Mamma Mia! The Musical Review

Please note that the review itself is not actually musical. Thank you.

I have always been fascinated by Broadway musicals, theatrical performances which were popularized in New York and London. Ever since I first watched a short video of Les Misérables, I have wanted to witness the magic of a live theater performance. So much so that I had put it on my bucket list. Rent, Chicago, Cats and of course, The Phantom of the Opera were some of the few shows I had heard of. However, this Thursday I had the opportunity to tap my feet to the multitude of ABBA songs performed by the cast of Mamma Mia! The Musical.

Having never been to a Broadway show before, I had no idea what to expect. I had read about the shows and I’ve seen a few of them mentioned in mainstream media, but to witness one live is something entirely different. I dare to say that it was one of the most exciting and fun-filled nights of my life.
Now I’m no great shakes when it comes to reviewing live performances like this but I’ll do my best to give it some justice.

Mamma Mia! is a story of 20-year old Sophie who is to wed her fiance Sky on a Greek island called Kalokairi. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle, but does not know where he is or even who he is. So, based off of her mother Donna‘s diary, she invites three men to the wedding hoping that she would be able to recognize her father the moment she sees him. Well, hilarity ensues when all three show up and she has no idea which one her father is. The series of events that follow sets up perfect opportunities to perform 23 of ABBA‘s greatest hits like “Dancing Queen“, “Money, Money, Money” and of course, the titular “Mamma Mia“.

Right from the prologue up until the last moments of the show, when the entire cast performs an encore suited up in ABBA-inspired classic sequined costumes, every moment of the show was beautifully rendered. The lighting and set props were superb, the orchestral performances were sublime and the seats were pretty good too. At one point, the lighting was positioned so as to appear as if sunlight was falling through the doorways. Subtle touches such as this kept me engrossed and entertained throughout the show. Oh, and lets not forget the actual cast themselves. Sara Poyzer, who plays the character Donna Sheridan, stole the show with her riveting performance of “The Winner Takes It All“.

“Here I go again.”

Overall, the chemistry everyone had with each other and the lively dramatization of each act was what tied everything together. No particular song stood out as the best because pretty much every single one was sung so well. Although, my favorite moment would be when the bridegroom’s friends show up at the beach and perform “Lay All Your Love on Me” in snorkels and flippers. Who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of guys in diving gear marching about on stage?

Not pictured: The women who almost spilled their drinks on me.

What I love the most about ABBA and Mamma Mia! is how the songs and the story connects with so many people. I saw young kids, guys and gals my age, married couples and old folk in the stands, all grooving to the same music and applauding just as loud as the others. The story has a little something for everyone, and its clear why this musical has been around for 15 years and still going strong. The younger generation connects with Sophie, her path to finding her father and the way she has to handle getting married. The older generation probably finds interest in Donna and her friends, how they reunite and relive the good times and how she has to deal with three of her past flames showing up at the same time. Regardless of why, it was evident everyone had a good time.

I really do hope that more Broadway hits decide to make their way to Dubai. Even though I crossed it off my bucket list, seeing another musical like this one would certainly be quite the experience.

Next time I’ll pay the wielding and cutting expo a visit too.