Mamma Mia New Cast

[bwayboy09]

Posted: 9/22/09 at 12:48pm

Is anyone going tonight to see Beth Leavel and the rest of the new castmembers in Mamma Mia? I am DYING to hear how they are! Please post reviews!

[proptart101]

Posted: 9/23/09 at 1:23am

John Dossett (Sam) was fine. Solid acting and a good singing voice.

Patrick Boll (Bill) and David McDonald (Harry) both made the most of fairly thinly written characters.

Halle Morse (Lisa) was second fiddle to Amina Robison's frenetic "Ali", but it works for them to act like giggling teens. My guess is Halle will get stronger as she becomes more confidant with the material.

Allison Briner seemed a bit subdued as Rosie, though perhaps it was trying to out wisecrack Judy McLane (Tanya), a task not to be attempted lightly.

Alyse Alan Louis (Sophie) looked so young that her character should be re-named Lolita, and Skye should be called Humbert. Her singing was a little forced, she pushed too hard. I'm sure that she'll settle into the role nicely, she has a charm and innocence that works for her.

Eric William Morris (Skye) was solid though he bordered on looking just a little too old for Sophie - it was a wee bit close to creepy. His acting seemed a tad unsettled - again, maybe "newbie jitters".

Beth Leavel - what can you say about her? She's pulled a fierce Donna out to play - solid, strong, not as friendly as Carolee's (that might make it tough for some to warm up to her, and she may tone it down a bit). She bordered on, but did not quite cross, the line of bitterness leading into "Winner Takes it All" My only complaint with her is the last note in that tune. Carrolee held it forever, but it was a pure, solid note. Beth has brought in a slow, deep vibrato - slightly reminiscent of my old Buick starting on a cold day -

Very lively audience - a bit heavy on the screaming and flash photography during the mega-mix, but it was obviously populated by friends and family.

There's a lot of talent up on that stage - It'll be worth checking this cast out in a week or two when they've settled in, before they grow complacent.

[Bwayjunkie2]

Posted: 9/24/09 at 7:44pm

a bit of a different take

BETH LEAVEL Donna Sheridan
Beth proves once again why she is a Tony Award Winner. Although her singing was a little reserved at times, she WOWd us on "Winner Takes it All." If only she wouldn't have held back on other numbers.
ALYSE ALAN LOUIS Sophie Sheridan
Was as endearing as can be but, proved quite nervous. Although she cracked a little during a number at the beginning of the show her soft ballads after intermission enabled her to show us what she's got. Alyse will have time to grow into this role and I'm sure she'll be solid. The talent is there!!
ALLISON BRINER Rosie
Allison has mastered the art of comedic timing. Pure fun! A real talent.
JUDY McLANE Tanya
Leaving a little to be desired in "Does Your Mother Know" did not take away from the fact that Judy is so much fun to watch on stage. Definitely a Veteran Performer~
PATRICK BOLL Bill Austin
Patrick was fun to watch and impossible not to like. Solid Performance.
JOHN DOSSETT Sam Carmichael
Yikes... Great actor but, I was really expecting to see some serious vocal talent and it just wasn't there. I may have expected too much
DAVID ANDREW MACDONALD Harry Bright
David might have been the best actor of the three fathers but, the falsetto song was not enjoyable. Not a summer to remember.
ERIC WILLIAM MORRIS Sky
Eric is indeed a hunk. Not an amazing singer but he really sold it. Good Job! Can't diss a good broadway performance from a soap opera star.
HALLE MORSE Lisa
Halle is pure electric!! A phenomenal dancer and energy that is off the charts. Although this was her Broadway debut you sure couldn't tell. This young lady has a long career in front of her.
AMINA ROBINSON Ali
Querky and fun but, needs to bring a little more energy into her role with Halle Morse next to her.
RAYMOND J. LEE Eddie
Haha! Raymond you rock. I'll see him in more shows I'm sure.
MICHAEL MINDLIN Pepper
A little cheesy but he sold it!

The ensemble was fun and energized.

Over All rating A- with some more time and Beth bringing it on every tune, this show is never going to close!