By Christina Carrick
Sundance Mountain Resort, in partnership with Utah Valley University, presents the event of the summer: Mamma Mia, at the Eccles Outdoor Stage in Sundance, Utah. Mamma Mia is a jukebox musical pulling hits from the iconic catalogue of Swedish popstars, ABBA. Originally written by British playwright Catherine Johnson,with music and lyrics by ABBA’s own Benny Anderson and Bjrn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! is the quintessential summer theater experience. With a timeless story that encompasses love in its many forms, everyone can find something to enjoy in this exciting production.
Mamma Mia! was very intentionally selected as this year’s summer show. Mari Turner, Programming Manager says, “We thought ‘Mamma Mia!’ would be the perfect production to go along with Sundance’s 50-Year Anniversary celebrations. ABBA’s fun music that came out in the early days of the Resort makes for an awesome throwback!” It is the perfect date night/girl’s night/friend’s night experience. Making the night even better, the mountain air was cool, crisp, and refreshing after high temperatures in the valley.
Arriving to the theater is a part of the overall experience. Upon arrival at Sundance Resort, you are directed to a separate parking area where you are collected by a shuttle. After a short drive up the mountain, you will then ride a tractor up the last hill to the outdoor stage. This incomparable theater is nestled in seclusion amongst magnificent pine trees. It is no wonder it has been named one of the “10 Best Outdoor Theatre Experiences in the Country” by Fodor’s Travel Guide. All parking and shuttle services are free of charge and easy to use. Sundance is prepared for a large audience needing to get back down the mountain after the show, with multiple shuttles, tractors, and vehicles to transport guests.
Sundance offers a BBQ dinner before the show. It is, however, a separate, ticketed event. They provide a varied spread of salads, meats, drinks, and desserts. I highly recommend the achiote chicken, pulled pork, and every single salad. To cap it all off, their peach bread pudding is the perfect dessert to complete a marvelous meal. We appreciated the outdoor dining ambiance and thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
The stage immediately transports you to a Grecian island. Josh Steadman (props and staging) uses color and architectural shapes to make the little “Taverna” feel at home, even amongst the towering pines. The costuming by Dennis Wright struck the perfect balance of somehow being both nostalgic and currently relevant. Matt Tibbs and Joseph Walls make magic with the sound and lighting. Walls’ showstopper, for me, is “Voulez Vous” where the lighting goes from an energetic party vibe to visually displaying Sophie’s growing confusion and emotional tension.
Rilyn Gardner (Sophie Sheridan) and Dianna Graham (Donna Sheridan) play the mother-daughter relationship with tenderness and authenticity. Gardner absolutely shines when she enters the stage. Her eyes are full of youthful wonder and excitement while Graham plays the worn-down mother/inn-keeper who has forgotten how to live in that wonder-filled youthfulness. They have a beautiful chemistry between them, and their rendition of “Slipping Through my Fingers” will make you want to run home and hold your children close.
Graham plays Donna in all her complexities effortlessly. She has an emotional range that can match her incredible vocal offerings. Her ability to make you feel the connection between herself and each character is critical, since Donna is the glue that brings the whole cast of characters together. Though her time with Harry, Bill, and Sam is limited, you can sense the different relationship she has with each. She and Stanford Porter (Harry) share one of the more tender moments on stage as they reminisce about their last summer together. Alternatively, Graham and Shawn Stevens (Sam) draw you into Donna’s heartbreak during the cathartic “The Winner Takes it All.” Stevens is charming and cool, but, during this number, he is visibly penitent and full of regret. He plays Sam with both vulnerability and confidence, making him a character that is fun to cheer for.
The best trio of the night is Donna’s “Dynamos”. Jocelyn Hansen (Rosie) and Kerilyn Johnson (Tanya) are vivacious and vibrant women. They have such distinct personalities and excellent comedic timing. Wright outdid himself in costuming his Donna and the Dynamos outfits, both during the show and for the encore numbers.
Hansen and Matt Dobson (Bill) share one of the most hilarious moments as Rosie challenges gender roles in relationships and attempts to seduce Bill to “Take a Chance on Me”. Dobson plays Bill as “too wild and free to settle down,” but he is still sheepish and awkward (in the best way) during Rosie’s pursuits. On opening night, the entire audience was laughing, and it felt as though the number was over too quickly.Duncan Johnson (Sky) was terrifically cast as Sophie’s better half. He has a cool head and strong presence. He and Gardner have great on-stage chemistry, although he still shines on his own. His performance in Sophie’s dream sequence is one of the laugh-out-loud, funniest moments in the production.
So much credit is owed to the amazing male and female ensembles. They are critical in bringing humor and energy to the stage. One standout is Nolan Goodwin, who plays Father Alexandrios. Watch for him to literally pop up, especially during “Mamma Mia.” His appearances are often humorous but very subtle. Jaymie Lambson (Ali) and Kennedy Johnson (Lisa) play Sophie’s best friends, but also dance and sing with the ensemble. They are extremely talented dancers and singers and are a joy to watch. Caleb Collier (Pepper) and Alex Diaz (Eddie) also lead the ensemble with great humor and masculine energy. Collier is a standout with Johnson in “Does your Mother Know.”
Choreographer Becky Wright Phillips does amazing work using the entire cast to tell the story. There is so much to see from every angle during the big dance numbers. She takes full advantage of the incredible dance talent the ensembles provide. I can hardly choose a favorite dance number, though the male ensemble dancing in flippers is certainly high on the list. Director Matthew Herrick and Producer/Stage Manager Jennifer Reed have put together a high-quality production of Mamma Mia that stands out amongst other performances of the same script.
Because of subject matter, inuendo, and mild language, I would say this production is best suited for teens and older audiences. Sundance specifically mentions they prefer you do not bring babies or young children to the show.
Mamma Mia! at the Sundance Resort outdoor theater is truly a unique and memorable event. The scenery is breathtaking, and the music, dancing, and overall vibe is just plain good for the soul. Do yourself a favor and stay for the encore numbers after the final bow. This is a party you won’t want to miss.
Sundance Mountain Resort and Utah Valley University present Mamma Mia! by Catherine Johnson.
Eccles Outdoor Theater, 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604
July 18, 2019 – August 10, 2019 8:00 PM
Tickets: $26 – $40
Dinner (separate ticketed event): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tickets: Children 12 and under: $10, Adults: $20
Sundance Resort Facebook Page
The theater at Sundance is spectacular. The songs in Mamma Mia are the best. The dancing was great. But for some reason there were additional disgusting elements in the swearing and “jokes” that were not needed. Despite the venue and the songs, we left at intermission.
All the Cynthias in Utah County should change their names to Karen.