By Daniel Lahr
Contributing Writer
“Mamma Mia,” the smash musical built on the music of the pop band Abba, made its debut on Broadway in 2001. Then a popular film version was released in 2008 featuring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan, and a film sequel was released this summer.
But even if you’ve seen all of those, you need to see PCPA’s version at the Solvang Festival Theater.
I saw the show when it played ever so briefly in Santa Maria’s Marian Theater, and I wished I had been watching it in Solvang because the outdoor theater on a warm summer night would have helped transport me to the setting of the play, an island resort in Greece.
The story follows a young girl on the eve of her wedding at her mother’s resort in Greece. She has discovered that her father seems to be one of three different men with whom her mother had spent a passionate summer, so she invites them all to the wedding without telling her mother. And of course they all show up.
The cast of this fantastic romantic comedy is filled with all of your PCPA favorite performers, and they do not disappoint. Watching them create their characters is a real treat, but in particular a scene with Kitty Balay and Erik Stein nearly stole the entire show. And be ready for one of the most memorable curtain calls in recent history.
Technically, the production is also excellent. Brad Carroll’s direction and the creative team deserve high praise. Jason Bolen’s sets really make you feel like you’re on that Greek island, and Jennifer ‘Z’ Zornow’s lighting design is incredible. There weren’t any “Oh, wow” dance numbers, but there is a bit of fun choreography. The music by ABBA is a signature part of this production and, believe me, it will stick in your head.
On top of everything else, “Mamma Mia” is tailor-made for the outdoor space in the 700-seat Festival Theater. Catch it before the final curtain falls on Sunday, Aug. 26. Tickets range from $39 to $55.50 and may be purchased at www.PCPA.org or 805-922-831
