Review: MAMMA MIA!, Ensemble Arts Philly - North American Tour
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Mamma Mia! is one of the most beloved musicals of all time with millions of fans worldwide. The audience was buzzing with excitement as they queued outside waiting to get in. Although it is the last show of the 23-24 Broadway season at Ensemble Arts in Philadelphia, it has been one of the best-selling shows of the season. Whole families showed up in outfits ranging from beach chic, Greek inspired blues or 70’s bellbottoms and platforms. The audience burst spontaneously into ABBA songs multiple times before the show even started!
Besties, this is one of the most entertaining shows that we have seen in a long time. There are over ABBA 20 songs sprinkled through two acts. The spectacular choreography by Anthony Van Laast brings hilarious dance moves with wet suits, fluid movements in the ballads and risqué movements in songs such as ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ and ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’. It makes for a frolicking good time!
This tour has amazing performances from the entire cast, and some very thrilling surprises for those who have seen the movie but not the musical. We enjoyed several understudies including Louis Griffin as Sky, Gabe Amato as Eddie, Danny Lopez- Alicea as Father Alexandrios, Makoa and Danny Lopez- Alicea (again) in the ensemble. The main cast are outstanding with powerful voices and boisterous dance moves, and they deserve the multiple standing ovations they received. The audience erupted into a frenzy during the encore, and the enthusiasm ignited the whole theatre. Thank you to Christine Sherrill as Donna, Alisa Melendez as Sophie, Carly Sakolove as Rosie, Jalynn Stelle as Tanya, Rob Marnell as Sam, Jim Newman as Bill and Jim Newman as Harry. They are simply phenomenal.
Mamma Mia! is a musical that you must experience live to feel the thrill of the audience as they sing, dance, and fall in love with the characters across 2 hours and 35 minutes.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers
Mamma Mia! plays at Ensemble Arts Philly until 11 August before continuing its US tour. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.