Review: MAMMA MIA! at Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts

It's "Girls' Night Out" at Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts' electrifying production of "Mamma Mia!" The ABBA musical brings down the house and features an energetic gang of Long Island's finest actors including the amazing Michelle Rubino who steals the spotlight as bride to be Sophie.

"Mamma Mia" was and still is a megahit first seen on tour, then on Broadway, and ultimately in the movies. Musical and ABBA fans attended in droves to the wedding of youngsters Sophie and Sky where they played a game of "who's her daddy" along with the wild wedding guests. It seems Sophie's mother Donna was very popular back in the day and had multiple gentleman callers. Sophie invites three possible fathers to her wedding to not only give her away at the alter but to discover the woman she truly is inside.

Hell breaks loose when mama Donna figures out what's really going on and Christina D'Orta plays her perfectly. Ms. D'Orta innocently commands the stage and is a no nonsense woman despite her mysterious past. Donna's two best friends made it to Greece to celebrate the big day and we're so glad they did. The enchanting Stephanie Moreau as Tanya and wonderful Andrea Galeno as Rosie are the ultimate sidekicks. They both have major musical moments that stand out and shine.

Ms. Rubino has the voice of an angel and we wish the young bride to be only the best yet the girl power doesn't stop there! Sophie's besties, played by Samantha Rosario and Adriana M. Scheer, support their friend on her nuptials with lots of loving care and terrific performances just in time for the guys to show up. Paternal candidates Mark Cahill as Harry, Steve Corbellini as Sam, and Michael Bertolini as Bill are all splendid and keep us guessing who's who throughout the entire show.

What's a wedding without a bachelor party? Sky's circle of friends are on hand to give him one last hurrah and they are all simply irresistible. The swell male ensemble, especially the multitalented Robins Prophete, Jahlil M. Burke, and Alfonso Lora, dance up a torrential storm and give us everything they've got. The female dancers also seem to be having the time of their lives as well! One might get out of breath from just watching them shake, rattle and roll!

Finally, Sophie's groom to be is just sensational. The great Niko Touros is absolutely fabulous as Sky! As much as we support Sophie's self-searching and Donna's breakdown, we are on team Sky the whole way and certainly don't want his warm heart to be broken. Mr. Touros is a triple threat who deserves every ovation coming to him as he flies and glides through every lavish song and dance number with the widest of smiles.

As you're sitting there grinning from ear to ear during the ABBA extravaganza, so many questions need answering. Will Sophie find out who her father is? Will Donna rebound from her former suitors in time for the ceremony? What can possibly go wrong at a wedding in Greece? How outstanding is Mr. Touros? Can Ms. Moreau be any more talented? Check out Smithtown's "Mamma Mia" for all the answers, a slice of wedding cake and a marvelous night of theater!

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Directed by Tommy Ranieri, Choreographed by Danielle Nigro, Musical Director Melissa Coyle, Lighting Design Chris Creevy, Set Design Timothy Golbiewski, Costume Design Ronald Green III, Sound Design & Properties by Brianne Boyd, Set Construction by Russ Bakunus, Clark Serv., and Barteld Prod. and Stage Manager Christine Boehm.

Starring: Michael Bertolini as Bill, Mark Cahill as Harry, Steve Corbellini as Sam, Ryan Cavanagh as Pepper, Christina D'Orta as Donna, Andrea Galeno as Rosie, Jojo Minasi as Eddie, Robbins Prophete as Father Alexandrios, Samantha Rosario as Ali, Michelle Rubino as Sophie, Adriana M. Scheer as Lisa, Niko Touros as Sky. Dancers include: Courtney Braun, Jahill M. Burke, Alfonso Lora, Brooke Miranda, Ariana Morales, Julie Stewart, and Aidan Wheeler.

For more information and tickets please visit: Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts. www.smithtownpac.org or call 631-724-3700

On stage from March 24-April 29, 2018

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