Mamma Mia! 'The Winner Takes it All '

  Just the Facts:

* Seen by over 30 million people around the world, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' global smash hit musical Mamma Mia! is celebrating six sold-out years at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway, and is currRently playing record-breaking engagements in Las Vegas and on National Tour in the United States. The original West End production has played more than 3,500 performances, an international tour has played in more than 30 foreign cities, and the feature film of Mamma Mia!, produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, will be released on July 18, 2008.
*  Mamma Mia! has already grossed over $2 Billion dollars at the Box Office. (as of June 6,2008)
* Mamma Mia has premiered in more cities worldwide faster than any other musical in history.

 What is it about this musical that has captured so much attention? Is it the story?…Well, it is not exactly a compelling drama.

An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends—practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. However, Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own.

On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities.

In a past interview with Dee Hoty, a former "Donna" in the Broadway production, Dee shares, "Hey, it's not Les Miz, but it sure is a lot of fun and fluff. So sit back and enjoy".  So, enjoy is obviously what the whole world is doing!

The newly released film based on the successful musical starring Meryll Streep has been following the maddening path of success breaking box office records worldwide as well.

The curRent touring production of the musical Mamma Mia stars Susie McMonagle as Donna Sheridan, (mother),  Rose Seznak as Sophia Sheridan (daughter), Michelle Elizabeth Dawson as Tanya, and  Kittra Wynn Coomer as Rose (Donna's girlfriends/Dynamos). The principal gentlemen are Geoffrey Hemmingway as Sky (Sophie's intended husband), Michael Aaron Lindner as Harry Bright, Martin Kildare as Bill Austin and John Hemphill as Sam Carmichael (potential fathers of the bride).

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," Mamma Mia! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. In all there are 22 ABBA songs all performed to near perfection by this talented cast.  McMonagle's Donna is passionate, heartfelt and vulnerable. Her versions of "The Winner Takes It All" and " Slipping Through My Fingers" are both well delivered.  She is complimented by all the playful fathers but Lindner's Harry captures her heart and the crowd.

Donna and her zany Dynamos are pure fun for all as they take over the stage with great comedic talent.  Tara Ruben's casting has proven to be golden with this amazing troupe of high-energy actors. The entire company is exuberant.  The much anticipated finale clinches the show and that's "The Name of the Game".

This is Mamma Mia's unparalleled third time around in the Philly area in less that three years and judging by the crowd's reaction  won't be the last.

Mamma Mia! played at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, PA  on July 15-27.

 For more information about Mamma Mia around the world visit: www.mamma-mia.com

For more information about The Academy of Music's curRent_6862">Rent productions and upcoming 2009 season visit: www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway

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