MAMMA MIA Review
Maddie McGillicuddy
31 October 2014
Inart 005
Taking my seat in the balcony of the Eisenhower Auditorium on October 23rd, I instantly felt anxious in anticipation as I gazed at the blue-green wave backdrop and listened to the score play as the lights dimmed. Over the next two hours, I had the privilege of viewing countless singing, dancing and well-acted scenes put on by such a talented cast. Simply put, MAMMA MIA! Was spectacular. It is no surprise this show is so renowned, they truly have well earned their good reputation. Something that made MAMMA MIA! Stand out was the fact that its plot had some serious substance. While many musicals are either strictly dramatic or overly fluffy, this play contained the perfect amount of fun and serious undertones. The main plot of having the leading character, Sophie played by Chelsea Williams, try to identify her birth father before she gets married came off more realistic than other musicals, such as the Phantom of the Opera’s elaborate storyline. The common experiences of single parenthood, romantic relationships, friendships and heartbreak being present made it incredibly easy for audience members to relate to something being portrayed on the stage. Another characteristic of this musical that kept me on the edge of my seat was the wonderful music both Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus created. With hit ABBA pop songs including “Dancing Queen,” the audience could not help but be 100 percent involved and hooked on each and every song sang. Swaying to the beat and clapping was only a couple of things I could not resist doing as I sang along to the catchy melodies. Paired with the impeccable dancing of the cast members, the show quickly went from ordinary to extraordinary. With in sync group choreography as well as some goofy moves done by performers to get a laugh, it was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Thirdly, the set used to put on this production was simple yet effective. By having simple props such as two small
31 October 2014
Inart 005
Taking my seat in the balcony of the Eisenhower Auditorium on October 23rd, I instantly felt anxious in anticipation as I gazed at the blue-green wave backdrop and listened to the score play as the lights dimmed. Over the next two hours, I had the privilege of viewing countless singing, dancing and well-acted scenes put on by such a talented cast. Simply put, MAMMA MIA! Was spectacular. It is no surprise this show is so renowned, they truly have well earned their good reputation. Something that made MAMMA MIA! Stand out was the fact that its plot had some serious substance. While many musicals are either strictly dramatic or overly fluffy, this play contained the perfect amount of fun and serious undertones. The main plot of having the leading character, Sophie played by Chelsea Williams, try to identify her birth father before she gets married came off more realistic than other musicals, such as the Phantom of the Opera’s elaborate storyline. The common experiences of single parenthood, romantic relationships, friendships and heartbreak being present made it incredibly easy for audience members to relate to something being portrayed on the stage. Another characteristic of this musical that kept me on the edge of my seat was the wonderful music both Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus created. With hit ABBA pop songs including “Dancing Queen,” the audience could not help but be 100 percent involved and hooked on each and every song sang. Swaying to the beat and clapping was only a couple of things I could not resist doing as I sang along to the catchy melodies. Paired with the impeccable dancing of the cast members, the show quickly went from ordinary to extraordinary. With in sync group choreography as well as some goofy moves done by performers to get a laugh, it was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Thirdly, the set used to put on this production was simple yet effective. By having simple props such as two small