“Mamma Mia” reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** Here we go again! There’s a reason this show continues to draw audiences after nearly 25 years. It’s fun! You likely know the story: on the eve of her wedding, a young woman tries to figure out the identity of the father she’s never known. It’s playful and entertaining and heartwarming. And it features many of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Whether you’re an ABBA groupie, a musical theater fan, or an unwitting friend of an ABBA groupie or musical theater fan who’s tagging along for the night, you’ll enjoy this show. The music is great, the voices are fantastic, the set is stunning, and the comedic timing is impeccable. I made a note that “Dancing Queen” alone is worth the price of admission. The very next number was an incredibly fun rendition of “Lay All Your Love on Me,” and I added, “BONUS!” The hits and the hilarity keep coming and I have several pages of scribbly notes that reflect my thorough enjoyment and resolute reluctance to take my eyes off the stage.

I loved “Take a Chance on Me” (“a BONUS BONUS,” I scrawled). The octogenarian across the aisle obviously loved “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” Heads were bopping, hands were clapping, and laughter was rolling throughout the show. Everyone was quick to get on their feet as soon as bows began, and folks stayed to sing and dance throughout the curtain call.

You owe it to the dancing queen in your life (which may very well be you) to treat ’em to a night out on the town in Milwaukee this week/end.

Mamma Mia! plays now through Sunday, February 25 at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

★★★★★

Wednesday-Friday – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Post-Show Q&A: Thursday, February 22
Sign language interpretation: Saturday, February 24 at 2 p.m.

The show runs 2 hours and 35 minutes with one intermission.

Tickets start at $40.85 and are available at MarcusCenter.org.

Chicagoans! This production is headed your way later this spring. Mamma Mia! plays at the Nederlander Theatre April 30-May 19. Purchase your tickets at BroadwayinChicago.com. Plan now and enjoy later!