BWW Reviews: MAMMA MIA! Is Back On The Las Vegas Strip

Mamma Mia! has become a staple of the musical theater stage. It ran at Mandalay Bay from February 2003 to January 2009, racking up more than 2,100 performances making it the longest-running West End show in Las Vegas. It is now the ninth longest-running show on Broadway. It has played around the world to millions of people.

Now back at the Tropicana Theatre - where they're selling tickets into 2015 - the show hasn't changed. It still serves as a catalog of ABBA's greatest hits. The story - 20 year-old Sophie is getting married at her Greek Island home and wants to know who her father is - is the same. The audience often sings along with the music and many of them leave the theater wearing huge smiles.

Unlike most entertainment in casinos here, this is not just 90 or so minutes long. This is the full show with a very skilled Equity cast, many of whom are new to the piece.

Christine Sherrill is the mother, Donna Sheridan. Daughter Sophie, the bride, is played by Kimbre Lancaster. Donna's friends and former singing group are Rosie (Mary Calllanan) and Tanya (Alison Ewing). The three potential fathers, whom Sophie has invited to the wedding, are Harry (Trey Ellett), Bill (Steve Judkins) and Sam (Sean Allan Krill). Sophie's groom s Sky (Jordan Bondurant)

Director - also the original director - Phyllida Lloyd has done a terrific job. She and choreographer Anthony Van Laast keep the action moving and the mood light as air.

That light tone is most fitting. The plot plays like a sitcom. But that doesn't really matter. The show is heaps of fun, from the 70s costumes to the music. You might not remember this confection for too long, but you'll have lots of fun when you're there. And that's what you'll probably remember. Remembering fun is not a bad thing at all, is it?

Mamma Mia! is at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Performances are Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. There is no performance on Friday. Prices range from $49 to $135 (VIP tables) plus taxes and fees. Visit www.troplv.com

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