Review: MAMMA MIA! BY SHIKI THEATRE COMPANY at Kanagawa Arts Theatre

Featuring the timeless hits of the world-renowned pop group ABBA, “MAMMA MIA!” is a feel-good musical that has captivated audiences around the globe. Beloved songs including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Winner Takes It All” are seamlessly woven into the story, creating a heartwarming and uplifting theatrical experience filled with laughter, romance, and emotion. Since its Japanese premiere in 2002, the production has remained a favorite among theatergoers, leaving audiences energized and inspired long after the curtain falls.

The current Yokohama run will conclude on August 6, 2026, before the production opens in Hiroshima on October 4, 2026.

Set on a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, the story follows Donna, who has raised her daughter Sophie on her own while running a small hotel.

As her wedding day approaches, Sophie dreams of having her father walk her down the aisle. After reading her mother’s diary, she secretly invites three men who may be her father — Sam, Bill, and Harry — to the wedding without Donna’s knowledge.

On the eve of the wedding, Donna’s old friends Tanya and Rosie arrive at the hotel, followed by the three former lovers from her past. While Donna is stunned by the unexpected reunion, Sophie continues her search for her father. However, when all three men come to believe that they may be Sophie’s father, events begin to take an unexpected turn.

Who is Sophie’s real father? And what surprises await on the wedding day?

The musical opens with Sophie singing “I Have A Dream.” On the day of this performance, Yuzuki Miyokawa’s crystal-clear vocals immediately evoked the fresh sea breeze of the Aegean and drew the audience into the world of the story.

One of the production’s greatest strengths lies in how naturally ABBA’s iconic songs blend with the narrative. Each musical number brings the characters’ emotions into sharper focus, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the drama unfolding on stage.

As Donna, Masae Ebata delivers an authentic and deeply relatable portrayal. Whether generating laughter through the role’s comedic moments or expressing the complex emotions of a mother preparing to let go of her daughter, Masae remains a commanding presence at the center of the production.

Her performance of “Money, Money, Money” showcases both powerful vocals and expressive storytelling. The energy rises even further with “Mamma Mia,” while “Voulez-Vous” combines dynamic choreography with the mystery surrounding Sophie’s search for her father, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead.

The audience response throughout the show is equally enthusiastic. Nearly every song is met with applause, while the show’s many comedic exchanges frequently spark laughter throughout the theater. Those familiar with the film adaptation may appreciate the connections between the stage production and the movie, but the musical remains thoroughly enjoyable even for first-time viewers.

Act Two delves more deeply into the emotions of both Sophie and Donna as the wedding day draws near.

Masae’s rendition of “S.O.S.” is particularly memorable, conveying emotional vulnerability while revealing the character’s inner strength. Her confrontation with Sam is performed with remarkable intensity, leaving the audience captivated by the raw emotion on stage.

As the story approaches its climax, the deep bond between mother and daughter comes to the forefront. Watching Sophie in her wedding dress, Donna’s face reflects both pride and sadness as she prepares to let her daughter go. The moment proved deeply moving, with many audience members visibly wiping away tears.

Masae’s performance of “The Winner Takes It All” stands as one of the production’s defining highlights. Her powerful vocals and emotional honesty bring Donna’s long-held feelings to the surface, earning a tremendous round of applause from the audience.

Beautiful ensemble harmonies can also be heard throughout the production, further emphasizing the warmth, joy, and sense of community that make MAMMA MIA! so enduringly appealing.

Yet the greatest highlight of MAMMA MIA! may be the curtain call that follows the story’s conclusion.

As audience members rise to their feet, waving light sticks and clapping along, the theater transforms into something resembling a live concert venue. The moment “Dancing Queen” begins, many audience members start swaying to the rhythm, with some even dancing along. The cast actively engages with the crowd, creating a powerful sense of connection between stage and audience.

Even as the curtain descends, the performers continue waving enthusiastically to the crowd until the very last moment. That unique sense of unity between performers and audience is undoubtedly one of the reasons why this beloved musical has continued to resonate for so many years.

Driven by ABBA’s timeless music, MAMMA MIA! remains a joyful theatrical experience that transcends generations. Filled with laughter, heartfelt emotion, and infectious energy, it leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain. Witnessing the excitement of the Yokohama run only heightens anticipation for the production’s upcoming engagement in Hiroshima.

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