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    Short North Stage Closes 2018 With Delightful Mamma Mia!

    Short North Stage draws a curtain on 2018 with a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in their jubilant production of the smash hit, ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaes and book by Catherine Johnson, directed and choreographed by Dionysia Williams.

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    ABBA’s evergreen songs master an uncommon blend of meticulous structure and effervescent lightness. Mamma Mia effectively uses those songs and sets them in a story that doesn’t invite serious questions or deep thematic interrogation, but can get a smile on the face of any but the most obstinate audience member. Catherine Johnson’s story taps into some archetypal desire to know who we are and where we come from and stirs in a lot of laughs in the process, which Williams and her cast know how to capitalize on.

    Ian Short as Sam, left to right, with fellow former suitors Luke Bovenizer as Harry, and Patrick Schaefer as Bill appear as surprise wedding guest to the dismay of Jodie Langel, as Donna, their past paramour.

    Sophie (Katie Davis), a 20-year-old raised by her mother Donna (Jodie Langel) on an island in Greece, and their parallel best friends — Rosie (Jesika Lehner) and Tanya (Tonyia Rue) for Donna and Lisa (Lisa Glover) and Alli (Shannon Lane) for Sophie — convene the day before Sophie’s wedding to Sky (Jesse Trieger). Sophie sets the plot in motion with her Mother’s purloined diary, inviting three potential candidates for her father, Sam (Ian Short), BIll (Patrick Schaefer), and Harry (Luke Bovenizer), to her wedding.

    Tonyia Rue, as Tonya, left to right, and Jesika Lehner as Rosie greet their long-time friend Donna.

    Mamma Mia benefits immensely from being directed by a choreographer; Dionysia Williams studs the production with dazzling set-pieces. She makes use of the large ensemble on exuberant, creative numbers like “Money, Money, Money,” backing Langel; “Lay All Your Love on Me,” cocooning Davis and Trieger in boisterous energy and swim fins; and the glow-stick flecked dream sequence of “Under Attack.” Acrobatics and big sections beef up the fast pace and help when the second act lags with a larger helping of mid-tempo numbers.

    Jodie Langel as Donna (left to right) praises fantasy men with money, Michael Carrier, Luke Bernier and Mateus Da Silva.

    Just as important as the fireworks on those big pieces, Williams understands dance as an expression of character. Tiny, delightful moments pop up throughout and enrich this Mamma Mia, like Langel’s Donna warming up to her friends’ entreaties on “Dancing Queen,” embodying a younger, more carefree person emerging from a shell entirely with gesture and movement. 

    The acting is superlative throughout. The various groupings of three — two groups of friends; Sky’s pals Pepper (Mateus Da Silva} and Eddie (Michael Carrier); even the three former suitors — all feel like they like one another, and the production capitalizes on that infectious quality of the characters trying to entertain one another on numbers like “Honey, Honey,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Does Your Mother Know.” Physical comedy is also a key component, with standout work from Lehner, Glover, and Carrier.

    Tonyia Rue as Tanya, left to right, tries to calm Mateus Da Silva as Pepper, a restless younger suitor.

    The beating heart of the piece is the dynamic between mother and daughter, and Jodie Langel and Katie Davis give the impression of a shared bloodline and distinct people. Davis shines on duets like “Lay All Your Love” and features like the sweet coda of “I Have a Dream.” Langel has a meatier part and tears into it, reuniting their old girl group on “Super Trouper,” a devastating duet with Ian Short on “S.O.S.” and the ravishing “The Winner Takes All.” Short also stands out on his solo “Knowing Me, Knowing You.”

    Young snorkelers prepare for a dive into Greek waters.

    Zac Delmonte’s music direction, also serving as one of three keyboards (with Tony Richards and John Costanza) is the spine of this show, propelling those songs with versions that distill the essence of those classic songs without being slavish imitations. Morgan Mills and Brogan Reilly’s guitars give needed texture and edge. Sara Smith’s liquid-gold bass lines swing and sway as Joe Spurlock masters that airless but grooving drum sound that is so key to dance music of the period.

    If you love ABBA or you already have an attachment to Mamma Mia! It’s hard to picture a better version on stage. This is two-and-a-half hours of sexy fun and real warmth, which can be even more necessary this time of year.

    Mamma Mia runs through Dec. 30 with shows at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. For tickets and more info, visit https://www.shortnorthstage.org/calendar/v/677

    Katie Davis, as Sophie, left to right, shares a romantic moment with Jesse Trieger as Sky while local beach boys cheer them on.

    Mateus Da Silva as Pepper and Tonyia Rue as Tanya lead a dancing ensemble.

    Mateus Da Silva as Pepper, featured center, joins (left to right) Katie Davis as Sophie, Jesse Trieger as Sky and the Ensemble to celebrate the songs of ABBA in the finale.

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    Richard Sanford
    Richard Sanfordhttp://sanfordspeaks.blogspot.com/
    Richard Sanford is a freelance contributor to Columbus Underground covering the city's vibrant theatre scene. You can find him seeking inspiration at a variety of bars, concert halls, performance spaces, museums and galleries.
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