Mamma Mia!
A one-in-100-year rain event didn’t dampen the excitement for the opening night of Blackout Theatre’s Mamma Mia! The beloved ABBA-infused musical spiritedly danced into the hearts of a rain-soaked audience from the very first note.
With the energy of an ABBA soundtrack as a glorious backdrop, fun choreography by Jess Edward/Emelie Woods and a fantastic ensemble sound, we were whisked off on a Mediterranean holiday.
Centring around the mother-daughter duo Sophie and Donna on a picturesque Greek island, daughter Sophie endeavours to uncover the true identity of her father just days before her wedding. Donna's diary reveals three potential fathers, causing hilarity and heartfelt moments as the story unfolds.
Marika Zorlu, as Donna Sheridan, is a powerhouse. I have reviewed Zorlu before, and she never fails to impress. I hadn’t seen her this vulnerable and I enjoyed it. She delivers a compelling Donna, the independent and spirited woman who has navigated life’s challenges and holds her secrets fiercely.
Zorlu can easily connect with the audience and balances moments of humour with poignant sincerity. Her interactions with other characters, imbued with genuine affection or sass, reflect an understanding of Donna’s journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Zorlu’s "The Winner Takes It All" earned her cheers and roaring applause, while the song about a mother losing her daughter, “Slipping Through My Fingers,” needs the tissues—oh my heart.
Equally spirited Sophie, played by Isobel Maynard, shines with youthful innocence and earnest curiosity as she tries to unravel the core of her own identity. Her dreams and dilemmas are captured beautifully in the emotional "I Have a Dream".
Nicole Cini as Tanya and Bernie Em as Rosie deliver fabulous performances bouncing off each other like they have known one another for decades. Cini, as Tanya, is all elegance and wit with a sultry voice in numbers like "Does Your Mother Know", where she combines flirtatious banter with vocal finesse. Meanwhile, Berny Em brings a delightful warm energy as Rosie, shining in the comedic duet "Take a Chance on Me". Her lively expressions, physicality and robust vocals create an infectious sense of fun, which the audience loved.
Adam Ring was a rugged, charming Sam Carmichael. His chemistry with Zorlu was magnetic, as was his heartfelt performance of "Knowing Me, Knowing You". Tim Martin was delightfully adventurous as Bill Austin, the perfect counterbalance to Em. He was warm and funny, particularly in their budding romance and duet. Meanwhile, Peter McArdle's portrayal of Harry Bright was enjoyable, with a really lovely rendition of "Our Last Summer".
Harry Moorby’s Sky paired perfectly with Maynard as the dedicated groom who holds a mirror to Sophie to question what she wants in love. “Lay All Your Love on Me” is an exceptionally entertaining number, led by Moorby and the flipper-clad male cast. You’ll see what I mean.
Brenna Smith as Lisa and Lauren Carter as Ali infused spirited humour, supporting Sophie’s journey. Liam Vicari's Pepper and Dylan Boniface’s Eddie added delightful layers of comedy, with Vicari’s antics in "Does Your Mother Know" being thoroughly entertaining.
The ensemble in Mamma Mia! is a delightful fusion of vocals and synchronised choreography, bringing to life the sunny spirit of the Greek island setting. Ensemble numbers such as "Dancing Queen" and "Voulez-Vous" are absolute highlights.
The musical spine of the show was vibrant under Alvin Mak's musical direction. It is the foundation upon which this beloved show is built, providing a soundtrack that marries storytelling with the infectious appeal of the Swedish pop sensation's greatest hits. The clever use of these well-loved songs within the plot resonates on multiple levels, with its melodies, lyrics and harmonious vocals well executed by the cast and orchestra.
Director John Hanna’s set design, with whitewashed walls and azure accents, captured the Aegean brilliance of the island setting, spilling out into the audience with cabaret-style tables dressed in blue. The transitioning simplicity of the sets cleverly accommodated different scenes, from bar to beachfront or bedroom, making the stage adapt fluidly to the story's needs. The cast made subtle changes, serving as stagehands whilst in character to keep the show flowing. The creative team has taken a break from the usual tech in this one and stripped the show back to its foundations ensuring that the aesthetics matched the spirit of the musical right down to every last costume coordinated by Costume Queen Katie Griffiths. There are little floral flippy dresses, resort wear and classic white flowing garments. The colour palate with lots of blues and whites, and, of course, those Abba-inspired jumpsuits make the appearance.
This rendition of Mamma Mia! was a mix of infectious joy and heartfelt storytelling. Hanna’s direction captured celebration and familial bonds. He brought out the quirkiness and emotion, maintaining a balanced pace and managing transitions smoothly.
Blackout Theatre will bring laughter, cheers, and maybe a few tears to the Pioneer Theatre with this triumphant celebration of love, friendship, family, and the unifying power of music.
Finally, a happy 25 years to Blackout. Take time to look at the program. There is a lovely message from the founder, Sandra Rudman, who believed in theatre in Western Sydney and invested her own cash to create what is now Blackout Theatre.
Mamma Mia! Indeed, here we go again!
Nicole Smith
Photography credit: Cam McCredie & Maria Gorelik
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