Debuting in London in 1999, “Mamma Mia!” revolutionized the jukebox musical, cleverly weaving ABBA’s pop catalog into a fresh, sun-drenched narrative rather than an artist biography. On a picturesque Greek island, bride-to-be Sophie secretly invites three of her mother Donna’s past lovers to her wedding, desperate to discover which man will walk her down the aisle. Whether you are a lifelong ABBA devotee who knows each rhythm or completely new to the party, this sparkling romp offers an irresistibly joyful night out at the Orpheum through Sept. 20.
Photo by Joan Marcus
I have always maintained that despite Donna’s towering, disco-fueled presence, “Mamma Mia!” is fundamentally Sophie’s story. It is her yearning, curiosity, and emotional hunger that propel the entire madcap adventure forward. Juliette M. Ojeda steps into that wedding dress with a performance that brilliantly navigates Sophie’s duality: innocent and idealistic, yet fiercely defiant as she takes control of her own destiny. From the first notes of “I Have a Dream,” Ojeda sets the narrative in motion with bell-clear vocal purity that rings through the theater. She anchors the show with an earnest emotional honesty that cuts through the sun-baked absurdity, giving this breezy Greek island fantasy its genuine, beating heart.
The remaining principal company and high-energy ensemble step into their platform shoes with all the buoyant zeal this legendary score demands. The trio of potential fathers, Sam, Harry, and Bill, arrive with infectious charm that instantly wins over the house, making it impossible not to root for all three from their first entrances through the final curtain call. Each delivers a distinct comedic flavor and endearing vulnerability to the paternity puzzle, matching Donna and the Dynamos stride for stride in both vocal power and comedic timing.
The production’s visual language delivers precisely the theatrical escapism we crave, anchored by the iconic, rotating whitewashed walls that smoothly pivot to transport us from a rustic taverna to the sparkling edges of the Aegean shore. Costuming further deepens this world, rooting the island locals in airy linens and breezy coastal textures, which clash delightfully against the glossy, vivid tailoring of the mainland visitors. Anthony Van Laast’s exuberant choreography ties this energetic world together, pushing the company through a dizzying array of paces. His staging swings gleefully from snappy footwork and playful air-piano riffs to full-throttle seventies disco poses and spirited Greek folk steps.
Ultimately, “Mamma Mia!” remains an unadulterated shot of pure theatrical dopamine. Whether you arrive for the sweet romance, the glittering spandex, or simply the everlasting pop genius of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, a night at the Orpheum will inevitably send you spilling out onto Hennepin Avenue humming along and saying, “Thank you for the music.”
