Haines His Way

I want $78 million for all sorts of things!

Filopino?

Well...Filipino!

You have pointed out my error for 2007!

der Brucer

DR Cillaliz - Glad you enjoyed Mamma Mia!.  And THANKS for passing on my greetings to Emily and the gang.  

'Take a Chance' on 'Mamma Mia'
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer

Hearing all those old ABBA songs isn't the real joy of "Mamma Mia." It's seeing how someone has knitted them together into a fairly clever story.

Realizing their kitsch factor, writer Catherine Johnson has given stuff like "Take a Chance on Me" and "Does Your Mother Know" new life. Her one-liners are pretty cool, too, making this one jukebox musical you wouldn't mind seeing twice.

Set on a Greek island, the show (which opened Tuesday at the Orpheum Theatre and runs through Sunday) poses a big wedding eve question: Who's your daddy?

Unsure who her biological father is, Sophie Sheridan (Carrie Manolakos) sends letters to three suspects, inviting them to the ceremony. Since they all figured prominently in her mother's diary, she's sure she's going to discover the truth. Mom (Laurie Wells), though, wants no part of the scheme and does her best to keep the father figures from walking her daughter down the aisle.

Meanwhile, two of mom's friends (Lisa Mandel and Laura Ware) show up for the event, helping her remember those days that preceded Sophie's birth. The walk down memory lane calls for Spandex, platform shoes and a whole lot of fun.

The three women, in fact, steal every scene they're in. Ware, in particular, knows how to turn a good bit into a great one. When she sets her sights on Bill Austin (Milo Shandel), the Australian "suspect," "Mamma Mia" finds its soul sister and many, many laughs. Ware and Shandel share "Take a Chance on Me" and deserve every laugh they get.

Mandel doesn't coast, either. A serial bride, she knows men -- but she's surprised someone younger (Enrico Rodriguez, a great dancer) has taken a shine to her. They share a similarly cute moment, giving "Mamma Mia" one of those surprises that doesn't come from a confetti cannon.

Director Phyllida Lloyd works overtime with many scenes, helping the songs along with some very smart business. She has a rousing second act opener. Freaked about what she has done, Sophie has a nightmare in which friends and family are dressed in swimwear and she's "Under Attack." In a million years the song wouldn't work in a more conventional show. Here, thanks to Manolakos and those great dancers, it's right at home.

Best of all, the folks behind "Mamma Mia" don't expect anyone to take it seriously. When Wells has a few of those moments, the songs are truncated, giving the audience just enough of a grounding to work. When she's handed "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do," she provides the perfect button to an imperfect suit.

The three men -- Shandel, Ian Simpson and Sean Allan Krill -- couldn't be more different. Each shared a key moment with Sophie's mom. Each has a viable claim to her heart. But who's the one? Because the three actors are so evenly matched, their hands aren't tipped. And when you discover the truth, you'll understand why it's the best answer of all.

Like a wedding dance that features all the right songs, "Mamma Mia" leaves you with a nice glow. It's not a taxing show, just a great night out.

But don't head for the doors once you see the actors bow.

There's still plenty of show left (and those much-promised Spandex jumpsuits and platform boots) after the I Do's have been said. The post-show concert, in fact, is like a wedding reception. It's sweeter than a big ol' piece of cake and more lively than a dollar dance with the bride.

"Mamma Mia" continues through Sunday. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. today through Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.

And I once had a youthful molar yanked out in one

der Brucer

I know.  I just concentrate on all your other wonderful qualities and ignore this one.