Review: 'Mamma Mia' by Landmark Community Theatre

Thomaston, CT - Landmark Community Theatre was one of the few community theatres in the United States to be given the rights to present ‘Mamma Mia The Smash Hit Musical.’ That would explain why I have never written a review of the show, although I do remember seeing a touring company production several years back. The spectacular and sold out ‘Mamma Mia’ that is currently running at the Thomaston Opera House is so much better than that memory. This big and bright community theatre production features the outstanding choreography of the director Foster Evans Reese, topnotch vocals accompanied by a tight orchestra, and a cast of some of my favorite local actors, putting it easily into the category of not to be missed.

‘Mamma Mia’ features music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and some songs by Stig Anderson with a book by Catherine Johnson that is really just an excuse to string together a slew of ABBA songs into a jukebox musical. The Swedish pop/dance group that was active from 1972-1982 was one of the most popular international pop groups of all time. This homage to their music premiered in London in 1999 and went on to become the longest-running jukebox musical in Broadway history. Clearly there are a lot of ABBA fans out there that helped it to achieve this record.

There isn’t too much of a plot to follow. A young woman invites the three men who could be her biological father to come to her upcoming wedding without telling her mother, who was the lead singer of a girl group back in the day. All three guys show up on the Greek island, as do the single mother’s two hilarious backup singers, just as preparations for the wedding are in full swing. Who will walk Sophie down the aisle?

In fact, this ‘Mamma Mia’ is really about one ABBA hit after another performed by the talented vocalists in the Landmark cast. Oh, and the dancing with the unmistakable Foster choreography. Plus the fabulously bright costumes for the women and men designed by Ed Bassett and Lori Poulin, matched with the sundrenched set (marked with handprints) designed by David Nichols and David Verdosci and lit in island pinks and blues by Dylan Dineen. Let’s not forget the backstage orchestra led by music director AJ Bunel.

Kudos to Mr. Reese (on his seventh show for Landmark) and his assistant director and Watertown High School collaborator Joanne Chenkus on all the fine choices that they made for this production. I loved the red lighting for “Money, Money, Money,” the dancing with “Voulez Vous,” and the comedy of “Take a Chance on Me.” I noted that the guys easily managed the flippers for “Lay All Your Love on Me,” and I loved the dock in the pit area.

The ensemble for this production deserved special recognition for how much they added to all of their scenes. I spotted Erica Blasko, Grace Consonni, WZBG’s Amy Ferrarotti, Chrissy Flynn, Matthew LeBlanc, Patti Paganucci (Dance Captain,) Suzanne Powers and Steve Sorriero with his signature mustache, each and every one dressed wonderfully by the costumers. It was such a treat to hear Mary J. Johnson, who appeared in the show with her son Theron Johnson III, sing a solo on “Slipping Through My Fingers.”

Moses Beckett was his usual charming, talented self in the role of Sophie’s handsome betrothed. Kyrell Clemons had some great dance moves as his friend Pepper. The adorable Brittany Mulcahy (Sandy in Landmark’s ‘Grease’) and Destiny Whitten were terrific as Sophie’s girlfriends/bridesmaids.

Lisa Carroll, a library media specialist in Bristol, returned to the stage to play up the comedy in the role of girl group member Rosie; she had great stage presence and fun comic timing. Susan Kulp came back to the TOH to play the role of Tanya and she took to new heights in her high heels in the delicious role. Elizabeth Gower, who sang so well in the role of Shelby in CTAW’s ‘Spitfire Grill,’ brought her big voice to the leading role of Donna; her “The Winner Takes it All” was most impressive. In the role of her only daughter Sophie, the lovely Jessica Rahrig sang perfectly and brought a lithe brightness to the part of the bride-to-be.

Click here to listen to the podcast of Backstage with Johnny O's interview with Ms. Carroll and Chuck Stango.

The three potential dads were played by three very talented local actors. John Farias, a fifth grade teacher in Monroe, was very convincing as the handsome Sam Carmichael; a great actor with a wonderful singing voice, he made the role look easy with an admirable stage presence. “S.O.S” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You” were vocal highlights of the show. Benjamin Schloat made his LCT debut in the role of former rocker Harry Bright and held up his end of the duet on “Our Last Summer.” And then there was the comic brilliance of Chuck Stango in the role of Bill Austin; I laughed with everyone around me at the sold out matinee at all of reaction shots and he earned a round of applause after his hysterical duet on “Take a Chance on Me.” I also really appreciated his duet with Sophie on “The Name of the Game.” I have enjoyed all of Mr. Stango’s performances, but this one will hold a special place in my memory.

Luckily for everyone who was unable to get a ticket for the remaining performance, I found out during the Sunday matinee that an additional matinee has been added for next Saturday. Do yourself a favor and call for tickets. Remaining performances include Friday October 6 @ 8pm, Saturday October 7 @ 2pm & 8pm and Sunday October 8 @ 2pm Tickets: $25 Adults, $22 Seniors & Students Box Office: 860-283-6250

Mr. Reese announced the new Landmark Community Theatre season during his curtain speech. ‘Cabaret’ will be presented in January/February, followed by the play ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ The Stephen Schwartz musical ‘Godspell’ will be directed by Phoenix Stage Company’s Ed Bassett, and the summer show will be ‘Annie.’ ‘We Will Rock You,’ featuring the music of Queen, will be up next, and the holiday show will be ‘Elf The Musical.’

Photos taken with permission during the Megamix by Nancy Sasso Janis

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417