The sheer joy emanating from the performers’ faces in Harlequin Musical Theatre’s latest stage production shows how much pleasure the timeless music of ABBA still brings to the world.
The community theatre in Howick is staging an upbeat and energetic version of the hit show Mamma Mia!, featuring the much-loved and well-known music of the Swedish supergroup.
It features music and lyrics by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and is based on the book written by Catherine Johnson.
Harlequin’s dynamic production is a credit to the talents of director Maryanne Rushton, musical director Oliver Gilmour, vocal coach Robyn Kennerly and choreographer Rebecca Ceballos, and each should be proud of what they’ve helped to create.
The story centres on the character of Sophie, played by Abbie Parsons in her Harlequin debut, a young woman looking forward to getting married to her fiancé Sky.
They live on a Greek island and much of the action takes place at the villa Sophie’s mother Donna owns and runs as a hotel.
Sophie is unsure who her father is so she invites three men her mother used to know to the wedding in an effort to learn more about her life.
Drama ensues as Sophie tries to get to know each of them while Donna reflects on her memories, happy and not-so-happy, with these men from her past.
Two of Donna’s best friends, Rosie and Tanya, arrive for the wedding and the trio quickly fall back into their routine as the ‘Dynamos’ band.
Their rollicking high-jinks keeps the action moving along at a brisk pace, as does the dynamic between Donna and her three exes and Sophie’s angst at the prospect of finally learning who her father is.
The large vocal talents and stage presence of Parsons and Donna, played by the talented Bridget Chasemore, lift an excellent show to even greater heights.
This is a production bursting at the seams with fun and frivolity.
It features numerous ABBA favourites including I Have a Dream; Money, Money, Money; Mamma Mia; Dancing Queen; Lay All Your Love on Me; Voulez-Vous; S.O.S; Knowing Me, Knowing You, and more.
Lovers of ABBA will not be disappointed and nor will anyone wanting to be entertained by two hours of high quality, upbeat, energetic and passionately delivered stage musical excellence.
Mamma Mia! is at Harlequin Musical Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road, until November 26.
