The components of “Mamma Mia!” seem so incompatible – because, really, how is it possible to make a cohesive musical with the unlikely bedfellows of the Greek isles, ’70s disco glitz, questionable paternity and retro pop songs? But while the premise seems like a stretch, “Mamma Mia!” delightfully pulls it off with finesse.
The musical, playing at the National Theatre, tells the story of Sophie (Chilina Kennedy), a 20-year-old about to be married, and her mother Donna (Jeanine Morick), who owns a tavern on the Greek island on which they live. Sophie, who has grown up fatherless, stumbles upon her mother’s diary, which reveals that her father could be any of three flings Donna had as a young woman. Determined to have her father walk her down the aisle, Sophie invites the three men to the event, unbeknownst to her mother, assuming she’ll recognize her father as soon as she sees him. However, when the men arrive (played by Michael DeVries, Craig Bennett and Gary Lynch), all believe themselves to be Sophie’s dad, and all of Donna’s emotions toward each of them come rushing back.
The plot seems relatively unimpressive, until one considers that the entire musical was written specifically for 22 songs by the Swedish ’70s pop group ABBA – a considerable feat. Songs run the gamut from the plot-compatible “Slipping Through My Fingers,” about a girl growing up, to “Under Attack,” which requires a dream sequence to tie it in. The ever-popular “Dancing Queen” seems to have been included simply because ABBA fans would have been enraged by its absence. Half the fun of the musical is seeing how well these songs fit into Donna’s and Sophie’s story.
“Mamma Mia!” is lighthearted fun, with a sweet and heartwarming ending; in fact, it is promoted as a feel-good show, and a disclaimer jokingly delivered at its beginning cautions viewers, “This performance contains white spandex.” Certainly, anyone with a familiarity with ABBA would expect the show’s costumes to be outlandish, and they certainly are, with an abundance of colorful glitter and neon spandex.
The most impressive element of the show, however, is its energy. While the female voices are often stronger than the male voices, the songs have such an effect on the crowd that by the end of the show, the aisles are filled with cast and audience members dancing and singing along to encores of “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and the title number. As cheesy as ’70s glam disco may be, “Mamma Mia!” is irresistible fun. It may not make an ABBA fan out of the more lukewarm members of the audience, but it will certainly compel them out of their seats.
“Mamma Mia!” is playing at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., through Feb. 14. Showtimes: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m., Sunday 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $41.25-$81.25. Student tickets are half price when purchased at the box office.
