Mamma Mia! – Gateway Playhouse

By Kristen Weyer.

Mamma Mia, here they go again! Gateway Playhouse has opened another success with the hit show Mamma Mia!   This fun and energetic musical, with book by Catherine Johnson, is written around the music of Swedish band ABBA.  With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and occasionally Stig Anderson, this show features such classic hits as “Super Trouper”, “I Have a Dream”, and naturally “Mamma Mia”, among many others.  Directed by Larry Raben, with wonderful choreography by Richard Hinds, Mamma Mia! is a delightful must-see!

This romantic comedy of errors takes place on an idyllic island in Greece.  Sophie (Briana Rapa) desperately wants her father to walk her down the aisle at her wedding.  The problem?  She doesn’t know who he is, and neither does her single mother Donna (Joan Hess). When Sophie secretly reads her mom’s old diary and learns she has three potential fathers, she surreptitiously invites all three men to her wedding, hoping to discover which one of them is her dad.  Is it charming architect Sam (Patrick Cassidy)?  Perhaps its author/adventurer Bill (Fred Inkley)?  Or maybe even proper London banker Harry (David Engel)?  When Donna discovers her ex-lovers’ arrival on the eve of her daughter’s nuptials, well…there is nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy as upheaval and hilarity ensue.

The cast of this production is amazing.  Rapa’s lovely voice and adorable energy were the perfect compliments to her character, with the added bonus of believable chemistry between her and Mike Heslin as Sky.  Their duet of “Lay All Your Love on Me” was beautifully harmonized.

Hess and Cassidy play off of one another extremely well.  Whether in comedic or dramatic scenes, they portray their characters with convincing ease and aplomb, boasting strong vocals and authentic emotion. Cassidy’s solo “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is a brilliantly executed insight into Sam’s character, and Hess’ “The Winner Takes It All” may very well leave you breathless.

Inkley and Engel are marvelous as Bill and Harry, with wonderful voices and excellent comedic timing.  Inkley’s facial expressions, and Engel’s dapper charm will leave you smiling long after it is over.

Donna’s best friends are flawlessly played by Angie Schworer as Tanya, and Kate Chapman as Rosie.  Schworer shines in her number “Does Your Mother Know”, and Chapman’s delivery of “Take a Chance on Me” is hysterical.

The set by designer Adam Koch was perfection.  Its rotating circular boardwalk seamlessly transported both actors and audience throughout the show.  The floating structural architecture added both height and depth to the set, and its complete concealment when not in use sold the believability of varying locations.  It was also enhanced by excellent lighting effects from designer Doug Harry.  The classic and fun score was magnificently performed by the entire orchestra under direction from Keith Levenson.  Get ready for a prodigiously entertaining evening with toe-tapping music and plenty of fun, go see Mamma Mia!

Running Time: Approximately 2 ½ hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Mamma Mia! is playing at The Gateway Playhouse at The Patchogue Theater until August 5, 2017.  The theater is located at 71 E. Main St. Patchogue, NY.  For tickets call the box office at (631) 286-1133 or click here.