Review: 'Mamma Mia' Returns to Brighten Up Your Fall

The ABBA-tastic musical "Mamma Mia!" brings some heat and light to autumn. The story of three "possible" dads, a girl on the brink of her wedding at 20 years old, and her single mom trying to run a taverna on a Greek island returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center this week.

Sophie Sheridan (Amy Weaver, a solid performance) steals mom Donna Sheridan's (Stephanie Genito) diary and realizes that one of three possible men from 21 years ago could have possibly been the father that Donna has never identified.

Could it be Bill Austin (Jim Newman), an author and world traveling free spirit? Or is it Harry Bright (Rob Marnell), a wealthy British investor and seemingly a very uptight guy? Or perhaps it's Sam Carmichael (Victor Wallace), the guy who may have designed Donna's struggling taverna.

As Sophie is about to marry her love Sky (Grant Reynolds) she invites all three of her mom's past boyfriends in the hope that she'll "know" her dad immediately.

The plot may sound rather familiar if you've seen either (or both) of the two films based on this 1999 musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, who also penned the screenplay for the 2008 film – a high-grosser that year in England as well as the United States.

"Mamma Mia" is a saccharine tale of love lost, young love, and lots and lots of ABBA music seamlessly woven into the story. This jukebox musical takes its cues from some Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, as it is mostly sung, with little dialogue. But the story is one that will endear audiences (especially if they've never seen it) using familiar music, bright costumes, and a romantic setting in Greece.

The most fun comes from Donna's old bandmates, Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and Rosie (Carly Sokolove), who both nearly steal the show. When this feel-good comedy gets dramatic, Genito is probably the best at conveying it. She's got a great voice for belting those power ballads ("The Winner Takes it All," "Slipping Through my Fingers"). All three of the guys have much to offer, notably Wallace, who also commands the stage with his numbers.

This national tour celebrates 25 years since its West End premiere in 1999, arriving on our shores soon after and eventually landing at the Winter Garden Theatre in 2001. This production has everything you need if you love a feel good musical: bright costumes, great choreography, passionate vocals, and a feel-good ending. (Check out the encores during curtain call – you'll be glad you did!)

"Mamma Mia" is running through November 17 at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. For information or tickets call 401-421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org.