Review: MAMMA MIA! THE MUSICAL at Adelaide Festival Theatre

Reviewed by Pam Watts, Thursday 11th October 2018.

This production of Mamma Mia! The Musical, presented by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers, and Linda Bewick, is proudly an Australian production with new staging. Suitable for every age, this is an evening of music, song, laughter, and sheer fun.

Of course, the major drawcard is to chance to relive the fabulous ABBA songs of Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus and, indeed, that is the real heartbeat of this production. The songs and words are entwined in the story, based on Catherine Johnson's book. The story is set on a Greek island as a young bride invites three of her mother's past lovers to her wedding in order to find her true father.

Director, Gary Young, and his team, have created a dynamic production, with outstanding choreography and spectacular theatrical effects. The cast of talented performers offers a vibrant, utterly engaging evening for the audience.

Natalie O'Donnel, as Donna, provided the key emotional journey throughout this performance as a caring mother to Sophie. Vocally superb, and emotionally powerful, especially in The Winner Takes it All, Sarah Morrison plays the sweet daughter, Sophie, who carries her songs with vocal confidence and sincerity, creating a convincing relationship with O'Donnell. The wedding dress scene, with Slipping Through My Fingers, is beautifully performed and very emotionally touching. Alicia Gardiner uses her understanding of comedy as Rosie in Take a Chance on Me, with Phillip Lowe, who plays a very British Harry. Jayde Westaby is superb as the glamorous divorcée, Tanya. With her cougar moves, she brings a sharp comedy to every scene. Her dance moves, as well as her vocal skills, create a memorable performance in Does Your Mother Know?, with the excellent Sam Hopper, Pepper, who is literally eye-catching with his performance throughout. Ian Stenlake plays Sam Carmichael with a charismatic voice, and Josef Ber creates a hilarious character in Bill Austin. Stephen Mahy develops a young groom's expression of love through his warm vocal abilities.

Linda Bewick has created the set with a multi-use, two-story, Greek island villa with a traditional rock wall and suggested pier, enhanced with a water projected pattern. The actual set is simplistic but very flexible and, no doubt, adaptable for touring, but appears a little too clean and cartooned.

Suzy Strout's costumes are a mixed bag of eras, but bright and comedic. The traditional performance character costumes are spectacular and give the production the homage to ABBA and their music.

Lighting designer, Gavan Swift, has been able to create some spectacular lighting, working with both the set and dynamic special effects for the auditorium. Enhancing the mood and creating memorable projected images, Swift has been able to provide a very creative edge to this production.

There are a few shortcomings with this sound design, by Michael Waters. The live music assists the singers but, at times, the sound feels a little overproduced and spontaneity becomes lost.

The show ends on a tribute finale, urging everyone to get on their feet and dance to popular tunes, including the must-have, Dancing Queen. It is impossible not to be engaged with this performance and, importantly, it uplifts our spirits. Grab a ticket, some friends, and join in the dance to promote a fun curtain call that rounds off a most enjoyable evening.