Chiquitita, tell me the truth, is Mamma Mia The Musical back in the Sunshine State? Why yes, it is! The Greek Islands have returned to Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre at QPAC on Opening night of the ABBA-solutely fabulous global phenomenon with an Aussie twist. The energetic cast, orchestra and crew delighted the audience with an epic party for the ages and were gifted with a joyous standing ovation in return as they danced to the popular mega mix at the conclusion of the show.
It was the perfect choice for majority of the cast to use their natural Australian accents in the hit show, especially when it plays ‘Down Under.’ It created a sense of relatability to the production and familiarity to the story, which made it more exciting for the Brisbane crowd. Additionally the Swings were brought out for the final bows, which is amazing that they recognised them in that way.
The lead role of Donna Sheridan made famous by Meryl Streep in the film was beautifully embodied by music theatre superstar, Elise McCann. Elise brought the iconic single mother and entrepreneur to life brilliantly with her incredible range of emotion during ‘The Winner takes it all’ as she expressed her love to one of her potential baby Daddy’s Sam (Martin Crewes). Her pride shone through immensely with stage daughter Sophie (Sarah Krndija), during ‘Slipping through my fingers’ as she got her ready for her wedding and her fun-loving attitude was so infectious in her scenes with her life-long best friends as they belted out ‘Dancing Queen’.
Musical theatre leading lady, Sarah Krndija owned the stage as the young and carefree daughter of Donna, Sophie Sheridan. Sarah brought the youthful but anxious energy that is needed for a character who is trying to find herself by meeting her potential fathers. Her incredible voice was angelic and dreamy especially as she opened the show with the aptly named, ‘I have a dream’. She had a wonderful stage presence as she interacted with her three possible fathers when they sung, ‘Thank you for the music’ together. Her chaotic but gorgeous relationship with her character’s mother, Donna was reminiscent of a real mother-daughter connection and Elise and Sarah showcased their wonderful bond with ease.
Donna would be nothing without her Dynamo’s Tanya and Rosie played by Deone Zanotto and Bianca Bruce respectively. Deone’s portrayal of the divorced posh but lovable friend of the iconic trio was fabulous, sassy, and entertaining. A highlight was her incredible performance of ‘Does your mother know’ that brought the house down. Bianca’s incredible persona as the comedic Rosie was delightful and honest. Her interactions with Donna and Tanya were unique and real as they talked of marriage like it was a sin. Bianca’s show-stopping number, ‘Take a chance on me’ was utterly joyful and hilarious as she chased after Bill (Tim Wright) prior to Sophie’s wedding.
Sophie’s Fiancé Sky was brought to life by Lewis Francis as he highlighted the enthusiastic and sentimental nature of the British turned Greek Island man. Lewis kept the audience on their toes as he lit up the stage as Sophie’s lover boy and expressed his true desire to travel the world together. Then he illustrated his party side during ‘Lay all your love on me’ on the beach with his best mates. His connection with Sarah’s character was gorgeous to witness.
Sophie’s three potential Dads and Donna’s three past lovers join the Island Wedding in style. Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin and Harry Bright were played by Martin Crewes, Tim Wright and Drew Livingston respectively. They all found their feet with Martin and Tim playing two Aussie blokes with a laidback but persistent nature and Drew being the unexpected comedic relief of the show as the British banker. Their individual scenes with Donna and Sophie were highlights and gave the story meaning and depth.
‘SOS’, a powerful ballad with Martin and Elise as Sam and Donna respectively was heartbreaking as Sam was her one true love that got away initially. Tim Wright as Bill, the writer and traveler had an intense moment with Sophie as he really believed he was her father when he discovered she was named after his great-aunt Sophia as only family got her money. His loving and confusing relationship with Rosie (Bianca Bruce) was comical at the end of the show. Drew Livingston as Harry rounded out the baby daddy’s with his sweet and ‘spontaneous’ disposition. His rendition of ‘Our Last Summer’ with Elise as Donna was incredibly heartwarming and a fresh, pure take on the song as they reminisced on their Paris Summer together.
Sophie’s best friends, Ali and Lisa were played by Nina Carmen and Kadesa Honeyhill respectively. They were the life of the party on stage but also personified the friends you haven’t seen in months but are always there for you and make you let loose. During the song ‘Honey, honey’ their interactions and stunning singing voices were represented with joy and hilarity as they supported their friend.
Sky’s groomsmen and Donna’s workers at the Villa, Eddie and Pepper were played by Etuate Lutui and Jordan Tomljenovic respectively and contributed immensely to the fun and comical element of the entire show.
The heartbeat of the production ultimately came down to the irresistible energy and delight of the Ensemble performers throughout the duration of the show. The joy on their faces was enticing, particularly during the fabulous bachelorette party with the ‘Gimme, gimme, gimme’ and ‘Voulez-vous’ mashup.
You don’t want to miss Mamma Mia The Musical, a timeless story about friendship and finding yourself with unforgettable ABBA classics woven through, in addition to exciting choreography, talented local musicians and an incredibly dedicated cast and crew. The perfect escape to Greece and a major party night out at Brisbane’s premiere theatre, QPAC.
TICKETS || Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Playing now until 24 September
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 