Drury Lane MAMMA MIA! Review – Here We Go Again!

Posted on by Alexis Bugajski
Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
The cast of Mamma Mia Photo: Brett Beiner

Set on a Greek island off the mainland, we come across a small inn and taverna brimming with wedding preparations. The gorgeous blue skies light up the background and we feel like we could be sitting on a beach under the Grecian sun ourselves. But uh-oh, trouble is a brewing and the bride might end up in some hot water when her surprise plans might not pan out. Get ready because here we go again in Drury Lane’s production of MAMMA MIA!

Drury Lane’s Island Life

The island is alive and buzzing for the upcoming nuptials of beloved Sophie - daughter of the inn owner and single mom, Donna. If you’re familiar with this musical’s story or seen the Meryl Streep movie, there’ll be no surprises to the story here. When Sophie invites three of Donna’s past lovers to her wedding, she’s hoping to find out one of them might be her father just in time to walk her down the aisle.

Will all go to plan? Or just bring up past heartbreaks?

Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
Katherine Lee Bourne, Rebecca Herd, and Sierra Schnack Photo: Brett Beiner
Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
McKinley Carter, Susie McMonagle, and Elizabeth Ledo Photo: Brett Beiner

Fun and Lighthearted to an ABBA Soundtrack

The story of MAMMA MIA is always very lighthearted and full of joy. It’s a fun musical and Drury Lane’s production is aided by colorful costumes and choreography. The bright hues of the island wear brings us out of cold, dreary Chicago winter for the evening and we sink into the island vibes of shorts, swimsuits, and sunglasses.

The energy comes through in the larger cast numbers - especially in "Lay All Your Love On Me." The audience delights with the wonderfully choreographed snorkel and flipper dancing.

Synthesizers, 80s, and Classic ABBA

The music of Abba can be tricky for some to master with it’s synthesizers and 80s pop vibe, so for this writer it felt sometimes the actors weren’t able to let their voices loose and belt their hearts out (save for one or two power ballads in the second act).

Though when we arrive at the encore of ABBA songs after the cast bows, it feels like a moment the cast truly comes alive as together they belt out "Mamma Mia", "Dancing Queen", and "Waterloo" like their meant to be sung - at full volume without a care in the world.

Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
Jeff Parker and Susie McMonagle Photo: Brett Beiner
Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
Michael Accardo, Stef Tovar, and Jeff Parker Photo: Brett Beiner

Drury Lane’s production of MAMMA MIA! Is a pretty standard take on the musical, so if you’ve seen it before, in this writer's view,  you don’t have to feel compelled to go again. However, if you love the movie or the show to death, this version will not disappoint. It could be a good family night out as it’s filled with upbeat pop numbers and would also a great fit for anyone who loves light hearted musicals.

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Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.

Watch this video showing the TOP PICK PLAYS of 2019

CAST

Susie McMonagle
Jeff Parker
Rebecca Hurd
Liam Quealy
Michael Accardo
McKinley Carter
Elizabeth Ledo
Stef Tovar
Katherine Lee Bourne
Kevin Corbett
Yando Lopez
Sierra Schnack
Alex Benoit
Maddie Dorsey
Brian M. Duncan
Connor Giles
Cory Goodrich
Shannon McEldowney
Johanna McKenzie Miller
Maria Montero
Nich O'Neil
Dana Paulo
Zach Porter
Anna Roemer
Kyra Sorce
Lance Spencer
Andrew Weir
Travis Austin Wright

CREATIVE

William Osetek
Jane Lanier
Roberta Duchak
Jeffrey D. Kmiec
Marianne Custer
Lee Fiskness
Ray Nardelli
Claire Moores

When

Now through April 14, 2019
Wednesdays at 1:30p
Thursdays at 1:30p & 8:00p
Fridays at 8:00p
Saturdays at 5:00p & 8:30p
Sundays at 2:00p & 6:00p

Where

Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Tickets

$55-$70
Tickets can be purchased through the Drury Lane website or by calling the box office at 630.530.0111

Photos

Brett Beiner

Note: Excerpts of Picture this Post reviews appear in Theatre in Chicago.

Drury Lane MAMMA MIA
Rebecca Herd and Susie McMonagle Photo: Brett Beiner
Alexis Bugajski Photo: Liz Lin

About the Author

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski

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