Review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ rocks at Ahmanson Theatre
- Anthony Gutierrez
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
For over 25 years, “Mamma Mia!” has rocked audiences around the world through the driving disco rhythms of ABBA's music, with a story by Catherine Johnson and songs by ABBA alum Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus, plus some by Stig Anderson. Center Theatre Group's current production at the Ahmanson Theatre fully delivers on the raucous spirit of this beloved musical.
Set on a sun-drenched Greek island, the show follows Sophie, a bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother's past — each as likely as the last to be the father she's never known — to her wedding, amid chaos, comedy and nearly two dozen ABBA classics ranging from “Dancing Queen” to “Super Trouper.”
Lighting by Howard Harrison is bright and leans heavily on the backdrop, with an ambient glow that beautifully replicates the Greek sun, aided by a clever spinning set (designed by Mark Thompson) that feels like a floating island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Jessica Crouch stands out as Donna, the harried single mother at the heart of the story. Jalynn Steele and Carly Sakolove, as her best friends Tanya and Rosie, are sensational. The duo dominate the stage, emerging as crowd favorites at curtain call.
With her best friends by her side, Donna anchors an emotional and comedic trio that gives the show its heart and soul. Their hilarious physical comedy is matched only by the power and glory of their singing voices.
And Juliette M. Ojeda is captivating as Sophie from her first moment on stage, with a wonderful voice and a smile that sparkles all the way to the back row — glowing with optimism and unbridled joy.
As the trio of potential fathers, Rob Hancock, Leland Burnett and Victor Wallace are talented actors, each bringing distinct charm to roles that could easily blur together in lesser hands.
Conductor Andrew David Sotomayor leads a talented band on keyboards, guitars and drums that adds so much to the show, driving the energy of every number.
If one gripe is to be had, direction by Phyllida Lloyd feels a bit uneven at times. At its best, the action flows and the comedic timing is impeccable; the show's broader, more farcical moments land exactly as they should. But some of the slower numbers cry out for more on-stage movement rather than two actors standing still, trading verses across the stage to each other.
Still, if you already love “Mamma Mia!” you can look forward to a fabulously boisterous production with strong performances all around. And for those experiencing the show for the first time, this is a faithful, joyful rendition that will be hard for anyone not to celebrate.
“Mamma Mia!” continues through July 19 at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, with performances Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 213-628-2772 or visit CenterTheatreGroup.org. Run time is 2 hours and 35 minutes, including intermission.