“Mamma Mia!” is a wonderful play showcasing terrific talent worth seeing and hearing. The musical, based on the book by Catherine Johnson and originally conceived by Judy Craymer, is beautifully directed by Clair M. Freeman. The outstanding music scores are directed by Chad Miller.
The Summer Theatre production runs at Northampton Community College Theatre though July 28.
Beth Linzer (Donna Sheridan) really rocks her role with her dynamic voice and charm. Her “Mamma Mia!” number with the Ensemble is spectacular.
Rebecca Pieper (Tanya Cresham-Leigh) with her hot mamma looks and great voice steal a fair share of the show as her role as Donna’s side-kick girlfriend that channels some young man’s dreams. She and flirty waiter Mateo Villarreal (Pepper) heat up a fun scene. “Last night never happened.”
Perky Jenny Bianchini (Sophie Sheridan) gives the story line continuity with her superb singing and acting. The poor girl just doesn’t know who to call “Daddy,” however it doesn’t stop her from planning the best destination wedding ever with the hunkiest boy she can find.
Sophie’s boyfriend, Sky, (Max Wetherhold) is perfect as the frat boy drafted into Sophie’s dream of matrimony, something Sophie’s mother had never seriously considered.
Matt Michael (Sam Carmichael) gives a solid, witty portrayal of a successful architect and potential dad as he arrives at an idyllic Greek island with nothing in common with the other two other guys except a brief fling twenty=one years ago with Donna.
Potential father of the bride David Arzberger (Bill Austin) nails his role as a well known travel writer who has searched the world over but never until now found what he has been looking for---love. Donna’s best friend Andrea Marshall-Money (Rosie Mulligan), it turns out, still knows how to make sparks fly.
Rosie smites Bill with a thorough looking over that leads to some hilariously inappropriate chapel hanky panky. They both bring their comedic talents to full flower in their duet “Take a Chance on Me.”
Banker Will Windsor Erwin (Harry Bright) gets laughs as he struts his out of style but coordinated beach outfit. As a potential father of the bride, he brings a hint of pathos as he shares his feelings for Donna, “The only woman I ever loved.”
The three dad roles are each well crafted and witty. They get their groove on as they join the Company in the finale “I Have a Dream.”
Sophia’s best friends Ali (played by Angelina Dries) and Lisa (Lydia Walker) are vivacious up-beat party girls as they try to get the bride across the finish line at the altar.
Aidan Weller (Father Alexandrios) gives a solid performance as he tries to to make heads or tales of the wedding ceremony.
Resort maintenance guy and Pepper’s solid wingman, Calum Sullivan (Eddie), is a standout supporting character and great dancer in the ensemble.
Among the best dance scenes are Sophia’s nightmare, Sky’s swimming at the beach number and the finale. Bella Amrosise, Abby Arza, Isabelle Awald, Camilla Backman, Julianna Braga, Azelia Dos Santos and Yul Carrion all contribute their formidable talents to the show as do Adrian Colon-Burgos Harrison Fox, and Michael Guerriere.
Megan Wolfe, Bowen Huang, Deborah Katz, Maria Pallete, Mina Price. Julio Hernandez, Cade Kocher, Daniel Melo, and Sergio Salilnas, Lindsey Sommons, Anjelica Soto, Jenna Williamson, Connor Sternberg and Zayne Thomie all bring impressive dance skills and athleticism to the ensemble.
The production is replete with ABBA songs that are fun regardless of your era. “Voulez-Vous,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Honey, Honey,” “Money, Money, Money,” and others, notably “Mamma Mia!”
However, one ABBA song, “Dancing Queen,” stands out as Donna, Tanya, and Rosie lead the Company in a rousing version of this jumping production number.
Kudos to choreographer Cristina Sohns Williams. This is a great, high-spirited production with a large cast of excellent dancers.
Costumer Brenda McGuire, and Assistant Costumer Mina Price have outfitted the cast with period and fantasia dream costumes that keep the story going in a believable way. The costumes in the finale are fabulous and contribute greatly to the fun of the production.
The lighting by Managing and Technical Director and Light Designer Brett Oliveria deserves special mention. Credited with helping with lighting is Rosie Kramer (lightboard), Zoe Jones (spotlight) and Nick Scheerer (spotlight).
“Mamma Mia,” 7:30 p.m. July 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27; 2:00 p.m. July 21 and 28.
Northampton Community College Summer Theatre, Lipkin Theatre, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 484-484-3412,