Here we go again! The worldwide phenomenon, 'Mamma Mia! The Musical' has returned to QPAC’s stage for its biggest, brightest, and most fast-paced season yet.
Whether you’re a fan of musicals, ABBA, '70s nostalgia, or just parties in general, this is the show you need to see this season. With a song list of 22 ABBA tracks, and a healthy dose of romantic chaos, 'Mamma Mia! The Musical' is sure to make you laugh, tap your feet, and bring out your '70s dance moves!
This season features some of the strongest and most lovable cast to have taken part in 'Mamma Mia! The Musical' in Australia. Elise McCann (Donna) and Sarah Krndija (Sophie) took to the stage as if the mother/daughter duo role was written specifically for them. From the opening note sung by Krndija, her voice, energy, and passion never wavered for the entire time she was on stage, making this the best part she’s played on any stage in Australia so far. Never missing a beat, her performance was mesmerising, enticing the audience to laugh, cry and dance with her from beginning to end. Likewise, McCann welcomed us with the warmth of a voice who has known and loved ABBA for a lifetime. Her renditions of the classic tunes were masterful and her choreography was crisp and sharp, making her the perfect person to play Donna.
Another notable performance was the accompanying ‘three dads’ of Sophie, Martin Crewes (Sam), Drew Livingston (Harry) and Tim Wright (Bill), who took to the stage with beautiful vocals, magnificent harmonies, and comical moves to our favourites such as 'Thank You For The Music', 'Take A Chance On Me', and 'Our Last Summer'. It was a joy to see the three of them on stage again, with each of them bringing a wealth of experience and specialties to their roles.
Image © David Hooley
Of course, the stage was set to sweep you across the oceans to a small island off the mainland of Greece, with the colours, set and costumes doing just that. Although there wasn’t too much movement of sets across the stage, the diverse background was able to go from taverna, to ‘hen party’, to wedding ceremony with only subtle adjustments. The costumes were truly the heroes of the stage, with each number calling for another brightly coloured and often sequined ensemble, dreamt up and created by the ever-talented Suzy Strout. Bringing the iconic '70s pieces back into 2023, her adaptations of the classic costumes for the show was nothing but gorgeous.
Along with the costumes, the choreography played a key role in supporting the strong talent that graced the stage of QPAC in 'Mamma Mia! The Musical'. Although it wasn’t as tight or sharp as other shows, or previous versions of the musical, the goal was to create an on-stage party, and Tom Hodgson (choreographer) did just that. Stand-out numbers included 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!', the pre-wedding celebration that encapsulated the entire cast with bright colours, quick movements, and dancing that made us all feel as though we were celebrating the bride-to-be, as well as 'Under Attack', as we watched the ensemble haunt Sophie’s dream the night before the big day. Of course the trio of Donna and the Dynamos (featuring Deone Zanotto as Tanya and Bianca Bruce as Rosie) took the stage by absolute storm, with stunning ABBA-esque choreography to the likes of 'Dancing Queen', 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' and 'Super Trouper'. And at no point was there anyone on stage without a genuine smile on their face, making it feel like the entire musical was an ode-to-ABBA party, and we were invited to come along.
'Mamma Mia! The Musical' is a tried and true favourite, and while we adored the music, cast and colours, it’s still the classic multi-generational narrative of a beautiful young bride, searching for her father. The music and story still remain true to its original form, so come for the nostalgia and fun, and bring your dancing shoes, because it’s a show that will have you on your feet and singing along by the closing curtain.
