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ABBA fun
by Lisa Gauthier Jan 1, 2003

Theater review | Thru Jan. 5

ABBA lovers rejoiced on Christmas Eve with the opening of the touring production of Mamma Mia! as part of the Broadway in Indianapolis series. Though they may not have been "dancing in the aisles" as the ads suggest, many ticket holders braved the rapidly increasing ice and snow to pack the Murat. They were not disappointed.

Monique Lund is exceptional in "MAMMA MIA!"

Mamma Mia! was created around 22 pre-existing ABBA songs. As you would suspect, some songs seem loosely connected to the plot of the show, but others fit in with the finesse of any Broadway musical. Sophie lives on a small Greek island with her mother, Donna, who owns a ramshackle hotel. Donna is a single mother, having been a wild child in the "70s. Consequently, Sophie doesn"t know who her father is - and Donna"s not so sure either. Sophie, at the age of 20, is about to be married, and she invites the three candidates who could be her father to the wedding - without her mother"s knowledge. Before the show starts, along with the normal call to turn off all cell phones, anyone with a nervous condition is warned that the musical contains platform boots and white spandex. Although it doesn"t jump right into it, yes, it has its Cher moments, and they are delectable. "Gimme! Gimmie! Gimmie!" is given the full "70s treatment. Some songs are camped up just for fun, such as a chorus in scuba gear in "Lay All Your Love on Me" and "Under Attack." Others, however, bring out the true poignancy found in the best musicals, such as when Donna is helping Sophie to dress during the song "Slipping Through My Fingers." And, all your favorites are included, such as "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me," which are given quirky, playful treatments. Choreography is stunning, most notably for "Voulez-Vous." Donna, played by Monique Lund, is exceptional, as are her two friends, Tanya (played by Marlene Handrahan at the Dec. 24 performance) and Rosie (Robin Baxter). Kristie Marsden as Sophie has a strong voice, but her adolescent portrayal doesn"t convey a woman on the verge of lifetime commitment. Sophie can"t walk anywhere - she has to run, punctuated with an exaggerated stop every time. Minor annoyances aside, Mamma Mia! is simply lots of fun. Let the slightness of the script slide and just bask in the simple story of love and the butt-shaking music of ABBA. Mamma Mia! continues through Jan. 5; call 239-1000 for tickets, $26.50-$67.50.

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