Mamma Mia! is μεγαλοπρεπής (magnificent!)
A little Greek island has popped up in Melbourne’s beautiful old National Theatre.
As I arrive walking in behind two girls who had been turning heads walking down the footpath in full blue jumpsuits and white boots, many more were in the foyer dressed up Insta-ready for a night in the world of ABBA songs and a journey of love, laughter and finding out what’s really important about family.
I’ve seen Mamma Mia! 12 times and each time I love it more. Who doesn’t love ABBA? Well, if you don’t, don’t let it stop you from going because this musical offers surplus to ‘thank you for the music’.
The story in Mamma Mia! is super-charged with questions. ‘What would’ve happened if I’d done that?’ ‘What will happen if I do that now?’
This is where Mamma Mia! sits – a story centering around an important choice where villa owner Donna, played exceptionally well by Bek Chapman, chose to embark on a solo-parenting life. Her now 20 year old daughter Sophie, played beautifully by Belle Parkinson, is confused as to why she does not know her Dad and so invites three potential mentions in Donna’s old diary to her upcoming wedding at the villa, but without telling her mother she has done so. Donna and Sophie share many heartfelt moments and the fact they look similar make it more believable as mother and daughter co-stars. (I tried not to cry this time at ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ but did not succeed – likewise I have girls who wore pigtails)
Strong performances by Sophie’s three possible Dads, all played by accomplished thespians, Sam Anderson as Sam Carmichael, Shannon Foley as Harry Bright and Luke Stephens as Bill Austin, they all give each of their characters due seriousness and light-heartedness. When you have three leads like this with this type of experience you are going to get a WOW factor regardless; they bounce off each other like they’ve been performing the show for months already.
Adding to the males in this impressive cast is Jesse Vasiliadis as Sky (Sophie’s future husband). Jesse is a grad of WAAPA Fine Arts Acting, I particularly felt all his lines were so well delivered I could’ve been watching the movie in those parts, and in any of the more complex movements required about the stage at various times he was also nimble on his feet!
Sky’s buddies Pepper played by Abe Geyer and Eddie played by Deklan Haas were every bit the clowns, so funny!
As for Sophie’s supportive besties; Elena Atanasovski is fabulous as Ali, her training at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance definitely shows; and Ally Long as Lisa, a graduate from the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre – yes excellent! They both understudy main roles too so look out for these two.
There is some hard-hitting choreography in this rendition (by choreographer Adriana Pannuzzo). The energy of the cast is overall infectious and I loved how they added dancers on side to many songs. The ‘moving bed’ is a huge prop to work with and is shown off by brilliant co-ordination of lighting (Ian Scott). The choreography particularly in this scene, ‘Under Attack’, is absolutely well thought out as it’s difficult to make such a scene look seamless.
As is common in this musical, the audience went wild for all the boys in their flippers on stage with the character of Donna’s friend Tanya played by Sasha Hennequin teasingly singing ‘Does Your Mother Know’ and this is usually my favourite. It was fantastic as always and Sasha is superb as the foxy Tanya, however my smile muscles got another good workout watching the interactions of Donna’s other bestie Rosie played by Antoinette Davis with her very direct sex appeal toward the initially hesitant, but then enthusiastic Bill played by Luke Stephens – they were frick” hilarious!!! That ‘Take a Chance on Me’ scene stole ‘best in show’ for me this time around.
Within the ensemble I noticed constantly Patrick Friedlander shining and later learned with no surprise he is a WAAPA graduate and was chosen as the show’s Dance Captain. Another was Geelong’s Lily Mullen-Wood getting my attention, I flip through the program and yes no wonder, she’s currently training at Transit Dance with Andrew Hallsworth. Definitely two to watch in future amongst this whole group of top talents.
Finale was sparkly and spectacular with the biggest ABBA hits! ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Waterloo’ and naturally ‘Dancing Queen’ saw EVERYONE getting involved in the atmosphere, and I have to give credit to Karen Spencer for her outstanding use of having those quick change costumes!
I recommend you grab a bunch of friends (Abba loving or not), dress up (or at least wear something blue), and say I do I do I do want to go see Mamma Mia!
Congratulations to Director Pip Mushin and Musical Director Kent Ross working on this show with Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar and their entire production team, cast, crew and creatives.
CAST:
DONNA – Bek Chapman
SOPHIE – Belle Parkinson
SAM – Sam Anderson
HARRY – Shannon Foley
BILL – Luke Stephens
ROSIE – Antoinette Davis
TANYA – Sasha Hennequin
ALI – Elena Atanasovski
LISA – Ally Long
SKY – Jesse Vasiliadis
PEPPE – Abe Geyer
EDDIE – Deklan Haas
ENSEMBLE – Alessandra Negro, Angelo Vasilakakos, Darcy Ward, Gabrielle Ward, Isabella Gangi, Isabelle Pascua, Joey Phyland, Lauchie Mant, Lily Mullen-Wood, Matilda Simmons, Patrick Friedlander, Sophie Loughran, Steve Thomas.
To book tickets to Mamma Mia! The Musical, please visit https://agtheatre.com.au/mammamia/.
Photographer: Natalie Edge Photography
