius, who plays Sky. His commanding presence onstage is a pleasure to witness. His physical stature is one to behold. The tenderness he brings to the character of Sky is the perfect balance to the physicality with which he performs.

Costume Designer Kathy Richmond does an impeccable job bridging the gap between the two generations in this show all while keeping the light and breezy feeling of the Greek Isles. My favorite costumes were revealed at the end of the show where the entire cast dons 70s-themed attire. This gives visual unity to a cast that is clearly unified by a single purpose.

The mission of Hopebox Theatre is to bring hope and healing to victims of cancer and their families through the performing arts. Actor, theater owner, and four-time cancer survivor Williams ensures that each production at Hopebox Theatre benefits someone who has suffered or is suffering from the effects of cancer. The Wall of Hope recipient of Mamma Mia! is Ann Hogan, who has many connections to the show, including being best friends with Brent Sloan’s wife and director Brighton Sloan’s first music teacher. For 25 years, Hogan has brought the gift of music to literally thousands of kids as she has taught them to sing, dance, and perform through her own children’s performing group called “Singing Connection.”
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Hopebox Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia! in Kaysville, Utah is one you do not want to let pass by. The light and joy felt from this cast is enough to warm even the coldest of days. This production is enjoyable for the entire family and reminds us of the importance of family and friendship. Take all the special people in your life and go see Mamma Mia! before it sails away forever.

Hopebox Theatre presents Mamma Mia!, music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaes, and some songs with Stig Anderson, book by Catherine Johnson, originally conceived by Judy Craymer.
Hopebox Theatre, 1700 Frontage Rd, Kaysville, UT 84037
February 8-23, Monday, Friday-Saturday 7:30 PM; Wednesday, February 13 7:30 PM; Matinee performances Saturday, February 16, 23, 2:00 PM
Tickets: $13-$18
Contact: 801-451-5259, hopeboxtheatre@gmail.com
Hopebox Theatre Facebook Page
Mamma Mia! Facebook Event

Photo credit: Sasha Esprit Photography