Stage 284's 'Mamma Mia' Is a Blast!

I found myself on an unexpected trip to Greece. While staying in a beautiful hotel, I was invited to a wedding. A wedding filled with dancing queens, three possible dads of the bride, and mamma mia was it a fantastic time!

Mamma Mia is playing at Stage 284 in Hamilton, MA until March 31. Tickets have been mostly sold out but you could get lucky. I recommend this show! Over the past year now I have seen a few different versions of Mamma Mia. I honestly have to say that Stage 284 is genuine in their performance and does a magnificent job!

If you don’t know the premise of Mamma Mia a young girl, named Sophie is a day away from getting married. Having never known who her real dad is she invites three men who may be her father to the wedding. Her mother, Donna, is sent up the wall. Calamity ensues from that point combined with a multitude of fantastic songs and dances created by ABBA.

I have the honor to work behind the scenes of Stage 284’s Mamma Mia. Every single actor does an exemplary job. The show is dance heavy. Never did I once see anyone frowning or struggling to keep up with the music. The cast is full of energy. Their bright spirits and high energy are so contagious that you just want to get up on stage and join in on the fun.

Meaghan DelGenio stars as Sophie. The instant DelGenio hits the stage her voice carries out to the audience in her song ‘I have a dream’. I felt myself saying ‘wow’ so many times. She had incredible energy and unearthed Sophie’s strong demeanor. Definitely a show stopper!

In the role of her mother, Donna, Susan Austin is light on her feet and she also immediately captures audiences with the hit number ‘Mamma Mia’. She and her dancing queen best pals, Christina Comparato (Rosie) and Giglia Harlamert (Tanya), are so fun to watch. One important theme in Mamma Mia is the importance and value of friendship.

I found myself immediately laughing once the three possible dads appeared on-stage. These roles have been portrayed differently from each stage adaptation. I always enjoy their interactions especially their reactions when they find out that one of them could be the biological father. Great job to Tom Kelleher (Sam), Brian Semons-Madore (Harry), and Tom Richardson (Bill)!

Supporting actors, featured dancers, and a small group of teen actors fills the ensemble. Nobody is ever left out. Everyone is given the chance to shine. Mamma Mia has many catchy songs, energetic dance numbers, and a multitude of fantastic scenes. No matter how small your part is everyone makes a big impact on-stage.

My favorite number will always be the flipper dance. I’m still never sure how anyone can dance in flippers. But you can. You can.

Congratulations to director Kathleen Tringale, crew members, and the outstanding orchestra for putting so much hard work into Mamma Mia. It’s not just the actors who put the show together. Audiences need to hear the gorgeous sound, witness the actors in beautiful lighting, and see all the beautiful costumes. Once more, I feel honored to have the obligation to work behind the scenes.

The best part about Stage 284’s Mamma Mia is that everyone is having fun. That is a very important element because then the audience walks away with a warm happy feeling in their hearts. That is the value of theater. Especially in community theater.

If you have time I would look into catching Mamma Mia at Stage 284. Tickets have been selling fast! Take your dancing queen best pals and rock out as you dance in your seats.

Well done cast and crew! Thank you for putting Mamma Mia to its dancing feet.