What's Happening -- Mamma Mia!, The Review

 Last night, I saw the opening of Broadway in Austin's production of Mamma Mia. Last week, I shared how excited I was to attend. ABBA music is a guilty pleasure and I admit to being able to sing along with just about every hit. And the show did not disappoint this ABBA lover.The story centers on 20 year old Sophie who in advance of her wedding, impulsively invites three men, one of which is her father to determine the truth and be escorted down the aisle. The three possible men couldn't be more different -- an architect who broke her heart, a traveling writer who fancies himself an Indiana Jones, and a rich businessman. She does not tell her mother, Donna, her plans. And as the old saying goes, hilarity ensues. And it does.The show really belongs to Donna and her two best friends -- a thrice-divorcee and an independent minded writer -- who have some of the prettiest harmonies and funniest lines of the show. The show is as bright and fun as ABBA music itself with every hit in technicolor glory.My friend and I came out of that performance singing and laughing. It is silly and campy; just as it should be and if you enjoy ABBA, it's a must-see. I definitely recommend it though I cannot be held responsible for choruses of "Money, Money" and "Mamma Mia" that play in your head the rest of the week. 

DETAILS:

WHO:             Lexus Broadway in Austin at Texas Performing ArtsWHAT:           MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBAWHEN:           January 20 – 25, 2015Tuesday – Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.WHERE:         Bass Concert Hall / 2350 Robert Dedman Drive / Austin, TXTICKETS:       Start at $30. Tickets are available at BroadwayinAustin.com, the Bass Concert Hall box office, all Texas Box Office Outlets, by phone at (512) 477-6060. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.