By Amy Metler
Midvale Main Street Theatre’s Mamma Mia! by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, is worth a drive into Midvale—it’s a trip down a 1980s memory lane. Mamma Mia! is the hugely popular jukebox musical built around the music of ABBA. It stands above most jukebox musicals because the plot brilliantly integrates the songs. Mamma Mia! is the story of Sophie, the daughter of single mother Donna, who is about to be married. Sophie lures three men to the Greek island where she lives with her mom, all of whom could be her father, so she’ll have the chance to be walked down the aisle by her dad. Director Tammy Jackson Ross has put together a cast, crew and show that is extraordinary, and definitely impresses and entertains.
Julie Nelson Blatter plays the demanding role of Donna Sheridan. Blatter is vulnerable, and beautifully sings deep emotional lyrics, and at the same time is strong and takes control of the stage. Her “The Winner Takes it All” is most impressive and definitely a highlight of the night. Camille Cook plays girl group member Rosie and I loved her great stage presence and fun comedic timing. Andrea Wood, who plays Tanya, completes the girl group and expertly combines sultry and comedy. Blatter, Cook, and Wood sing fabulous harmonies and their voices blend beautifully. They sound as if they have truly been a girl group for many years.
Sophie, played winningly by Cassidy Ross, sings perfectly and brings a lithe brightness to the part of the bride-to-be. She is often flanked by her bridesmaids, Ali (Ashlee Howell) and Lisa (Allie Duke), who are not only adorable but wow the audience with their dancing. Jeffrey Black is charming and talented in the role of Sophie’s handsome betrothed, Sky. His sidekicks are terrifically played by Jordan Hutchings and Todd McRae, and they keep the audience laughing.
The three potential dads are played by three very talented men. Jason Ostler is very convincing as the handsome Sam Carmichael. Ostler is a great actor with a wonderful singing voiceand makes the role look easy with an admirable stage presence. In my opinion, he sings much better than Pierce Brosnan and he could have been cast in the movie. His “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is another highlight song of the show. Ryan Throckmorton Fallis is the former rocker Harry Bright, and holds his own in the duet on “Our Last Summer.” And then there is the comic brilliance of Jerrod Dew in the role of Bill Austin; he definitely earned the round of applause after his hysterical duet “Take a Chance on Me.” I also really appreciated his duet with Ross in “The Name of the Game.”
The ensemble is full of talent and they add so much to the show. The dancing and singing are amazing and one of the strongest ensembles I’ve seen. Kudos to music director Jason Campbell, the harmonies and vocals in the show are remarkable.
The Greek island locale is convincingly portrayed, thanks to the set designed by Jerrod Dew and Sean McLaughlin. Scene changes are short and sweet and oft times quite creative. Choreographer Nick Crapo creates stunning and fun dances that highlight the talents of the actors. My only complaint was I wanted more dancing–perhaps some background movement added to some of the songs that had none. The cast has the dance chops—use ‘em! Devon Marie Trop has created gorgeous costumes for the finale number.
Mamma Mia! is a fun, energetic, feel-good show and Midvale Main Street Theatre does a fabulous job! Yes, this might be considered a “chick flick” show, but there is enough fun, good music, and silly sweetness for anyone, male, female, young, old to come and take a chance at this super show.
Midvale Main Street Theatre presents Mamma Mia! music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, some songs with Stig Anderson, book by Catherine Johnson and originally conceived by Judy Craymer.
Midvale Main Street Theater, 7711 S Main Street, Midvale, Utah 84047
October 5-6, 12-13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26-27 7:30 PM, October 7, 14, 21 5:00 PM
Tickets $15-$22
Contact: 801-566-0596
Midvale Mainstreet Theatre Facebook Page
Mamma Mia! Facebook Event
0 Comments