Theater Review | ‘Mamma Mia!’

Prior to attending Tuesday night’s rendition of Mamma Mia! at Connor Palace Theatre in Cleveland’s prized Playhouse Square complex, my only knowledge of the jukebox musical was acquired through cultural osmosis. I have scattered references, like on the NBC show 30 Rock. I’d heard about the ABBA songs. I’d heard Meryl Streep starred in the 2008 film production of the musical. That’s it. That’s where my knowledge of the cuts out!

Somehow over the 14-year Broadway run that ended in 2013 (making it the ninth longest run in Broadway history), the movie release, and the sequel to the movie, the show has managed to avoid me. I had very little knowledge of the plot (something about finding a dad from multiple possibilities?) But, after seeing the show, I now know none of that mattered. The cast and the songs had me enraptured.

Before curtain, an announcement came over the PA system warning attendees that the show contained white spandex and thigh-high boots, giving the crowd got a good chuckle. That comical announcement set the tone for the entire evening.

A heartwarming tale of love, self-discovery, and family, the show opens with 20-year-old Sophie (Alisa Melendez) mailing letters while singing, “I Have a Dream.” Melendez had to carry quite a bit with that opening number, with just her and the show’s simple set, but she nailed it from the first scene and continued to amaze the entire show.

We later find out that Sophie is getting married and desperately wants to discover who her father is, so she can have someone walk her down the aisle at her wedding. The only problem? The summer before Sophie was born, 1979 (or “olden times” as Sophie and her two friends refer to it), happens to be when her mother, Donna had flings with three men, according to her diary. Sophie sends invitations to all three men, behind her mother’s back, to get them to come to her wedding and somehow determine who the correct man is. (A cameo from Maury Povich would have served the show well!) Her plan to figure out who it is? She’ll know him when she sees him!

The adventure then ensues of course, to the soundtrack of ABBA songs.

All three men show up at the small Greek island where Donna runs a struggling hotel. As you can imagine, things do not go well, but the ensuing chaos makes for great entertainment. Because the show was fast-paced and shifted from outside the hotel to inside the rooms very quickly, the set design was minimal. It was a smart choice that allowed the cast and the songs to really shine and move between scenes effectively.

The two lead female actors playing mother and daughter were equally talented. Donna, played by a charismatic and vocally powerful Christine Sherrill, delivered a performance that struck a balance between strength and vulnerability.

A clear fan favorite, from the literal moment she stepped on stage people were clapping for her. Now, to compare anyone to Meryl Streep, one of the greatest actresses alive, is just unfair (I’ve since seen the movie). Sherrill was not doing a Meryl Streep impression. She brought her own balance of charisma and sincerity the roll that set her apart and made that character her own.

Donna’s friends, the down-to-earth Rosie and the high-maintenance Tanya, played perfectly by Carly Sakolove and Jalynn Steele, respectively, worked as the comic relief. The chemistry among the cast members, particularly the trio of Donna and her lifelong friends, added depth to the storyline and provided moments of genuine connection.

Her two bandmates had no trouble keeping up. One highlight of the trio happens after Donna finds out that all three men are on the island, staying at her resort. Rosie and Tanya attempt to cheer her up. They find a box of their old outfits from their disco days, the aforementioned spandex and boots, and reprise their roles as their musical group Donna and the Dynamos, to the song “Super Trouper.” Maybe not quite as in shape as they once were (something many of us can relate to), but they still take the stage donning their old outfits and have just as much fun. (Maybe more!)

And, you could tell that the performers were having a blast in their roles, which only added to the enjoyment.
The three potential fathers all have personalities that bring something unique to the table. Harry Bright (Rob Marnell) is a stuffy British banker. In his younger days, he was known as Harry Headbanger. Next, Bill Austin (Jim Newman) is an adventurous traveler writer. Last, Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace) is the returning love. It’s Sam who had real feelings for Donna in the first place, but the circumstances didn’t work out then. Ultimately the story is about Donna and Sophie, with the dads acting as the backdrop and a catalyst for Sophie and Donna to discover more about themselves and for both to grow up. Even so, all three men were a delight. Funny when they needed to be and sincere when it the scene called for it.

I would be remiss not to compliment the ensemble. They performed one of the most impressive dance numbers of the entire night as a choreographed chorus line to the song “Lay All Your Love On Me,” while wearing wet suits and high kicking in flippers!

By the time the wedding rolls around, all three dads have figured out why they’re on the island. And, although we ultimately never find out who the actual father is by the end, that’s not the point. The ultimate message is about searching for something one want versus finding something (or someone) one needs. That seems to happen by the end of the story, when Sophie decides to not get married, but Donna ends up marrying Sam.

As I left the theater, I spoke with a woman who had seen Mamma Mia! four times. “They were all good,” she said, “but this one was the best!” I was inclined to believe her, as the packed house was literally on their feet by the end medley, which included two wardrobe changes and at least three songs. (This was after the show was over!) I’ve since learned this is a well-established element of the show, but it was a nice surprise for this first-time viewer. The show is worth it for the soundtrack alone, but the cast elevated it to something special.