BWW Preview: MAMMA MIA! Comes to the Music Hall in Kansas City

The enchanting tale of love, friendship, and the quest to discover the identity of her father comes to the Music Hall in Kansas City when Mamma Mia! takes the stage. Based on the songs of ABBA and written by Catherine Johnson the musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2001, received five Tony Award nominations, two Drama Desk Award nominations, and won the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Stage Performance.

The title of the feel-good show derived from the 1975 chart-topper, "Mamma Mia" by ABBA. Former members of ABBA Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus composed the music and were involved in the development of the show. Anderson, Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson wrote lyrics.

On a Greek isle Mamma Mia! is the tale of Sophie a bride-to-be who reads her mother's (Donna) diary and discovers three old lovers, one of which she believes to be her father. She invites the three to the wedding, not telling her mother of their impending arrival. Tanya and Rosie, old friends who with her made up the girl group "Donna and the Dynamos," join Donna on the island. Her mother, who prides herself in getting through life without the need of a man, is taken back by their arrival, which causes conflict between her and Sophie threatening the pending nuptials.

Phyllida Lloyd directs Mamma Mia! starring Chelsea Williams as Sophie, Georgia Kate Haege as Donna, Jeff Drushal as Sam Carmichael, Michael Colavolpe as Bill Austin, Mark A. Harmon as Harry Bright, Gabrielle Mirabella as Tanya, Sarah Smith as Rosie, and Eric Presnall as Sky the fiancé. Anthony Van Laast, MBE provides the choreography, with musical direction by Kevin Casey.

Mamma Mia! is a special engagement presented by Broadway Across America as part of the Kansas City Broadway Series and runs at the Music Hall October 7 through October 12. Purchase tickets at the Kansas City Theater League website. Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Theater League.