Live Musical Theatre is Back, Baby!

Mamma Mia! -Music Theater Works

Accomplished actor, singer and member of the Columbia College’s Musical Theatre faculty, multitalented Justin Brill has staged a faithful new production of the 1999 smash hit musical, a show that became a cult classic for Baby Boomers over twenty years ago. It’s one of Broadway’s original jukebox musicals. Taking almost two dozen hit tunes from the ABBA songbook, this Musical Theater Works’ production is one of the first live stage presentations since the pandemic. In its joy and optimism, “Mamma Mia!” makes Chicagoland audiences almost forget the long theatrical hiatus of almost two years. But finally, at long last, we have the opportunity to revel in a live, professional, musical production again. Decked out in shiny spandex, platform heels and lots of glitter and glitz, this production is a feast for both the eyes and ears.

For those few theatergoers unfamiliar with the show, the slim plot revolves around Sophie, a young bride-to-be, who wants to learn the identity of her father so he can give her away at her upcoming wedding. Sophie found her mom’s old diary and, after reading about Donna’s romantic exploits as a rebellious, young woman, she’s narrowed down the search to three possible men. Secretly Sophie’s invited each of her three prospective dads to the tiny Grecian island, where she and her mother live. The rest of the flimsy narrative, which is no more than a clever gimmick to weave some of ABBA’s greatest hits into a story, revolves around the mystery of who is the real father. However, to be honest, audiences don’t flock to this musical for its story, but to relive the glitzy glory of the disco era that’s evoked by ABBA s memorable music.  

Alexis Armstrong, one of Music Theater Works’ favorite talented leading ladies, and remembered fondly for her performance as the Baker’s Wife in their production of “Into the Woods,” is charming in the leading role of Donna Sheridan. Ms. Armstrong has a lovely, solidly believable stage presence. Her vocal ability, although at its best in her high range, is pleasant and meets the challenge of singing many of the show’s familiar numbers. As a good mother, trying to orchestrate her daughter’s wedding, she’s terrific. Whether belting out an uptempo dance hit or crooning one of ABBA’s lush ballads, Alexis Armstrong is natural and effortless in her acting, singing and dancing. Her touching duet with her daughter, “Slipping Through My Fingers,” as well as her bravado performance of “The Winner Takes It All,” are especially moving, as the actress leads us on her character’s emotional, musical journey.

Teamed with the incomparably likable and hilarious Veronica Garza, as Rosie, and the tantalizing Casiena Raether, as sexy Tanya, these two divas tear up the stage playing Donna’s old friends and former singing partners. They soar through pop hits like “Money, Money, Money,” “Chiquitita,” “Super Trooper,” “Waterloo,” the contagious “Dancing Queen” and, of course, the title song, “Mamma Mia.” Ms. Garza pulls out all the stops with her suggestive and hysterical, “Take a Chance on Me,” sung with the very funny Dan Gold, as Bill. Ms. Raether heats up the stage with young Oliver Schilling, as Pepper, performing a sultry “Does Your Mother Know?” The three ladies bring the audience to their feet, heads bopping, hands clapping and bodies swaying, in every song they sing.

This production has a delightful young actress in young Heather Banks, as Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s 20-year-old daughter. Seen at Music Theater Works in “Anything Goes,” Sophie’s about to tie the knot with her handsome young boyfriend, Sky, played with charisma and chivalry by Ahmad Simmons. Ms Banks brings an honest sincerity and freshness to the role that makes us truly care about her. Hopefully we’ll see a lot more of this Millikin University theatre student in the future.

She’s joined by a terrifically talented and diverse supporting singing/dancing ensemble who never hold back one iota, especially as they execute Shanna Vanderwerker’s vivacious, wacky and wonderfully creative choreography. As Sophie’s three prospective fathers, the aforementioned triple threat Dan Gold returns to Music Theater Works, as Aussie adventurer, Bill Austin. Two handsome Music Theater Works newcomers, the gentle North Rory Homewood, as the goofy, lovable Brit, Harry; and dashing Andrew Fortman, as the determined American, Sam, all provide strong foils for the three women. Each actor has an opportunity to showcase his individual vocal and acting chops throughout the play.

Scenic Designer Kristen Martino has done a fine job bringing the sunshine and the bright blue Mediterranean sky to the stage. She’s surrounded the cast in a primitive, multilevel Greek taverna that easily transforms into several other locations. Andrew Meyers’ luminous lighting design mixes the shining sun with festoons of floral-colored illumination and dramatic lighting. That multitalented Chicago Renaissance Man, the incomparable Rueben D. Echoles, has designed a summertime wardrobe for his company that’s colorful, festive and pays homage to the flashiness of the disco era. 

Dredging up fond memories of the mirror-balled 1970’s and 80’s, while proffering the audience with over two dozen infectious ABBA hits, Justin Brill has created a fresh and buoyant interpretation of a musical whose strength is in its bouncy jukebox score. Linda Madonia skillfully guides her cast through the catchy pop tunes, nicely accompanied by her spirited, nine-member pit band. With hits like “The Name of the Game,” “Under Attack,” “S.O.S.,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and the haunting “I Have a Dream,” that both opens and closes the show, it’s guaranteed that audiences will leave the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts saying, “Thank You For the Music.” Live Musical Theatre is finally back, baby!

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 19-29 by Music Theater Works at their new home, The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 847.673.6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com/Mamma-Mia.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.