By Jessica Kennedy.
My, my how can you resist it? Mamma Mia opened on the main stage at Theatre Three on Main Street in Port Jefferson this weekend. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel and playing through June 25th, this captivating tour de force is a celebration of love, forgiveness, and, of course, ABBA.
Lasting nearly 14 years on Broadway and still running in London since its premiere in 1999, Mamma Mia is easily the most successful jukebox musical in history. It tells the story of a 20 year old bride-to-be who invites three men from her enigmatic mother’s past to her wedding in order to discover which one of them is the father she’s been waiting to walk her down the aisle. What ensues is a charmingly campy story of love, heartbreak, and reunion. Set to some of ABBA’s most beloved songs, it’s hard to believe that they weren’t written for the show at all. “Take a Chance on Me,” for example, was first released in 1977, over 20 years before the musical premiered.
The cast of this show was delightful to watch. Cassidy Rose O’Brien brings a sweetness to the role of Sophie, playing her with a naïveté that is charming and endearing. The potential fathers Harry (Andrew Boza), Bill (Dennis Setteducati), and Sam (Steve Corbellini) are fluid in their awkward vying for paternal dispensation, yet each character feels distinct and unfeigned. Lori Beth Belkin and Stephanie Moreau add levity as Rosie and Tanya; their vocals are impressive throughout, but especially in their solo songs, “Take a Chance on Me” and “Does Your Mother Know?” My favorite moments, however, were undoubtedly featuring Christina Muens as Donna with her renditions of “Mamma Mia” and “The Winner Takes it All.” Muens’ portrayal of Donna is more serious than I’ve seen, yet she delivers a performance which cements this show as an unabashed celebration of women of all ages learning when to love and when to let go.
Whether you go for the songs or for the sap, you will love Theatre Three’s version of this heartwarming show!
Running time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Mamma Mia is playing at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson until June 25th. For directions, tickets and current entrance requirements click here: http://www.theatrethree.com