Mamma Mia!

                              

                                Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill & Carly Sakolove

Ensemble Arts Philly and the Shubert Organization are presenting Mamma Mia! as part of the show’s 25^th anniversary tour . The musical showcases the feel-good music  of the band ABBA. I’ve seen this show twice in the past 20 years, and this iteration remains delightful. Alisa Melendez’s portrayal of Sophie Sheridan is like a breath of fresh air. She opens and closes the show with  “I have a Dream,”  and sings a multitude of numbers throughout the performance. She has a wonderful stage presence and an engaging voice. The simple set is multi-purposeful as both a backdrop for the outdoors on the  Greek island and indoor bedroom scenes as well. Howard Harrison’s lighting design is  brilliant.  The special lighting effects  are particularly noteworthy when Christine Sherrill, portraying  Donna Sheridan, sings  “Money, Money” and a bit   later when she sings the title song, “Mamma Mia!.”  Additionally, the multi-colors of orange and yellow and red  against the backdrop at the end of the first act nearly perfectly simulate an outdoor sunset. There are many humorous moments throughout this performance.  Donna resurrects her old band act with band-mates Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and Rosie ( Carly Sakolove) as they sing  “Dancing Queen.”  A small group of ensemble members dress in wetsuits as they sing and dance, with interesting choreography, to  “ Lay all your Love on Me.”  A larger ensemble sings and dances to “Voulez -Vous.”  Rosie has a hilarious moment in the second act with Jim Newman portraying  Bill Austin as she sings,  “ Take a Chance on Me.”   The only problem with this entire performance is that the orchestra is a bit too loud at times.  It occasionally overpowers the performers as they sing. After final bows and quick costume changes, everyone returns to the stage and begins to sing favorite hits from the show. Everyone in the audience is up dancing by their seats, clapping, and  singing along. What a  wonderful night.

 Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or  visiting online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org . In person tickets can be sold daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.