With a book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is a musical featuring the songs by Swedish pop group ABBA, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The musical debuted in London in 1999, then Broadway in 2001. Mamma Mia! has become the longest running jukebox musical in Broadway history. It has played in more than 60 countries across 6 continents, premiering in more cities faster than any other musical. It premiered in Australia at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in 2001, and has enjoyed several return seasons.
AG Theatre’s Production of Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre is a high energy, feel good show with an incredibly talented cast. Utilising the sets and costumes from CLOC’s production of Mamma Mia!, this version features some unique variations to the original professional production (sorry, no spoilers). The quality of the set is aided by an excellent lighting design by Ian Scott. Costume design is by Karen Spencer.
Where AGTheatre has truly excelled is in the casting choices.
Bek Chapman is outstanding as Donna Sheridan, bringing considerable emotional depth and warmth to her character. ABBA songs are more challenging than they may seem, and Chapman masterfully delivers.
Belle Parkinson is a revelation as Sophie, the young bride determined to have her father walk her down the aisle if she can figure out which of three possible men is her father. Parkinson delivers a mesmorising performance. Her angelic voice is stunning, and she captures every moment of Sophie’s emotional rollercoaster ride perfectly.
Sam Anderson, Shannon Foley and Luke Stephens are all perfectly cast as Sophie’s potential fathers: Sam, Harry and Bill. All three actors deliver brilliant and heartfelt performances, and their extensive experience shines through.
Antoinette Davis and Sasha Hennequin are wonderful as Donna’s friends Rosie and Tanya, bringing plenty of humour and frivolity.
Jesse Vasiliadis is charming as Skye, while Elena Atanasovski, Ally Long, Abe Geyer and Deklan Haas round out the strong supporting cast.
ABBA’s well loved hits are performed beautifully by a talented eight piece band under the musical direction of Kent Ross.
The choreography by Adriana Pannuzzo is high intensity and high energy. The slick routines are executed with crisp precision by the entire ensemble.
Director Pip Mushin has delivered, in the most-part, a crowd-pleasing, high quality production. There were a few directorial choices I questioned. The decision to add some extra elements to certain scenes distracted from the powerful moments in the story, rather than enhancing it. Adding smiling, loved-up couples to Knowing Me, Knowing You whilst serving as a contrast to the turmoil between Donna and Sam, the couples distracted from the moment. This occurred again with Donna’s flashback moment in Slipping Through My Fingers. Instead of helping her daughter get ready for the wedding, Donna has her back to Sophie as the audience is watching a flashback of her younger days. As a mother, it’s a moment in the show that always makes me cry – except in this production. The Winner Takes It All (perhaps the greatest ABBA song ever written) is usually presented as a gut-wrenching power ballad by Donna. Bek Chapman’s performance was outstanding – and she sang her heart out. But the addition of a few smiling ensemble members as a Greek chorus took away from this powerful moment. By the end of the number, the whole cast have joined in the scene, diminishing the feeling of loss and loneliness. For anyone watching Mamma Mia! for the first time, I’m sure they enjoyed it without question, but after seeing every Australian professional production (and even a German language production in Berlin), these alterations reduced the emotional impact of the songs.
Sets are moved on and off efficiently, without disruption to the flow of the story. There were a few sound and technical issues on opening night but these will no doubt have already been corrected.
AGTheatre has delivered possibly their best production yet, providing a platform for both experienced and emerging performers to showcase their skills.
Mamma Mia! is now playing at the National Theatre in St Kilda. For more information: https://agtheatre.com.au/mammamia/
