Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and songs by Stig Anderson
Book by Catherine Johnson
Directed by Garry Young – Choreographed by Tom Hodgson – Musical Supervision by Stephen Amos – Set Design by Linda Bewick – Costume design by Suzy Strout – Lighting Design by Gavan Swift – Sound Design by Michael Waters
Canberra Theatre, 30th November - 17th December 2017
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
Mamma Mia! How
Can I forget You? It seemed like all
Canberra was in party mode for the opening of t he Australian season of this brand
new production of “Mamma Mia”, and it
wasn’t disappointed. In an unusual move, Producers Louise, Michael Coppel and
Linda Bewick, decided to launch this new production in Canberra, prior to its
National tour, and already the Canberra season is nearly sold out.
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| Alicia Gardiner ((Rosie) - Natalie O'Donnell (Donna) - Jayde Westaby (Tanya) in 'MAMMA MIA ! |
With fresh
new set and costume designs, a good-looking, energetic cast, with Natalie
O’Donnell, who played the bride-to-be Sophie in the original Australian
production, now playing Sophie’s mother, Donna, “Mamma Mia” returns to the
stage in a beautifully conceived production guaranteed to enchant a whole new
generation who only know the show from the film.
One of the
first Juke Box musicals, “Mamma Mia”, remains remarkable for the way familiar ABBA
songs are seamlessly integrated into the storyline of a young bride-to- be,
Sophie, who decides to invite three of her mother’s old flames to her wedding,
in an effort to discover the identity of her father. These songs have been
given fresh new arrangements by Stephen Amos, with overtures and entr’actes
which literally lift you out of your seat.
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| An exuberant ensemble moment in "Mamma Mia !" |
Director
Gary Young has tweaked the show slightly to give it an Australian flavour, and
included some contemporary references. We now have Chris from Queanbeyan, and
Bill from Batlow among the characters. He keeps a clear focus on each of the
characters and how they fit into the story, and though the audience know every
line of the ABBA songs, the way those lyrics fit so seamlessly into the
storyline still surprises and charms, and the story feels even more captivating
in Linda Bewick’s postcard pretty blue and white Greek taverna setting, and
Suzy Strout’s supremely wearable and elegant costumes.
Sarah
Morrison is a delightfully fresh young Sophie Sheridan, and her scenes with her
mother, Donna, (Natalie O’Donnell), are affectingly played by both actors,
especially the scene where Donna dresses Sophie for her wedding.
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| Sarah Morrison (Sophie) -Stephen May (Sky) in "MAMMA MIA !" |
O’Donnell
invests her character, single mum, Donna, with grit, determination, occasional
exasperation, and disarming sexiness, while Jade Westaby and Alicia Gardiner
both give scene-stealing performances as Donna’s gal-pals, Tanya and Rosie.
The male
roles are less showy, but Ian Stenlake as the suave and charming Sam, Phillip
Lowe as the lovable eccentric Harry, and Josef Ber as the confused travel
writer, Bill, succeed in convincing the audience of the difficulty of Donna’s
predicament, and thankfully, all sing superbly.
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| Phillip Lowe (Harry) - Ian Stenlake (Sam) - Josef Ber (Bill) in "Mamma Mia !" |
Stephen Mahy
as Sophie’s fiancé, Sky, and Sam Hooper and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as his mates,
Pepper and Eddie, and Monique Salle’ and Jessica Di Costa as Sophie’s friends,
Ali and Lisa, all offer strongly etched characterisations, as well as dance up
a storm in the ensemble numbers for which Tom Hodgson has devised some
sensational choreography with plenty of cheeky dance moves to snaffle for your
next party.
But why wait
for a party? “Mamma Mia” is a party. A
party which received a rapturous reception at its Australian premiere. Don’t
miss out.
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| Alicia Gardiner (Rosie)- Natalie O"Donnell (Donna) - Jayde Westaby (Tanya) and Ensemble |
Melbourne from July 2018 - Adelaide from October, 2018.
Photos: James Morgan and Brew Bevan
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 1st December 2017