Review: BroadHollow's MAMMA MIA!

The latest offering from Long Island's BroadHollow Theatre Company is a delightful production of the worldwide blockbuster hit Mamma Mia! kicking off a sure to be dazzling Fall/Winter season. Running through October 21st at East Islip's BayWay Theatre, this incarnation is excellently directed by Jason P. Allyn. Indeed, this uplifting show, set to the fun music of ABBA, will leave you smiling and humming the score for days.

The story centers on Sophie and her mother Donna as they prepare for Sophie's wedding at the hotel that Donna owns on a Greek island. Twenty year old Sophie has never met her father, but found out it could be one of three men when she snuck a read of her mother's private journal. Sophie then, unbeknownst to Donna, invites the men to her wedding and laughter and twists ensue.

Immediately you can see that the talented and energetic cast is having a great time in this production.

Olivia Diaz is adorable as Sophie. An outstanding voice and a youthful quality make her a natural for the role. Donna is effortlessly and beautifully portrayed by Long Island theatre vet Kim Dufrenoy. Indeed an audience favorite is Ms. Dufrenoy's lead on the iconic title song and a heart tugging rendition of "The Winner Takes It All". Also a treat is Chris Dufrenoy, who strongly portrays Sam, one of the men believed to be Sophie's father. It is especially entertaining to see Mr. Dufreoy share the stage with Robert O'Neill (Executive Artistic Director of the venue) and Eric Rectanus portraying Harry and Bill, respectively (the other men believed to be Sophie's father). They appear like old buddies rather than strangers.

The entire cast is truly top-notch as is Mr. Allyn's creative team.

Robert Butterley's set is smart and effective. A bi-level stage and movable pieces make for (mostly) seamless scene changes. This is enhanced stunningly by Hemraj Budhram's lighting and Joseph Kassner's lovely costumes. In truth, the whole production is really visually stunning.

And so, Mamma Mia! is certainly another hit for The BroadHollow Theatre Company. This incarnation will continue, with perhaps a slightly different cast, to their Elmont location beginning October 27th. A stellar cast and fun music make for a thrilling night of theatre.

Mamma Mia! is presented by The BroadHollow Theatre Company. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.

Score by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), Book by Catherine Johnson, Originally conceived by Judy Cramer, Additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch, Directed by Jason P. Allyn, Technical Director/Set Design by Robert Butterley, Stage Management by Matt Mendoza, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Costume Design by Joseph Kassner, Choreography by Rochelle Martin, Musical Direction by Kailey Dowd

Starring Louisa Bikowski, Olivia Diaz, Vincent Donnadio, Tamaralynn Dorsa, Chris Dufrenoy, Kim Dufrenoy, Sharayah Elizabeth, Shannon Formas, Kristen Keller, John Mazzarella, Chrissy Menfi, Diamond Moore, Sam Murdock, Robert O'Neill, Eric Rectanus, Evan Roth, Faith Schlichting, Terrence Sheldon, Robert Sock, Andrew Timmins, and Johnny Wimbush