Review: Talented cast gives new life to 'Mamma Mia!' in fresh, energetic production

“Mamma Mia!” Here we go again!

The beloved jukebox musical that asks the question, “Who’s your daddy?” and stars the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA, is back and now on stage at the Kravis Center through Sunday.

“Mamma Mia!” is a crowd-pleaser. The audience on opening night was there to have a good time. They danced in their seats during the show and in the aisles during the curtain call, which turned into a massive singalong. It’s that kind of fun show.

Honestly, it would be hard to do a bad production of “Mamma Mia!,” the grandmama of modern jukebox musicals, if even marginally talented people were involved. The ABBA songs and the story are so masterfully shaped around each other that if one did not know better, they would believe that the songs were written for the musical. And the audience is so taken by the ABBA songs — they don’t just walk out of the show singing the songs, they go in singing them, too — that they’re already in a happy, upbeat mood.

But there is nothing marginal about this production. Even for someone who’s seen “Mamma Mia!” several times, this production feels fresh, with more comedy and energy. That is due to a talented cast of performers who work together seamlessly and look like they’re having the time of their lives.

“Mamma Mia!” is set in Greece and tells the story of Sophie (Alisa Melendez), who wants her father to attend her upcoming wedding. Problem is, Sophie doesn’t know who her father is, because her mom, Donna (Christine Sherrill) has never told her. After reading Donna’s diary, Sophie discovers her mom’s three boyfriends the year she was born: Travel writer and outdoorsman Bill Austin (Jim Newman) British banker Harry Bright (Rob Marnell) or Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace) — essentially Daddy A, B, or C.

She sends each man an invitation to her wedding with no other details. The fun really begins when Donna runs into all three past lovers at once in a delightful performance of the title song. Hilarity ensues, as Donna confronts her past, and Sophie tries to make sense of how her mom’s past affects her future.

There are too many wonderful moments to mention, because this production is so good. Standouts include “Chiquitita,” performed by Donna’s friends Rosie, played by Carly Sakolove, and Tanya, played by Jalynn Steele. Both Sakolove and Steele truly make their roles their own. Sakolove and Newman turn “Take a Chance on Me” into one of the funniest seduction scenes ever staged. And Steele shines on “Does Your Mother Know,” a number in which elegant, worldly Tanya shows the young men on the island why she’s out of their league.

Sherrill imbues Donna with a touching realism and practically stops the show with her powerful performance of “The Winner Takes It All." Wallace gives new meaning to his big spotlight song, “Knowing Me, Knowing You” while Marnell’s sweet portrayal of Harry is both funny and endearing.

This rendition of “Mamma Mia!” is stellar, a show that brings together a terrific cast, beautiful design elements, and updated staging in a way that makes this 23-year-old musical feel new and fresh. And don’t leave once the applause starts at the end of the show. It’s worth the extra few minutes you’ll spend getting out of the Kravis garage to see the full finale and the surprise extra song.

IF YOU GO

“Mamma Mia!” runs through Sunday at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets and more information, call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Review: Talented cast gives new life to crowd-pleaser 'Mamma Mia!'