MAMMA MIA! Previews- Page 2

[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

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/3/25 at 9:32pm

Mamma Mia was my first Broadway show so it holds a place. When the overture started I just got so excited. I don’t remember the set being insane but there were some fine surprises. 

[Dolly80]

Posted: 8/3/25 at 10:21pm

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:

"
That second picture is London, not US Tour.

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 8/3/25 at 11:44pm

AKarp2013 said: "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 returnsfollowing the tour with a sort of "Back by Popular Demand" marketing scheme.

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

It really could go any way. I know the last time around, they kept it running by moving it to a smaller theatre. If demand wanes a little bit but it’s still enough where they could fill a smaller open venue come spring, I don’t know why they wouldn’t do that, especially if the design elements are not super exhaustive where they can’t just build another set to take on the road.

I honestly am surprised that, despite my displeasure at how cheap it looked, that The Wiz opted to close instead of keep running through the holidays since they were doing pretty good business. I know Broadway was the last stop of their tour, but they could’ve easily replaced the leads for that latter portion 

[MezzA101]

Posted: 8/4/25 at 5:31am

‘Need for representation’: Hilo native debuts in iconic ‘Mamma Mia’ Broadway show

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/08/03/need-representation-hilo-native-debuts-iconic-mamma-mia-broadway-show/

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 8/4/25 at 3:37pm

I honestly am surprised that, despite my displeasure at how cheap it looked, that The Wiz opted to close instead of keep running through the holidays since they were doing pretty good business. I know Broadway was the last stop of their tour, but they could’ve easily replaced the leads for that latter portion"

This decision probably had less to do with THE WIZ than it did with STRANGER THINGS needing to start working on the space.

[singerunlimited]

Posted: 8/5/25 at 12:38pm

Can anyone speak to whether there have been any technical enhancements to this production from tour to Broadway?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/5/25 at 2:18pm

singerunlimited said: "Can anyone speak to whether there have been any technical enhancements to this production from tour to Broadway?"

It looks like there’s a false proscenium and hayden6 said there’s a moon cut out like in London instead of the moon projection they’ve been using on tour, but the production photos of the Broadway cast they’ve released still show the projection so I’m not sure. As I said before this tour is largely what Mamma Mia! looks like now even in the West End. I’m not aware of any current productions using the full original scenery.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 12:09am

I had a lot of fun tonight! If you’re a fan of Mamma Mia!, this is a great night out. If you’re not a fan, I don’t think this is likely to convert you by any means.

It’s the classic production of the show the world has come to love over the last 20+ years. Yes, it’s scaled back from what was originally at the Winter Garden years ago, but I still thought the physical production filled the stage nicely enough. The lighting is especially very crisp and vibrant.

The cast is good - very high energy, and it’s fun to see so many Broadway debuts. 

At the end of the day, this is “Broadway comfort food”. With the world in the state it’s in right now, it’s nice to get a few hours of pure escapist fun. I will definitely be back a couple more times during its run.

Updated On: 8/9/25 at 12:09 AM

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 2:09am

Without a voice like Mazz or Carolee, this show is ho-hum.

I'm not running to see a tour cast at Broadway prices.

[FosseTharp]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 2:29am

BenjaminNicholas2 said: "Without a voice like Mazz or Carolee, this show is ho-hum.

I'm not running to see a tour cast at Broadway prices."

 

WTF does this even mean? Actually, you could have seen “a voice like Carolee” or actually Carolee herself in the cast of a tour as recently as this year (Kimberly Akimbo)…. This isn’t a NETworks tour

 

[Mskuphantm]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 4:37pm

Christine Sherill is playing Donna  please if anyhing youtube her prior perfrpormances, even her winner takes it all at bryant park... She played the Goldie Hawn role in First Wives Club musical in chicago opposite Faith Prince and Carmen Cusack ....just because she hasnt done broadway prior doesnt mean she isnt broadway worthy. so many performers are out there who just havent gotten to broadway but are just as talented as those on broadwayand even if those never make it broadway doesnt mean they arent up to par. 

Updated On: 8/9/25 at 04:37 PM

[Copeman63]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 6:15pm

BenjaminNicholas2 said: "Without a voice like Mazz or Carolee, this show is ho-hum.

I'm not running to see a tour cast at Broadway prices."

 

I’ve seen the show more than 125 times, and Christine is second only to Louise Pitre; and that includes me having seen Carolee. 
 

The set is tour quality, but the cast really is top notch.

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 6:18pm

Copeman63 said: “I’ve seen the show more than 125 times”


 

you've what 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 6:43pm

Mskuphantm said: "Christine Sherill is playing Donna please if anyhing youtube her prior perfrpormances, even her winner takes it all at bryant park... She played the Goldie Hawn role in First Wives Club musical in chicago opposite Faith Prince and Carmen Cusack ....just because she hasnt done broadway prior doesnt mean she isnt broadway worthy. so many performers are out there who just havent gotten to broadway but are just as talented as those on broadwayand even if those never make it broadway doesnt mean they arent up to par."

