By Alayna Een
It’s time to take a chance on American Fork Community Theater’s Production of Mamma Mia! in American Fork, Utah at the Valentine Theater. Mamma Mia! is a popular jukebox musical (written by Catherine Johnson in collaboration with Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus) that incorporates ABBA songs into the story of a bride-to-be searching for her birth father, a mother struggling to forget the past and host a wedding, two sets of ultra-supportive best friends, and the potential fathers, friends, and grooms who unintentionally complicate things. The plot, though engaging, serves primarily as a vehicle for the music and some innuendos. Mamma Mia! is a musical that guarantees that you’ll have a good time. It’s an evening full of familiar and well-loved music in a picturesque setting with incredible costumes and energetic dance numbers, and the American Fork Community Theater cast and crew really rises to the occasion.
Colleen Carrasco (director) does her favorite musical proud in this love letter to ABBA music, and Christopher d’Argy (producer) is enthusiastically involved. I was really impressed by how every stage element had a time to shine, which is a great reflection of the dedication of the crew and production team. From the lesser-known ABBA songs that play before the show and during intermission to the mega hits throughout the show, it’s Noelle Conder (Music Direction) we can thank for the music. And whether it’s the disco ball in “Dancing Queen” or the greedy green in “Money, Money, Money,” Liz Griffiths’s lighting design adds to every number. For a story that happens over the course of two days, there sure are a lot of costumes! And thanks to Marie Crawford (costumer) and Shannon Eden (ABBA tribute costumes), each one is more impressive than the last. The stage is set by the classic, curved blue-and-white structures that instantly evoke Greece and are incredibly versatile, with realistic rock outcrops appearing as the pieces are flipped— Michael Carrasco’s brilliant design.
The audience members, with ages ranging from young chiquititas to aging Fernandos, know exactly why they’re here, and many of them dress the part: rompers, fringe, and bell bottoms abound. Their expectations of a good time are exceeded by the cast’s spectacular performance. The ensemble is incredible, with several standout dancers and characterizations forming the community members of the island (see if you can spot the pickpocket!). From the men’s unforgettable flipper flexing to the women’s high kicks and “Voulez-Vous” and everything in between, they do Chantelle Welles’s choreography proud. I especially enjoyed John Newall’s comedy as Father Alexandrios and Lizzy Hughes (Lisa) and Katie Mae Jones (Ali) who are Sophie’s devoted friends in every scene, even when they join the ensemble. Each time the cast strikes an impressive, intricate pose with flair at the end of a big number, I clapped louder—the endings are especially sharp and professional. The mini concert after the final scene has the audience dancing in the aisles and singing along, and the cast shares their high energy all the way to the end.
The leads have big go-go boots to fill, performing ABBA favorites. At one point, Ashley McKinnon (Donna) sings three songs essentially back-to-back! It’s a vocally demanding role, but she makes it look easy. Kenna Carrasco (Sophie) really gets the emotional range her character requires, from the happy “Honey, Honey” with her dynamos (Hughes and Jones), the passionate “Lay All Your Love on Me,” and the heartfelt “The Name of the Game.” Donna’s Dynamos, Julia Jolley (Tanya) and Andrea Chapman (Rosie), are hilarious and play against each other very well. Chapman’s “Take a Chance on Me” was a highlight, and her clumsy flirtation with Andrew Oliverson (Bill) does them both credit. The dads were performed by Mike Handy (Sam), Patrick Brannelly (Harry), and Andrew Oliverson (Bill), and each one is committed to the character, the songs, and the plot. The leads don’t break character, but they make sure they have fun, and invite the audience to join in.
American Fork Community Theater’s Production of Mamma Mia! is an absolute delight from start to finish and is a fun night to share with family and friends (just prepare for a few innuendoes). So come to Valentine Theater in American Fork for a show you just can’t resist, and let your mother and all your friends know!
American Fork Community Theater & Timpanogos Arts Foundation Present Mamma Mia! Book by Catherine Johnson, Music and Lyrics Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA)
Valentine Theater, 839 East 9th North, American Fork, Utah, 84003
April 22–May 7, 2022, 7:30 PM, Matinee Saturday, May 2, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10-15
American Fork Community Theater Page
American Fork Community Theater Facebook Page
Mamma Mia! Facebook Event
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