Broadway Dallas: MAMMA MIA! (2025)

April 17, 2025

Music Hall at Fair Park

April 15-27, 2025

Sometimes a getaway to a Greek isle is meant only to be a good time. Such is the ongoing popularity of the stage production “based on the songs of ABBA”. The Swedish band’s global success was first derived through these songs in the 1970’s. In 1997, British playwright Catherine Johnson wrote the story that led to the smash stage musical (1998), followed up by the blockbuster film in 2008 (starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried). Both the stage production and the film were directed by Phyllida Lloyd. The most recent of many incarnations of the stage musical continues this year with a United States tour, a six-month stint on Broadway (beginning in August 2025), and finally, an international tour.

For those local to the area, Broadway Dallas features a two-week run of the production and if the audience from the April 16 show is any indication, the immense popularity of the show remains in place thanks to a blend of the comedy and music. You likely know the story of Donna Sheridan, a single mom who has raised her daughter Sophie while running a hotel on a picturesque Greek island. Twenty-year-old Sophie is preparing for her wedding to Sky, and unbeknownst to her mother, has invited three of Donna’s former lovers … one who is most likely Sophie’s unnamed father.

This talented cast consists of Christine Sherrill (Donna), Amy Weaver (Sophie), Carly Sakolove (Roxie), Jalynn Steele (Tanya), Rob Marnell (Harry Bright), Jim Newman (Bill Austin), Victor Wallace (Sam Carmichael), and Grant Reynolds (Sky). Although much of the focus is on Donna and Sophia, it’s really Donna’s friends, Roxie and Tanya, who steal the show as Donna and the Dynamos and in individual scenes that elicit roars from the appreciative audience. I found Ms. Steele’s Tanya to be especially entertaining (and energetic). Of course, the three men all have their moments in the spotlight, ensuring a love-love connection with those in attendance.

The music composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (both of ABBA) is obviously an integral part of the production. Unfortunately, during this show, the vocals were often drowned out by the too-loud instrumentation of the band’s guitars, organs, and drums. This was especially disappointing during highlight moments for featured solos by Ms. Sherill and Ms. Steele. The distraction was lessened during the ballads, and when the ensemble was in full force, the choreography delivered rousing fun for all.

White walls and blue doors make up the simple set design, evoking the familiar images of Santorini. The only shifts occur when a bed is added for ‘indoor’ scenes or a boat (named “Waterloo”) takes us briefly to the shore – and a terrific ensemble number with flippers and snorkels. Overall, the show is quite the crowd-pleaser and the familiar songs (“Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “S.O.S.”, “Super Trouper”) generated a bit of unsolicited audience sing-along and clapping-in-time. You will likely notice a few dedicated fans dressed in sparkles and spandex, fully committing to their adoration of “Mamma Mia!” … a show designed to deliver a good time for all.

https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/mamma-mia/

@BroadwayDallas

2 Comments | Articles, Comedy, Musical | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE IRON LADY

January 15, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. So many are up in arms about what this movie isn’t, that they have lost sight of what it is. If you are expecting a political drama and biography detailing the finer points of one of the most impactful and controversial world leaders in history, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. If instead, you accept this as a creative way to tell a story and glimpse at a once powerful person struggling with her place in history, while simultaneously fighting the daily battle against Alzheimer’s, then you too will be satisfied with more than the towering performance of Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher.

Lady Thatcher is one of most controversial political figures in modern history. Pundits fall to pro or con in regards to her 3 terms (11 years) as British Prime Minister. Writer Abi Morgan (Shame) and director Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia) don’t take a side in the argument. Instead they offer us the viewpoint of an elderly Lady Thatcher struggling to avoid “going mad”. Her daily battle includes numerous flashbacks to specific moments and events. Through these episodes, we take a quick trip through history … almost a Cliff’s Notes version. Additionally, we witness how she regularly “sees” and speaks with her husband Denis (Jim Broadbent). Yes, he died years ago. It seems she realizes this, but enjoys the comfort of having him nearby.

During the flashbacks, we get a feel for her early onset political ambition, which evidently came from her dad the grocer (and small town politician). He encouraged her to work hard, be different and think for herself, while never backing down from her beliefs. This seems hard-wired into her personality through the years as she fights the male establishment and climbs the “greasy pole” of British parliament.

The brief segments on the Falkland Islands, Parliamentary debates, and tough Labor Union stance will probably leave you wanting more details on how she negotiated her way through some very unpopular decisions. The best suggestion is to read some of the endless stream of documentation in print regarding her time in office. But don’t let that distract you from an unusual and interesting film. Plus, you certainly want to catch another world-class performance from, whom I consider, the greatest actress in film history.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you want to see an accurate and insightful personal look at a once powerful world leader who is stuggling with Dementia/Alzheimers and her place in history OR you want to see yet another stunning performance from the great Meryl Streep

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are looking for a documentary style historical biography on Margaret Thatcher

watch the trailer:

1 Comment | Drama | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson