the mommy avenger

Last night, I got to go to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City and see one of my favorite musicals, Mamma Mia! It has stopped in Salt Lake City this week as part of their National Tour and I’m thrilled that it was part of the line up in the Broadway at the Eccles 2023-2024 season.

More than likely, you’ve seen the musical movie adaptation and are really familiar with ABBA music. If you haven’t, you need to change that! The movie is very fun and I love it, but there is nothing like seeing it performed live on stage. In fact, I’ve probably seen it live six or seven times now. Each time I see it, I am so glad that I did. The show has such a palpable energy to it and you can’t help but love being a part of the audience watching it.

For those unfamiliar with the story, we find ourselves on a small Greek island as a young woman, Sophie, is about to get married. She has been raised by her single mother, Donna, and has never known her father. After snooping in her mother’s diary, she discovers that her mom has been hiding a secret (or three) and there are three possibilities of men that could be her father. Since she doesn’t know which one he is, she decides to invite them all to her wedding. She is convinced she will know him when she sees him. She dreams of knowing who he is and having him walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.

Little did she know that all three men would accept the invitation and come to the wedding. As we are introduced to them and Donna discovers their arrival, tensions build and mysteries are unraveled as the celebrations begin. Will Sophie find out who her father is and have her happily ever after?

The story is all set to the fabulous music of ABBA, so every song is familiar and so much fun. This show moves very quickly because of the music, dancing and hilarious storyline. This production was exceptional. The talent and charm of the actors drew you right in and you were instantly invested in the outcome of the predicament Sophie and Donna are in. Alisa Melendez portrayed Sophie and her voice was beautiful. Donna was played by Christine Sherrill who brought a ton of charisma to the stage. I will say, though, the standout talent of the show was Carly Sakolove who played Rosie, one of Donna’s best friends. She was an absolute powerhouse and she owned the stage when she was on it. Jaclyn Steele, who played Donna’s other best friend, Tanya, did a fantastic job, as well. The men in the show were wonderful, also. Strong voices and great acting made us love all three possible fathers–Harry Bright (Rob Marnell), Bill Austin (Jim Newman), and Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace). The ensemble was incredible, too, and added a ton to the production in voices and dancing. Shoutout to all the men dancing in their flippers on stage–it was beyond impressive!

Watching Mamma Mia! live on stage is an absolute treat and one I recommend to everyone and anyone. You will find yourself tapping your feet and wanting to jump up and dance–which you absolutely can do at the end. It’s so fun to be in an audience that is so happy to be there, enjoying great music and dancing and forgetting about all their cares.

Mamma Mia! is at the Eccles Theater December 19th-24th and you won’t want to miss it. To get your own tickets, visit Broadway at the Eccles online.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}