Mamma Mia! is a great rollercoaster ride of fun and music

By Claudia Lugo/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us Det) - Last Friday night was a dancing night for the audience that nearly filled the Fisher Theatre during the first of six performances of “Mamma Mia!” here in Detroit during the weekend. The hit show based on the music of the super popular 70's band ABBA is meant to make theatre goers have a time of pure joy. No reflections or extra analysis needed.

The plot is simple and full of potholes in the story line. However, it really does not matter because the music and choreographies are enough to make the ticket price worth it all.

This national tour brings a simple setting, colorful costumes and a cheerful cast who seemed to enjoy every moment as much as the audience.

The show starts slow as it is presenting the story with Sophie (Chelsea Williams) singing “I have a dream” and “Honey, Honey”. Sometimes the songs seemed to be forced into the story but that does not matter either. The final goal is to dance and sing along.

The rhythm does not pick up until Donna Sheridan (played by the magnificent Georgia Kate Haege) sings “Money, Money, Money”. The audience started to tap their feet for the first time in the show with a very well performed choreography.

Worth to mention are Donna’s charming “BFF’s” Tanya (Gabrielle Mirabella) and Rosie (Sara Smith) who brought great moments with “Does your mother know” and “Take a chance on me”. Georgia Kate Haege had a prime moment with a wonderfully performed “The winner takes it all”.

But it is not until the end of the show when the audience got completely engaged, left their seats to dance, sing and clap. A standing ovation was the reward for the cast.

People left the theatre with a big smile on their faces while still singing the songs. And that is what all it's about.

Fun Facts & Figures:
• MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 54 million people worldwide in over 39 productions in 14 different languages.
• MAMMA MIA! has grossed over $2 billion at the Box Office.
• MAMMA MIA! has premiered in more than 400 major cities worldwide – faster than any other musical in history.
• MAMMA MIA! is currently in its 16th year since the first production opened in London’s West End on April 6th 1999, and is now playing at the Novello Theatre.
• MAMMA MIA! is the 9th longest running show in Broadway history and is now playing at the Broadhurst Theatre.

“Mamma Mia!” is running now through Oct 19th. at the Fisher Theatre:
Friday, October 17 @ 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 @ 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 @ 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 19 @ 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 19 @ 6:30 p.m.

Tickets ($39 - $79) are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations; charge by phone – (800) 982-2787; online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (12 or more) please email groups@broadwayindetroit.com or call (313) 871-1132. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Special Girls’ Night Out dinner & show packages will be available with Broadway In Detroit restaurant partners including The Whitney, Andiamo Riverfront, The Hotel St. Regis and more. For details on Girls’ Night Out Packages, visit www.broadwayindetroit.com/girlsnightout. MAMMA MIA! is presented by Broadway In Detroit. The Broadway In Detroit Series at the Fisher Theatre is sponsored by Chrysler. As part of this sponsorship, the latest and hottest Chrysler vehicles will be on display at the theatre.

For more information, visit www.broadwayindetroit.co  or www.Mamma-Mia.com.

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