From left: Allison O’Connor, Reed Presby, Charlotte Nichols, Amber Dunton, Tyler Troy, Emma Lacy, and Bailey Edwards in the performance of “Mamma Mia!” at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes on Friday, March 10, 2023. Photo by Jameson Bloom
Three Dads, two days, and one big wedding. The cast and crew of St. Stephen's and St. Agnes transported the audience to the enchanting world of Kalokairi, Greece, in their production of "Mamma Mia!"
"Mamma Mia!" opened on the West End in 1999 and landed on Broadway in 2001 before being adapted into a popular movie franchise in 2008. Written by Catherine Johnson, "Mamma Mia!" features the music of ABBA and a score by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The show follows 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan on the day before her wedding. Determined to have her father walk her down the aisle, she sends letters to three possible men. Once her mother finds out, the plan goes downhill, and the question of whether Sophie will walk down the aisle remains.
Max Gehlhoff (Sam Carmichael) fully embodied his character through his statuesque posture, fast-paced dialogue, and headstrong walk. Gehlhoff displayed a stunning tableau (Mamma Mia) as the entire cast moved around him, not moving an inch. When Amber Dunton (Donna Sheridan) came on stage, Gehlhoff physically jumped at the sight of her, foreshadowing their rocky reunion. The audience was roped into Sam's story and saw his love for Donna through Gehlhoff's performance.
The roles of the very unhelpful bar staff of the taverna were beautifully portrayed by Angus Argetsinger (Eddie) and August Moon (Pepper). Argetsinger and Moon were great as the duo, lazing around the bar, hitting on women instead of tending to customers, and aiding in the shenanigans of the bachelors. During the bachelor party (Lay All Your Love on Me), the duo danced in flippers along with the rest of the bachelor party, kicking in a line and tapping on the beat. Argetsinger and Moon displayed a bond with Tyler Troy (Sky) by saying goodbye in unique ways; Moon fist bumped Troy as Sky and Sophie were saying their goodbyes, and Angetsinger patted Troy on the back.
The vocal trio showed skill and versatility in their singing and acting, being in the background of almost every scene. They were the cherry on top in every scene, giving "Honey, Honey" its signature doo-op, adding a bite to "Money, Money, Money," and contributing comedy to "Mamma Mia!"
The dance numbers choreographed by Emma Lacy, Gabriella Miller Milow, and Emmie Vajda were electric. The choice to have simpler choreography for "Super Trouper" perfectly highlighted that the Dynamos hadn't performed together in years while still showing that the women knew each other well. "Honey, Honey," on the other hand, was fast-paced and dynamic, having Sophie and the girls run around the stage giddy and excited. The choreography was put together and was well-informed.
Elona Michael, Cate Nickson, and other members of the crew produced some amazing costume designs. While there were no complete builds, the alterations were great, and all the ensemble costumes were very fitting. Sophie's wedding dress was reminiscent of the 1990s and fit the actress perfectly. Eddie and Pepper were never matching, but it fit their characters. Eddie wore a black polo, and Pepper wore a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt, showing how disorganized they both were. The Dynamos were given colors and themes to match their personalities. Rosie wore red, symbolizing her excitable nature, Tanya wore purple, signifying her elegance, and Donna wore blue, showing her calmness under pressure.
In the mission to find the pearls of Helen of Troy, the cast and crew of "Mamma Mia!" managed to find a diamond of a show. Bravo!