#1
Posted: 3/1/11 at 12:15am
I went in with kind of high expectations and just wanted to have a good time, but I came out thinking it was just so so. It's a completely different beast than the movie, which is fine, but I think it's missing the heart, slyness and any trace of conflict present in the source material.
The are two huge assets this production does have: the costumes and Tony Sheldon. This man is SO talented and had me loving everything he did and laughing at every line delivered. He is so commanding on stage it really put Will and Nick in the background. (Not helpful in the case of Will as it is Dick's story.) I wanted the songs to be over so we could get back to the book scenes with Tony the whole time!
The songs themselves aren't integrated into the story very well. I hate to say it, but for as corny and dumb as Mamma Mia is, it has a construction that works and the songs often move the plot forward. I was also disappointed in the choreography. I realize that the impressive costumes sometimes don't allow for a full range of movements, but it seemed liked the staging for each number consisted of the ensemble marching around in a circle across the stage. Nothing too dazzling in the steps department.
In the end it was a pleasant evening, but it wasn't a show I feel like immediately running back to see (like the oh so much better Book of Mormon!).
The are two huge assets this production does have: the costumes and Tony Sheldon. This man is SO talented and had me loving everything he did and laughing at every line delivered. He is so commanding on stage it really put Will and Nick in the background. (Not helpful in the case of Will as it is Dick's story.) I wanted the songs to be over so we could get back to the book scenes with Tony the whole time!
The songs themselves aren't integrated into the story very well. I hate to say it, but for as corny and dumb as Mamma Mia is, it has a construction that works and the songs often move the plot forward. I was also disappointed in the choreography. I realize that the impressive costumes sometimes don't allow for a full range of movements, but it seemed liked the staging for each number consisted of the ensemble marching around in a circle across the stage. Nothing too dazzling in the steps department.
In the end it was a pleasant evening, but it wasn't a show I feel like immediately running back to see (like the oh so much better Book of Mormon!).
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
