The perennially favorite musical, Mamma Mia! is back in Detroit for its sixth time with performances
this week at the Fisher Theatre for one more go round. The feel-good musical
based on the music of ABBA, has been performed over 4,000 times since debuting
in 2001. Mamma Mia! has been viewed
by over 50 million people internationally and its film adaptation was the most
successful movie musical of all time.
The electrifying show follows a soon to be bride, Sophie, on
the search to find her father before her wedding day. She retraces the diary of
her mother and comes to the conclusion that her potential father could be three
possible men. Without informing her
mother, she invites all three fathers to the Greek island where her wedding
is taking place. Hilarity ensues throughout the show with all three potential
fathers meeting each other, Sophie, and getting reacquainted with Sophie’s
mother, Donna, after 20 years.
Mamma Mia! cleverly
places the music of ABBA to fit the unfolding storyline. ABBA's hits “Money,
Money, Money”, “Dancing Queen”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, “S.O.S.” and “The Winner
Takes All” highlight the fast-paced story-line. The musical takes place somewhere
around the year 2000, but utilizes many of the ABBA hits of the 1970’s.
The show features a very well put together ensemble cast,
including Sophie’s mother, Donna, played by the amazing Georgia Kate Haege, and Sophie,
played by Chelsea Williams. Sophie’s two aunts and three potential fathers
provide a healthy dose of comedy and excitement throughout the musical. Another stand out from
the cast was Don Winsor, who played one of Sophie’s potential fathers, Sam
Carmichael. Windsor has also played the Beast in Disneys Beauty and the Beast,
Billy Flynn in Chicago and Javert in Les Miserables.
It’s nearly impossible to walk out of a performance of Mamma Mia! without a smile on your
face. Mamma Mia! is playing at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre through Sunday
evening, November 10. Ticket prices
range from $30-$76.
Be sure to visit the Fisher Theatre's bar and tip the staff generously!
