Didim Today

If you like the playful, infectious music of ABBA, and I do, it's impossible to not have a good time at a performance of "Mamma Mia!" The play, one of the most frequently and widely staged in history, wraps a touching story around 22 of the former Swedish pop group's swaying-in-the-aisles tunes. But it's because you can see "Mamma Mia!" in so many places like Istanbul, Ankara, London, Sweden, Germany, France and any other places. But his energy makes Tanya, the older woman he's pursuing, seem lethargic. Broadway veteran Michelle Dawson likely at the director's behest leans too heavily on bawdy gestures, rather than using her stride and ironic facial expressions as an actress like Christine Baranski might

 

But his energy makes Tanya, the older woman he's pursuing, seem lethargic. Broadway veteran Michelle Dawson likely at the director's behest leans too heavily on bawdy gestures, rather than using her stride and ironic facial expressions as an actress like Christine Baranski might.

If that bosom of hers really needs all that holding up, maybe she should invest in a Wonderbra.The worldly Tanya visits the Greek isle where "Mamma Mia!" is set to support her old friend and former band mate Donna, played by Susie McMonagle. McMonagle, who played Fantine in "Les Miserables" on Broadway, has a lovely voice, which we finally get to hear in the final verse of "The Winner Takes It All." McMonagle seemed as though she may have been getting sick, as she sipped water in some scenes and seemed to pull back the full force of her voice.

Playing Donna's daughter, Sophie, newcomer Rose Sezniak has a sweet but small voice. Sophie loves her single mom and the life she has made for them, but she wants her dad at her wedding. So, after reading Donna's diary, she invites the three most likely suspects.

Problem is, Donna's not sure which of them is Sophie's dad, and is none too happy to have her past show up on the eve of her only child's wedding. Hilarity and singing ensue. Another bright spot in the cast is stage and TV actor Martin Kildare, who plays intrepid travel writer Bill Austin.

His scene with Donna's friend Rosie (Kittra Wynn Coomer), as she seduces him to the song "Take A Chance on Me," is hilarious. If you love ABBA and you have the cash, by all means go to Providence. You'll be singing along by the end. But don't let this be the only production of "Mamma Mia!" you see. 01/01/09