The 25th anniversary tour of MAMMA MIA! returns to Kansas City tonight at the Music Hall through March 10 with catchy tunes, incredible vocal performance, and high energy choreography. With ABBA’s timeless tunes and heartwarming storyline, it is not a surprise that 65 million people have enjoyed the production since its opening in 2001.
The absurd and comic plot line of MAMMA MIA! centers around the wedding of Sophie and Sky. Sophie, who lives with her mom on a Greek island, begins a journey after reading her mother’s diary, to find her father. Sophie decides to send wedding invitations to three men, Sam, Harry, and Bill, without Donna’s, her mother’s knowledge. Sophie tries to figure out which of the three men is her father after they arrive to walk her down the aisle. Donna is preparing for the wedding, running a hotel, and emotionally facing three men from her past. Her former bandmates and best friends, Rosie and Tanya, are on the island to support her through the wedding.
All the drama is set to ABBA’s playlist. You will sing along to “The Winner Takes It All,” “Dancing Queen, ”I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” “Waterloo,” “S.O.S.” and others. The cast recording of MAMMA MIA! is a great playlist for the long drives this summer! I still get teary when listening to “Slipping Through My Fingers.”
The tour includes a cast full of standout performances. Sophie is played by Alisa Melendez and Donna is played by Christine Sherrill. Donna’s bandmates are Jalynn Steele as Tanya, and Carly Sakolove as Rosie. Each brings charisma to their role. Christine Sherrill has powerhouse vocals that ensure a standing ovation throughout the musical. The three possible fathers are: Victor Wallace as Sam, Rob Marnell as Harry, and Jim Newman as Bill and were equally impressive.
MAMMA MIA is electrifying and heartwarming. With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch. MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal. It is an ultimate feel-good show.
Performance after performance ends with the audience on their feet, clapping, wanting more! Be ready to become a “dancing queen.”
Tuesday, March 5, 2024: 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7, 2024: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 8, 2024: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 9, 2024: 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 9, 2024: 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 10, 2024: 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 10, 2024: 6:30 p.m.
–Anita Widaman
