BWW Reviews: Fun Production of MAMMA MIA! Plays the Fox Theatre

It's easy to understand the appeal of a jukebox musical like Mamma Mia!, especially when you consider just how tuneful the score is, overflowing with a couple dozen of ABBA's greatest hits. And, on a cold evening in February, it's setting in sunny Greece is a warm and welcome alternative to the weather outdoors. The current touring show gracing the stage of the Fox Theatre is a splendid production, as engaging and charming as we've come to expect, and brimming with enough good humor to act as a perfect remedy for the winter blues.

Catherine Johnson's book offers a simple premise as a framework for the music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (and, sometimes Stig Anderson) to hang upon. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie Sheridan sends out three invitations to the men her mother, Donna, had flings with (separately) some 21 years ago. Of course, they don't know why they've been invited, and neither does Donna, which leads to a series of amusing situations that climax with a wedding. Only, things don't quite work out as expected, and that's actually a good thing.

Liana Hunt makes an attractive Sophie, and her delicate vocals suit the material well. David Raimo also does a good job as her beau, Sky. Michelle Dawson is especially strong as Donna, and her interactions with Hunt have a genuine feel to them. Dawson's husky voice also brings out a different quality in the material that's appealing. Rachel Tyler and Kittra Wynn Coomer are a riot, and pretty much steal the show as Donna's friends from the old days, Tanya and Rosie, respectively.

Vincent Corazza, Matthew Ashford, and John Sanders play the three prospective fathers Sophie invites to her nuptials. Corrazza gets a lot of laughs with his "Harry Headbanger" routine as Harry Bright, while Ashford gamely fills the role of writer/adventurer Bill Austin. Sanders is a nice match as Donna's lost love, Sam Carmichael.

Phyllida Lloyd's direction keeps the action moving at fast pace, and for this kind of lightweight, but enjoyable stuff, that's the right approach. Anthony Van Laast contributes the clever and funny choreography, which helps to keep this high energy production moving along with a head of steam. Mark Thompson's simple, changeable set is brilliant, subtly conjuring up the taverna Donna operates from a variety of angles. Howard Harrison's lighting scheme deftly switches gears from dramatic to concert hall without missing a beat. Music director Bill Congdon, conducting a host of talented musicians, expertly recreate, and in some cases improve upon, the pulsing sound of ABBA's familiar songs.

Mamma Mia! continues through February 21, 2010 at the Fox Theatre.