Review: Mama Mia at Denver Center for Performing Arts

The award-winning musical Mamma Mia! recently played at the Denver Center and local ABBA lovers had the chance to relive (or maybe see for the first time) all of their greatest hits.

The popular comedic drama based on ABBA’s music is centered around a wedding that is about to take place on a beautiful Greek island. The bride-to-be wants her father to walk her down the aisle, but there’s one problem: he may be one of three men. All of them set off for the island, where she tries to figure out which one is her real dad in time for the big day. Hilarity ensues in this high energy, classic musical that has received nominations for Best Musical and Best Orchestrations.

The audience can’t help but sing and dance along to ABBA favorites like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” throughout the show, which lasts about two and a half hours.

ABBA composers Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were a part of Mamma Mia’s development from the start. In fact, director Phyllida Lloyd said, “Mamma Mia is the musical Benny and Bjorn wrote years ago. They just decided to release the songs first.”

Since the show does contain some adult language and themes, it’s probably best for older children and adults. And also be prepared for one heck of a fun ending that is a standing ovation turned concert!