Last evening several friends and I headed over to the Aronoff after work to see Mamma Mia!, the lively musical featuring the songs of the rock group, ABBA.

 Some of us, including myself, had seen the show before; others had not.   If you are not familiar with it, the story is a rather simple one. The setting is a small island in Greece where Donna and Sophie, mother and daughter, are preparing for Sophie’s wedding. Unbeknownst to Donna, however, Sophie has thrown a surprise ingredient into the mix, by inviting Mom’s three former lovers, Bill, Harry and Sam, each of who could be dear old Dad.   The cast was terrific, from young Liana Hunt as an exuberant Sophie and Michelle Dawson as swinging Mom, Donna, to potential Dads, Harry, Bill and Sam. Two of the standout performances are attributed to Kittra Wynn Coomer and Rachel Tyler, who were both terrifically entertaining as Donna’s old friends and singing partners, Rosie and Tanya.   The biggest draw of this particular musical is, of course, the outstanding music of rock group, ABBA. The songs range from the sweet strains of Thank You for the Music, to the romantic Our Last Summer, to the glorious sound of some of the group’s biggest hits like Dancing Queen, Voulez-Vous and of course, the title song. One particularly favorite moment of mine was a very strong performance of The Winner Takes it All by Ms Dawson toward the end of the show.   For me, this show has it all. It’s funny, sincere, light-hearted, full of quirky but lovable characters, and the music is absolutely outstanding. I could see it again tonight, and love it just as much as the first time I experienced it. If you have a chance, go to see Mamma Mia! In fact, make the time. It’s well worth it. You’ll be singing all the way home. Mamma Mia! is at the Aronoff through Sunday, July 19.    P.S. Just a tip. Don’t sneak out before the show’s over. You’ll miss a treat by the cast.

Gabby Preston