What fun! The rousing Abba jukebox musical, "Mama Mia!" is the initial offering of Ogunquit Playhouse's 85th season. Denizens of the Seacoast of Maine are loving this show as much as Broadway audiences adored it during its extended run on the Great White Way that began in 2001. This is pure theatrical fun, with every element of this production coalescing to make for a perfect afternoon or evening at the theater.
Director Larry Raben and Choreographer Richard J. Hinds keep their stellar cast in constant motion in telling this story of Sophie Sheridan using all of her feminine wiles to discover who her biological father may be. Music Director Jeffrey Campos leads a team of musicians that perfectly interpret the Abba songs that many of us grew up humming. And Set Designer Adam Koch brings us to an idyllic and isolated Greek island where magic happens for the inhabitants and visitors alike. Gorgeous and outrageous Costumes by Winfield Murdoch establish the time of the action, and Lighting by Richard Latta and Sound by Kevin Heard complete the job of transporting us to a time and place we all dream about.
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| Jodie Langel as Donna David Engel as Harry "Mama Mia!" Ogunquit Playhouse Through July 1st Photo by Gary Ng |
- As Bride-to-be Sophie, Briana Rapa is vibrant and charming. She kicks off the action with the wonderful "I Have A Dream."
- Her mother, Donna (Jodie Langel), is the former lead singer of a Girl Band that is reuniting for Sophie's wedding. Ms. Langel nails the ambivalence of Donna - excited for Sophie's big day, but stressed out trying to run a hotel on her own, and to raise her daughter single handedly. Her soaring rendition of "The Winner Takes It All" is a highlight of this production.
- Ali (Sarah Faye Beard) and Lisa (Taylor Broadard) are Sophie's friends and bridesmaids. Their time to shine is in the familiar song "Honey, Honey."
- Tanya (Angie Schworer) and Rosie (Kate Chapman) are Donna's former back-up singers and best friends who have come to the island to support Donna and Sophie on The Big Day. These two gifted singers are perfectly cast. Ms. Schworer uses every inch of her statuesque physique for comic effect, and Ms. Chapman's comic timing keeps the audience in stitches for much of the show. They unite with Ms. Langel for some of this musical's best numbers: "Chiquitita," and "Dancing Queen,"
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Angie Schworer as Tanya
Jodie Langel as Donna
Kate Chapman as Rosie
Cast
"Mama Mia!"
Ogunquit Playhouse
Through July 1st
Photo by Julia Russell
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- There are three possible candidates who may prove to be Sophie's biological father, all of whom hooked up briefly with Donna 22 years ago. They have been lured back to the island by Sophie. They are Harry Bright (David Engle), Bill Austin (Fred Inkley), and Sam Carmichael (Patrick Cassidy). Once they figure out why they have been invited, each one comes to the conclusion that he should walk Sophie down the aisle. The three men could not be more different from one another, and each of these three actors does a great job of differentiating the three suitors from one another. They shine in the production number "Mama Mia." Mr. Cassidy stands out in his solo "Knowing Me, Knowing You." Mr. Inkley pairs with Ms. Rapa for the song "The Name of the Game." And Mr. Engel joins with Ms. Langel for a moving rendition of "Our Last Summer."
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Fred Inkley as Bill
Briana Rapa as Sophie
David Engel as Harry
Patrick Cassidy as Sam
"Mama Mia!"
Ogunquit Playhouse
Through July 1st
Photo by Gary Ng
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Mike Heslin is Sky, Sophie's fiance. This BoCo grad is perfect in this role, using his voice and sculpted torso to portray an irresistible hunk of a man who has swept the young Sophie off of her feet. He joins with the company in a rousing rendition of "Voulez-vous," and "Lay All Your Love On Me."- Other cast members include Andy Tofa as Pepper, DJ Petrosino as Eddie, Drew Geraci as Father Alexandrios. Ensemble members are Elizabeth Casper, Alex Dorf, Taylor Fields, Sara Gallo, Rose Iannoccone, Alex Levy, Maryella Maloney, Zac Norton, Jonathan Ragsdale, Frankie Paparone, and Heather Jane Rolff.
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Briana Rapa as Sophie
Mike Heslin as Sky
Male Ensemble
"Mama Mia!"
Ogunquit Playhouse
Through July 1st
Photo by Gary Ng
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This wonderful production is a joyous celebration that makes a very fitting open act of this exciting Ogunquit season that includes "Bullets Over Broadway," "Ragtime," "Heartbreak Hotel," and "From Here To Eternity." You have until July 1st to see "Mama Mia!" But don't wait, for performances are selling out fast.
Enjoy!
Al
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