MAMMA MIA! Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 12:01am

My, my, just how much we’ve missed ya!

Nearly a decade after the original production closed in New York, Mamma Mia! receives its first Broadway revival at its old home, the Winter Garden Theatre. For this go-around, the ABBA jukebox musical features the company of its recent national tour, with 25 cast members making their Broadway debuts. Christine Sherrill and Amy Weaver star as Donna and Sophie, respectively; rounding out the principal cast are Carly Sakolove, Jalynn Steele, Rob Marnell, Jim Newman, Victor Wallace, and Grant Reynolds. Mamma Mia! features a book by Catherine Johnson, choreography by Anthony Van Laast, and direction by Phyllida Lloyd. Previews begin tomorrow (August 2), opening night is scheduled for August 14, and the limited run concludes on February 1.

“The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a smash hit! A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!”

Who’s heading on over to the Greek coast?

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 5:47am

I'm going late next week. This has always been one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows so I can't wait.

[singerunlimited]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:06pm

Eager to hear reports from tomorrow's first preview as to whether they've made any changes (specifically to the scenery) since moving to Broadway. I know the odds are slim. I saw this tour a few months ago, and while I thought the cast was fantastic (specifically Christine Sherrill and Jalynn Steele), the sets were cheaper than cheap.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:24pm

Interestingly, Matthew Croft — who has been conducting this tour — has been demoted to the associate conductor position for the New York “stop.” 

(He also has some good PV score play-throughs and conductor cam videos from regional productions past on his YouTube channel.)

[Anastasia_Beaverhausen]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:32pm

It looks like they are using the cheap tour set. The Mamma Mia! Facebook page has some clips of the set. 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4047856302127109

https://www.facebook.com/reel/736416205918289

 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:37pm

Looks like the always-reliable Will Van Dyke is the new conductor!

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:38pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "Looks like the always-reliable Will Van Dyke is the new conductor!"

Love him. That's wonderful 

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:45pm

Welcome back! I always leave this show smiling. Whenever I’m in London, I’ll pop in to see it for an afternoon (and Mazz Murray’s is one of the best live vocalists I’ve ever heard). 

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 1:45pm

Couldn't even put a trap door in the stage for the elevator. :/

[allthatjazz4]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 6:51pm

Not sure why but it looks like there is a new proscenium that is just a white border? Wonder why this was added.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 7:21pm

allthatjazz4 said: "Not sure why but it looks like there is a new proscenium that is just a white border? Wonder why this was added."

It could be show specific to create the illusion that the set is bigger by making the stage look smaller.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/1/25 at 8:58pm

allthatjazz4 said: "Not sure why but it looks like there is a new proscenium that is just a white border? Wonder why this was added."

Compared to the original set, it looks like they’ve had to adjust things a bit which makes sense as the tour set is smaller. The original did have a white frame but it now looks like they’ve had to add another false arch in white/orange to fill space. I’m not seeing the added false arch on any of the tour photos on A View From My Seat.

https://share.google/5plHqlQYlufQHzUh3

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:23pm

Happy first preview to all involved!

I still remember where I was and what I was doing when the original production posted its closing notice — which makes me feel old at this point. I was able to catch it for the first time about a month before its closure and I just knew they'd be going out with a bang.

Looking forward to hearing reports from this evening!


 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:30pm

MAMMA MIA! during its original run at the Winter Garden:



The current production during a tour stop:



The current revival at the Winter Garden last night: 

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:39pm

The Winter Garden has been tour-ified. Looks like less performers onstage as well. I suppose they cut around two M and two F from the ensemble. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:51pm

I'm honestly shocked this is selling decently. Considering this has been done in ever regional and community theater. Surprised people are willing to fork over $100+ per ticket.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 1:59pm

I'm not surprised. It's a fun show. If they've built in an extension I expect it will be extended beyond the initial six months. And I don't think the general public will care that the scenery isn't as elaborate as it used to be.

[allthatjazz4]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 4:32pm

This second image is incorrect, it looks like that is from the west end production. The tour featured no white false pro and the main drop was framed by the wave portals. BrodyFosse123 said: "MAMMA MIA! during its original run at the Winter Garden:



The current production during a tour stop:



The current revival at the Winter Garden last night:

"

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 4:36pm

ACL2006 said: "I'm honestly shocked this is selling decently. Considering this has been done in ever regional and community theater. Surprised people are willing to fork over $100+ per ticket."

I know nothing about this show besides the basics but with the world being what it is right now, I'm thinking people want a fluffy, fun escape.

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 5:35pm

CATSNYrevival said: "I'm not surprised. It's a fun show. If they've built in an extension I expect it will be extended beyond the initial six months. And I don't think the general public will care that the scenery isn't as elaborate as it used to be."

The show is slated to go back out on tour in early March until August so I doubt it'll extend beyond February.  Although I wouldn't be surprised if it returns following the tour with a sort of "Back by Popular Demand" marketing scheme.

I'm also not surprised it's selling as well as it is given the resurgence in popularity the movies have had, along with ABBA, among younger generations -- and yes the desire for some much needed fluffy and light entertainment.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 7:52pm

9-piece orchestra for this, same instrumentation as the original:

• 4 Keys
• 2 Guitars
• Bass
• Drums
• Percussion

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 8:07pm

That looks insanely cheap. 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 8:24pm

It's not like they cheaped out on this tour, this is just what most (all?) productions of Mamma Mia! look like now. One of the only differences is that London still has a practical moon for the final scene and this tour version just has a moon projection.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 8/2/25 at 11:37pm

How'd tonight go?

Their website lists an approximate 2:30 running time, including intermission. 

[hayden6]

Posted: 8/3/25 at 7:41am

Last night was a blast! It was exactly as expected and the cast had fantastic energy. If you love Mamma Mia!, or if you aren't familiar with it, you'll have a great time. I doubt it will win over any haters, but it's their loss.

Jalynn Steele's Tanya was the highlight for me, and Christine Sherrill made a stellar Broadway debut as Donna.

The set was completely serviceable, even if not super sturdy looking.

CATSNYrevival said: "It's not like they cheaped outon this tour, this is just what most (all?) productions of Mamma Mia! looklike now. One of the only differences is that London still has a practical moon for the final scene and this tour version just has a moon projection."

Last night, they had a practical moon.

Updated On: 8/4/25 at 07:41 AM