How to go
What: "Mamma Mia!"
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 1; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Next Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25-$85
Tickets/more info: Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
The 2001 Tony Award-nominated musical “Mamma Mia!” returns to the Schuster Center on Thanksgiving weekend courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association. It’s filled with a slew of hits from 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA that are prone to leave you dancing in the aisles.
As the holidays evoke fun, meaningful memories with family and friends, “Mamma Mia!” fittingly accents the season in its charming story set on a tiny Greek island concerning single mother Donna Sheridan, busily preparing for her daughter Sophie’s wedding. Sidekicks Rosie and Tanya, Donna’s lifelong girlfriends and former band members, offer amusing support, but situations escalate when Sophie secretly invites three men from Donna’s past in order to determine which guy could be her father.
The upbeat vibrancy pulsating within the tale, written by librettist Catherine Johnson and featuring exuberant choreography by Anthony Van Laast, is grounded in 22 songs composed by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with band mates Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog in 2010. “Thank You for the Music,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Super Trouper,” “The Winner Takes it All,” the bouncy title tune, and the iconic “Dancing Queen” are just some of the infectious numbers fueling the musical’s thoroughly feel-good, nostalgic vibes.
“These songs are amazingly catchy and uplifting while telling a story,” said Carly Sakolove, who portrays Rosie. “I feel pop songs today are mostly about one feeling. ABBA gave us songs that run the gamut of emotions. They were meticulous musicians as well. The background vocals are gorgeous. We actually have an ensemble backstage singing to every song to really recreate the layers intended by ABBA. Hearing these songs out of context can be puzzling, but this show does a great job of tying them all together and giving them meaning.”
The Boston native and Boston Conservatory graduate, whose credits include the off-Broadway “NEWSical the Musical” and “Girls Night: The Musical,” is thrilled to let loose as the colorful, goofy Rosie, who becomes hilariously smitten with Donna’s former beau Bill Austin throughout “Take a Chance on Me.” She particularly values the character’s relatable qualities.
“People identify with Rosie’s fun, carefree spirit,” she said. “Donna is going through a lot emotionally during the show. Tanya is fun, but is more of a cookie cutter trophy wife. Rosie is just your everyday loudmouth who will always be there to cheer you up. She’s also very confident. I think women can look at Rosie and know that being who you are is not so bad.”
Before joining the current national tour, which also features Muse Machine and Springboro High School alum Andrew Koslow in the ensemble, Sakolove raised her profile with a series of terrific impressions of Broadway divas she launched on YouTube. “Broadway Divas Send in the Clowns” and “Some People Have Multiple Personality Disorder” received nearly 150,000 views combined. She also showcased her talents in an original cabaret act entitled “I Hear Voices,” which she performed at the Duplex and Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. Going viral broadened her perspective.
“You really can create your own career by way of the Internet,” she said. “With very little tools you can make your dreams happen. It’s amazing.”
“Mamma Mia!” cannot be denied as a global phenomenon notably seen by over 54 million people in 14 different languages. It is also the 10th longest running show in Broadway history and received two Golden Globe Award nominations for its 2008 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep. Whether you’ve seen the show so often you can quote it or are curious to see it at last, Sakolove promises an uplifting production.
“This cast brings so much energy,” she said. “For those who have seen the show before, they’re going to get a new, fantastic experience. First-timers will hopefully be blown away. Just go into the show with an open mind ready to have fun.”
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