Move over Disneyland, the Center for the Performing Arts has
become
”
The Happiest Place On Earth
”
with
”
Mamma Mia!
”
. It’s an ABBA lovefest that gets younger every time it
detonates itself. For the
”
flower children
”
who were weaned on ABBA music in the ’70s, this is an elated
time revisited.
Move over Disneyland, the Center for the Performing Arts has become “The Happiest Place On Earth” with “Mamma Mia!”. It’s an ABBA lovefest that gets younger every time it detonates itself. For the “flower children” who were weaned on ABBA music in the ’70s, this is an elated time revisited. The yuppies and Generation X population – those born after the ABBA infusion – discovered something fabulous, and became dedicated apostles of the ageless group.
The plot that is interwoven around 22 ABBA hits is an upbeat delight. The star of this show is the music. (The show was written to the music, not the usual other way round.)
The entire cast in this touring company is energetic perfection. The leads are pros and belt out the music with a feeling of loving every minute. There is nothing like watching a production where the cast is having as much fun as the audience. It’s infectious.
This show is a simple example of the old adages that “less is more” and “it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” No monstrous special effects or scenery; just plain, well-trained talent.
Choreography by Anthony Van Laast is spontaneous and unpredictable. Lighting by Howard Harrison is creative and subtle and transports simple sets by Mark Thompson to the situation at hand.
The simple and sweet story takes place on a small Greek island and revolves around a wedding day. The bride, Sophie, wants her father to give her away. The problem: there are three possible fathers so Sophie quietly invites all three under false pretenses. Her mama, Donna, must reluctantly confront the three men she hasn’t seen in 20 years. The story is really only a vehicle to bring 22 ABBA hits like “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “Money, Money, Money”, “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia!” and a slew of others into the unlikely tale. The transitions are well done, and the sometimes campy production moves at speedway pace.
In 1974, a Swedish group in Brighton, England won the Eurovision Song Contest and beat out Olivia Newton-John with a song called “Waterloo.”
The name ABBA comes from the first letter of the first names of the original group. At one time, the group was offered “a billion” dollars to reunite after 25 years for a 100 concert national tour. They politely declined.
“Mamma Mia!” is still going strong in its sold out 10-year run on Broadway and 12 years in London. “Mamma Mia!” has gone on to visit 50 foreign cities and has been seen by more than 45 million people worldwide.
The book by Catherine Johnson with Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus brings the music and lyrics to “Momma Mia!” and gets the older crowd mesmerized with the sound of their past.
Please be alerted that this stage production is NOTHING like the unappealing movie that went under the same name. We understand that Pierce Brosnon took an oath never to sing again – not even in the shower.
The San Jose opening night audience became so involved with the 15-minute reprise at the closing, a blanket of happiness enveloped the theater. The euphoria was well timed in a moment of time when we don’t know if we should laugh or cry. This is just the ticket – go get one. You will be glad you did.
***
‘Mamma Mia!’
Where: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
Through: Sunday
Tickets: $20-$69
Details: (408) 792-4111 or visit www.amtsj.com
