On this past Thursday, I and three friends took a journey to Greece via The Chemainus Theatre Festival season in Chemainus, B.C. Music and lyrics from ABBA hits written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson). Stunning, colourful and glittering costumes with glittering thick soled shoes of the decade worn by three middle aged and retired (from music) members of Donna and the Dynamos (*Donna Sheridan, *Rosie, and *Tanya). Set on a Greek island with a white washed taverna in constant need of repair. Bougainvillea in full flower vines over the eaves. The beautiful iridescent Mediterranean Sea laps its shores. The energy and giddiness of an upcoming wedding. The bride (Sophie played by Alex Gullason) has a secret and a longing. She wants to know who her dad is but there are *three possible candidates - that she has invited to her wedding. She hasn’t shared this with her mother (Donna) or fiancé (Sky). The music of ABBA brilliantly adds effervescence and emotion to the dialogue.
If that weren’t enough in this two act musical, when it was over, and before our applause had ended, the entire cast blessed us with their energy, which seemed undiminished, for two more full ABBA songs. As an audience we were on our feet singing and dancing (sort of) along with the actors. There was an opportunity for a photo op with one of the actors (Bill Austin played by Kieran Martin Murphy) in full glitter following the musical.
Besides just having a wonderful afternoon, what kind of critique could I provide? Donna (played by Stephanie Roth) had the strongest voice, but did not override her co-stars. Her portrayal of Donna was spot on. Tanya (played by Erin Ormond) portrayed a flirtatious older (she wouldn't like that adjective) woman in a very believable manner. The set was magnificent. The taverna itself was stationary, with two Mediterranean blue doors as part of the set allowing actors to come and go from the interior. A set of stairs was visible and height to the set for the actors. The set could be changed to a bedroom (pull out bed) or into a pier by the water (another pull out). If they were both tucked away, it became the taverna.The musicians also accessed their instruments via the stairs. They were purposely not clearly visible, but had good lighting and held the music and rhythm expertly. The actors in the ‘chorus’ scenes had dual, possibly triple roles that were distinct. Housekeepers and painters, guests eating in the Taverna, wedding guests. I was impressed by this set design. I was impressed with the whole performance!
“Mamma mia, here I go again.
My, my, how can I resist you?”
ABBA, Mamma Mia
Partial Cast of Performing Artists
Sophie Sheridan (bride) - Alex Gullason
Ali (Sophie’s friend) - Ali Watson
Lisa (Sophie’s friend) - Vanessa Merenda
*Donna Sheridan - Stephanie Roth
*Tanya - Erin Ormond
*Rosie - Jennie Burke
Sky (Sophie’s fiancé) - Colin Sheen
*Harry Bright - Graham Coffering
*Bill Austin - Kieran Martin Murphy
*Sam Carmichael - Jonathan Winsby
Artistic Credits
Director: Barbara Tomasic
Music Director: Meredith Zwicker
Choreographer: Nicole Spinola
Set/Costume Designer: Drew Facey
Lighting Designer: Craig Alfredson
Stage Manager: Angela Beaulieu
Asst Stage Manager: Liz King
Appr Stage Manger: Becca Jorgensen
Songs and Music Performed
Act One
I Have a Dream
Honey, Honey
Thank You for the Music
Mamma Mia!
Chiquitita
Dancing Queen
Lay All Your Love On Me
Super Trouper
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
The Name of the Game
Voulez Vous
Act Two
Under Attack
One of Us
SOS
Does Your Mother Know?
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our Last Summer
Slipping Through My Fingers
The Winner Takes It All
I Do, I Do, I Do
I have a Dream
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