Mamma Mia!

Based on the book by British playwright Catherine Johnson, the acclaimed 2023 Australia production is the re-staging of the successful 2017 production featuring the original work of a wholly Australian creative team. The tale of Mamma Mia! is known to almost all: the big anthems, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘SOS’, ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’, and the eponymous track that inspired a cross-generational love story that centres on a daughter’s quest to unveil her father’s identity on the eve of her wedding by inviting all three potential men to the ceremony.

After finding her mother’s diary that alludes to a hot and steamy summer filled with “dot, dot, dot”, Sophie (Sarah Krndija) invites the three beaux to the Greek island in hopes of feeling a connection with the one who is her father. On the eve of the wedding, Donna (Elise McCann) is aghast to reunite with Harry (Drew Livingston), Sam (Martin Crewes) and Bill (Tim Wright), who each begin to suspect that they could be Sophie’s dad. Comical references to Melbourne Greek hotspots aside, the wedding party triggers a series of events where love resumes, love reignites, and love begins.

The energy of the ensemble cast was exceptional. Known for her role in Matilda the Musical, Elise McCann was perfect in the role of the mother-of-the-bride Donna Sheridan, playing the wistful yet doggedly independent taverna owner and single mother with poise and class. The bride Sophie was played beautifully by emerging young actor Sarah Krndija, who possessed the innocence and curiosity to get to know her father. The biggest praise is dedicated to Deone Zanotto for her stand-out performance of the thrice-divorcee Tanya. Zanotto’s rendition of ‘Does Your Mother Know’ along with Jordan Tomljenovic’s Pepper generated a two-minute standing ovation. The seasoned theatre performer also starred in Broadway performances in shows including West Side Story and Chicago.

The trio of unsuspecting dads were performed by acclaimed theatre actors, each having the chops to ponder “our last summer”. Drew Livingston was cast aptly for the role of Harry Bright and is no stranger to the stage with recent credits including Once, Billy Elliot the Musical and War Horse. Screen and stage actor Tim Wright was a delight playing the free agent and world explorer Bill Austin, who, along with Bianca Bruce as Rosie, stole the stage in their ‘Take a Chance On Me’ duet. Martin Crewes as Sam Carmichael had the formidable task of emulating a role made iconic by Colin Firth.

Mamma Mia! is a marvel and an extremely entertaining production to watch. The cast is talented, lively and uplifting. The set itself was vibrant, a two-story sandstone taverna adorned with greenery and its nearby surrounds were the centre of much of the action. While the Who’s-the-Dad storyline is endearing, you can’t help but feel a little giddy and energised bopping along to the long list of iconic ABBA tracks.

Mamma Mia! The Musical is on stage at the Princess Theatre until 10 December 2023.