By Nicolas Pacelli

When it comes to fun-filled nights at the theatre, it truly doesn’t get much better than Mamma Mia!, which has Austin’s Bass Concert Hall “Under Attack” until April 19th, 2026! This genuinely
may be the loudest the audience at Bass has been in years. The iconic ABBA score and miraculous book by Catherine Johnson are just as magical and transportive as ever, and are honestly still the main draw to this production. Standing up, jiving, and singing “Dancing Queen” with a room of nearly 3,000 other Austinites is an experience like no other that will fill you with infectious energy for days to come.

While this newer iteration of the beloved production might not be an immediate home-run for Mamma Mia! purists or avid theatre-goers, it is sure to win everyone over before its epic conclusion and curtain call.

A Bold and Beautiful Cast, From Top to Bottom
One of the most unique aspects of a national tour experience is getting to see both emerging and veteran artists take on iconic roles, and this production is no exception. Perhaps the biggest
breakout of this cast is Juliette M. Ojeda as Sophie Sheridan. She takes a ferocious approach to this role that masterfully weaves together Sophie’s eagerness to explore the world, in tandem
with the repressed childhood tenderness and emotional fragility that you would expect from the character. At every turn, Ojeda knows the exact right note to strike, and establishes herself as
an incredible rising star in the Broadway community.

All three of the dynamoes make the most of every second on stage, but it is Jalynn Steele as Tanya who truly steals the show, earning
mid-scene ovations throughout with her unbelievable comedic chops and rip-roaring vocals. Sophie’s fathers, portrayed by Blake Price, Leland Burnett, and Victor Wallace all deliver stronger vocal and comedic performances than their counterparts from the beloved film, with Wallace’s Sam Carmichael bringing the house down later in the second act. Dominic Young and Austin’s own Lena Owens as Pepper and Lisa respectively both leave lasting impressions with very little stage time, and wonderfully round out this stellar ensemble cast.

Technical Spectacles (and Shortfalls)
Touring productions are increasingly scaling back on the marvel of their technical components, and unfortunately, this tour is no exception. Certain moments in the staging and sound design
leave something to be desired, but are more inconsistent rather than disappointing. The one truly lackluster element of this production is unfortunately the scenic design. This scenic shortfall
is most upsetting due to its lack of lush scenery, not taking nearly enough advantage of the iconic lavish Greek islands the story is set against. A minimal recreation of the iconic taverna constructed from only two rotating walls and a few sets of tables and chairs not only falls short of expectations, but pales in comparison to the other technical aspects of the production.

However, the costumes here are a complete 180, a stunning and expanded collection of the glitz and glam we’ve all come to know and love. Upwards of three variations of the iconic Donna
and the Dynamoes costumes throughout various points in the show are worth the price of admission alone. Additionally, the varying color-coordination and extravagance of the ensemble costuming throughout the show provide loads of visual interest and fun.

The other major standout on the technical side is Howard Harrison’s lighting design, which makes the absolute
most of every scene where it is allowed to shine (literally). In particular, the trio of ensemble dance pieces at the end of act one make incredible use of shadows, color, and light, adding to
the frenzied and energetic bachelorette party sequence.

Musical Standouts – The Star of the Show
It’s hard to not list every single song from the opening number to the finale here, because the ABBA hits in Mamma Mia! may genuinely be one of the greatest collections of pop songs ever
written. In this particular production, the musical numbers truly only got greater one after the next, leaving the audience begging for more by the time the show was over. Some of the most
spectacular numbers across the board include:

• Chiquitita: Rosie and Tanya’s combined comedic showcase, and one of the more tender moments in the show that still had the crowd reeling with laughter.
• Lay All Your Love On Me: A steamy vocally impressive duet from Sophie and Sky, supported by scene-stealing backup dancing from the male ensemble dressed in scuba
  gear.
• Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! & Voulez-Vous: These two huge ensemble dance numbers are infused with high speed choreography, tension-filled plot-driven asides, and creative
  lighting; A perfect conclusion to the first act of the show!
• Does Your Mother Know: The audience was never laughing more than during this number, a comedic and innuendo-filled duet between Tanya and Pepper. Dominic Young’s extended dance break towards the end of the song may just be the most
  impressive moment in the show.
• S.O.S.: Often regarded as a lackluster number in the film version, this vitriolic duet filled with emotional regret reinvents the song as an iconic staple of the show.
• The Winner Takes It All: Nothing is more iconic than this power ballad that many consider the greatest 11 o’clock number in all of musical theatre. If anyone was doubting
  Jessica Crouch’s vocal and emotional ability as Donna Sheridan, this number proves them wrong. The final chorus of this performance had the audience on their feet, giving a
  rare, but absolutely deserved mid-show standing ovation. A truly undeniable performance.
  Song list:
  Act I
• Overture/Prologue – Sophie
• Honey, Honey – Sophie, Ali, Lisa
• Money, Money, Money – Donna, Tanya, Rosie, Company
• Thank You for the Music – Sophie, Sam, Harry, Bill
• Mamma Mia – Donna, Company
• Chiquitita – Donna, Tanya, Rosie
• Dancing Queen – Donna, Tanya, Rosie
• Lay All Your Love on Me – Sky, Sophie, Male Ensemble
• Super Trouper – Donna, Tanya, Rosie, Female Ensemble
• Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! – Sophie, Female Ensemble
• The Name of the Game – Sophie, Bill
• Voulez-Vous – Company
  Act II
• Entr’acte – Orchestra
• Under Attack – Sophie, Company
• One of Us – Donna
• SOS – Donna, Sam
• Does Your Mother Know – Tanya, Pepper, Company
• Knowing Me, Knowing You – Sam
• Our Last Summer – Harry, Donna
• Slipping Through My Fingers – Donna & Sophie
• The Winner Takes It All – Donna
• Take a Chance on Me – Rosie, Bill
• I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do – Sam, Donna, Company
• I Have a Dream – Sophie
  Encore
• Mamma Mia – Company
• Dancing Queen – Donna, Tanya, Rosie, Company
• Waterloo – Company
  Spend your “Money, Money, Money” on Mamma Mia!
  As this season of Broadway in Austin winds down, Mamma Mia! cements itself as one the last
  can’t-miss shows of the season. Whether it may be your first or fiftieth Broadway show, there’s
  no better way to spend an evening (or afternoon) than with the legendary songs of ABBA set
  against the lush backdrop of the Greek Isles!
  Also, Don’t Miss Out on the curtain call after the cast has taken their final bows. Just moments
  later, Donna and the whole company lead the audience in three more songs where everyone is
  encouraged to get up, sing, and dance all the way home!