Funny you mention that.  10 - 15 years ago, I saw the road company of South Pacific in St. Louis.  I had never heard of Carmen Cusack, who was playing Nellie Forbush.  Leaving the theatre, I remember saying to my companion, who had not seen it in NYC, that the overall performance was better in NYC because of the VB staging, but that the female lead was far superior to the NY lead, i.e., Kelli O'Hara, because -- in addition to talent -- she had incredible charisma, something that I still do not think O'Hara has. 

One of the two best Anna Leonowens I saw was in the touring company of TKAI when it played in Sarasota a decade ago.  I have seen at least 10 Anna's, including Faith Prince, Angela Lansbury, Constance Towers, Kelli O'Hara, and /Marin Mazzie.  I thought the touring lead was better than all but Donna Murphy.

[Crusty Bagel]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 6:58pm

Kelli ohara deserved the Tony over Patti Lupone Gypsy.  Her voice is the absolute best on Broadway, and she has that sweetness, that loveliness, as well as a wistfulness that I love.  Bridges of Madison county is one of my favorite cast recordings.  I’m looking forward to seeing her in the tom hanks play later this year 

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 7:02pm

Crusty Bagel said: "Kelli ohara deserved the Tony over Patti Lupone Gypsy. Her voice is the absolute best on Broadway, and she has that sweetness, that loveliness, as well as a wistfulness that I love. Bridges of Madison county is one of my favorite cast recordings. I’m looking forward to seeing her in the tom hanks play later this year"

[Crusty Bagel]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 7:22pm

Can you please change your profile picture?  It’s unbecoming 

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 7:33pm

Crusty Bagel said: "Can you please change your profile picture? It’s unbecoming"



Sorry to arouse the Crusty Bagel...

It's not even me, it's a KPOP Singer that I've had as my profile picture since I was a teenager. I keep it because it elicits Thirsting DMs from long time posters here a few times a year that I think are funny. 

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 7:36pm

Did anyone check said K-Pop singer’s availability to replace in Maybe Happy Ending? TheatreFan4 may have had the answer all along…

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 7:39pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "Did anyone check said K-Pop singer’s availability to replace in Maybe Happy Ending? TheatreFan4 may have had the answer all along…"

You exude loser ass energy. 

[Mskuphantm]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 8:30pm

Jarethan said: "Mskuphantm said: "Christine Sherill is playing Donna please if anyhing youtube her prior perfrpormances, even her winner takes it all at bryant park... She played the Goldie Hawn role in First Wives Club musical in chicago opposite Faith Prince and Carmen Cusack ....just because she hasnt done broadway prior doesnt mean she isnt broadway worthy. so many performers are out there who just havent gotten to broadway but are just as talented as those on broadwayand even if those never make it broadway doesnt mean they arent up to par."

Funny you mention that. 10 - 15 years ago, I saw the road company of South Pacific in St. Louis. I had never heard of Carmen Cusack, who was playing Nellie Forbush. Leaving the theatre, I remember saying to my companion, who had not seen it in NYC, that the overall performance was better in NYC because of the VB staging, but that the female lead was far superior to the NY lead, i.e., Kelli O'Hara, because -- in addition to talent -- she had incredible charisma, something that I still do not think O'Hara has.

One of the two best Anna Leonowens I saw was in the touring company of TKAI whenit played in Sarasota a decade ago. I have seen at least 10 Anna's, including Faith Prince, Angela Lansbury, Constance Towers, KelliO'Hara, and /Marin Mazzie. Ithought the touring lead was better than all but Donna Murphy."

i have loved Carmen Cusack since her run in Carrie Off Broadway.  alsp w8th this stop on the tour, I hope someone sees the wonderfulness of this show and bring it to bway in open ended run. sooo many performers that can do wonders in the role of Donna, Rosie, Tanya

[choclatechip45]

Posted: 8/9/25 at 9:44pm

I saw it today and really enjoyed it! Great energy from the cast. Full house as well.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/12/25 at 11:16pm

I’ve only seen this once, in previews with the OBC and really hated it. I was invited to go tonight and didn’t have that kind of reaction to it but c’mon, this is not a good show. It’s fun in parts and people have a good time but it’s a stuuuuupid show where too much of it makes no sense at all.

Cast here is all good so anyone who puts their noses up saying “but it’s a tour cast” can F off, they’re all very good with what they’re given to do, I just wish what they were given was better. This is where I put my nose in the air and wonder how this show managed to be as successful as it has. 

But the audience had a great time and that’s all that matters for a show like this. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/13/25 at 1:12pm

This is where I put my nose in the air and wonder how this show managed to be as successful as it has.

Its basically a 90s rom-com chick flick on stage. Nothing more. It’s a basic non-complicated feel good musical with a score using ABBA’s greatest hits. From its debut the word-of-mouth was all this and audience’s weren’t disappointed. So much so that right after seeing the show on Broadway during previews (she took her then 10 year old daughter Louisa and a group of her friends), Meryl Streep wrote to the producers of the show and offered her services if/when they got around to making the film adaptation. They kept that letter, reached out to Meryl when film was going to happen, Meryl said yes (no other actress was ever offered the role of Donna) and her involvement brought in the talent the film had. For all the same reasons the show was a hit, the 2008 film adaptation (and its 2018 sequel) were enormous global hits.