Stage Door News
Stage Door News
CAMBRIDGE – Get ready to say “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do!” Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of Swedish super-group ABBA bursts onto the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge stage as a vivacious musical comedy about mothers, daughters, old friends, and new family.
It is a tremendous coup for Drayton Entertainment, as the award-winning theatre organization has scored the Canadian regional premiere, following the production’s epic 14-year run on Broadway. Mamma Mia! runs for seven weeks, through May 7, before transferring to the Drayton Festival Theatre where it will play for an additional three weeks, May 12 to May 28.
“Mamma Mia! is packed with unbridled energy and enthusiasm and we are thrilled to finally share our version of this iconic musical with audiences in Cambridge,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Its light-hearted spirit and unforgettable soundtrack make Mamma Mia! a joy to watch – you can’t help but sing along and get caught up in the fun.”
Mamma Mia! tells the story of Donna, an independent, single mother who is about to give away Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone on an idyllic Greek island. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two best girlfriends to celebrate the occasion, but Sophie has secretly invited guests of her own – three men from Donna’s past … in the hopes that one of them will be the father she’s never known. Over 24 chaotic hours, new love blooms and old romances are rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities.
Blythe Wilson is the unquestionable star of the show as Donna, the former lead singer of a ’70s girl group and free spirit who now runs a tourist villa on the island. Wilson, who has graced multiple Broadway stages, delivers a powerhouse performance displaying her stellar voice in lively numbers like “Money, Money Money,” sentimental songs like “Slipping Through My Fingers” and especially in her dramatic rendition of “The Winner Takes It All.”
Danielle Wade is both winsome and strong-willed as Donna’s daughter Sophie. Wade is a perfect fit for this plucky role, balancing both the girlish wonder and fervent excitement of a young bride-to-be. Her strong yet effortlessly sweet voice shines throughout the production, most notably in “Honey, Honey,” and “I Have a Dream.”
Jackie Mustakas and Jenni Burke are funny and lovable as Donna’s best girlfriends from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. Mustakas is both elegant and feisty as wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya, who teaches a frisky boy toy an important life lesson in her clever and flirtatious version of “Does Your Mother Know?” Burke is sharp and sassy as practical and no-nonsense feminist Rosie – her raspy rendition of “Take a Chance on Me” is a hilarious throw-caution-to-the-wind take on the familiar tune.
Together, Wilson, Mustakas and Burke do a great job of conveying the lifelong bond between these women, and their trio version of the famous ballad “Chiquitita” is a distinctly tender moment among an array of upbeat show-stopping numbers.
Matt Palmer, Mark Harapiak and Michael Killinger are each charming in their own way as the trio of bemused, middle-aged potential dads. Palmer’s superb voice and undeniable charisma make him a great fit for the role of Sam Carmichael, the New York City architect who has always held on to his torch for Donna. Wilson and Palmer have palpable chemistry, especially in their duet version of the ABBA hit “S.O.S.” Harapiak is gruff and goofy as the devoutly single writer and adventurer Bill Austin, and Killinger is sweet and affable as wealthy British financier Harry Bright.
Colin Sheen exudes boyish charm as Sophie’s fiancé Sky. He’s got all the right stuff to make hearts race as he and his goofball buddies Pepper and Eddie (played with youthful gusto by Sam DiGiuseppe and Stephan Dickson), gallivant around the island dancing in scuba gear and relishing the perpetual bachelor party. Sheen is a fine singer and his chemistry with Wade is playful and believable, especially when they sing the duet “Lay All Your Love on Me.”
The girl power theme that runs throughout the production is also embodied in another trio of friends. Supporting Wade through her journey of self-discovery are her best friends Ali and Lisa, played with earnest exuberance by Judy Kovacs and Jade Repeta, respectively.
Adding sparkle and zeal to an already outstanding cast of characters is an exceptional ensemble made up of Christy Adamson, Graeme Goodhall, Jessica Horn, Jon-Alex MacFarlane, Erik Markewich, Jennifer Mote, Christine Watson, and Tyrell Witherspoon.
Director and Choreographer David Connolly leads this grand scale mega musical and succeeds in mounting a production that dances, jives and lives up to the hype. Credited with such past Drayton Entertainment hits as Legally Blonde, Disney’s High School Musical, and the pantos Peter Pan, Snow White and Aladdin, Connolly keeps this jubilant musical moving, balancing high-octane dance numbers with more intimate songs that help propel the heartwarming story. Mamma Mia! is all about fun, and Connolly’s smart direction and glittering choreography ensure that audiences are captivated and entertained from start to finish. Connolly is adeptly supported by Robin Calvert who acts as the Assistant Director and Assistant Choreographer.
Music Director Steve Thomas guides a superbly talented band through ABBA’s famous song catalogue including all the catchy dance tunes and touching ballads that fans have come to love – “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Take a Chance on Me” and more.
Set Designer David Boechler has transformed the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge stage into an island paradise rife with the vibrant colours and patterns of Mediterranean architecture, including an impressive olive tree. The idyllic setting is highlighted by Oz Weaver’s iridescent lighting design. From gold-lamé bikinis and tropical beach wear to chic retro-hippy fashion and sparkling disco outfits, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold has dressed the cast in a colourful wardrobe fit for a tropical adventure.
Mamma Mia! has an impressive pedigree and has been seen by over 54 million people around the world. The original West End production opened 16 years ago and is still running at the Novello Theatre in London. The Broadway production closed last September after 5,773 performances and the international tour has visited more than 74 cities in 35 countries. The feature film adaptation was a major blockbuster grossing over $600 million worldwide.
Mamma Mia! is proudly sponsored by GM Bennett and Cambridge Hearing Centre. Media Sponsors are 96.7 CHYM FM, 570 NEWS, COUNTRY 106.7 and the Waterloo Regional Record. The Design Sponsor is Conestoga Insurance Brokers Limited. The 2016 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Don’t miss your chance to dance, jive, and have the time of your life! Over 22,000 tickets have already been snapped up for this limited run and theatregoers are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Tickets are $44 for Adults and $26 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the box office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
Photo: Jenni Burke, Blythe Wilson and Jackie Mustakas. ©2016 Hilary Gauld Camilleri.
2016-03-24
Cambridge: "Mamma Mia!" launches the 2016 Drayton Entertainment season tonight