Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Despite threats of boycott, Mamma Mia! is big success
No show?
Merav Yudilovitch
London Times publishes story claiming Israel is boycotting Mamma Mia!, but show's producer denies report and tickets for production almost sold out
Mamma Mia! has opened in Israel and despite rumors of boycotts, the initial feeling is that this musical will be a hit. Even for a 4:30 pm showing the Heichal Nokia hall in Tel Aviv is packed and you can hear the buzz of excitement throughout the theatre.
In true Israeli fashion, spectators arrive late so the show begins a few minutes later than scheduled. More of a tribute to ABBA than a Broadway play, music fans will not be disappointed.
Mamma Mia! is the story of Donna, single mother and the owner of a small but quaint hotel in Greece that is preparing the wedding of her 20-year-old daughter Sophie. Unbeknownst to Donna, Sophie, longing to have her dad walk her down the aisle, has invited the three men that could possibly be her father to the wedding. It doesn’t take much time to foresee the chaos about to hit this charming little taverna.
As far as theatre goes we are not talking about a great show. It lacks substance and organized choreography. The set, two movable walls, is simple and not very exciting. Not much dancing and a very modest lighting show add to the unimaginative story. Anyone who has seen a Broadway show the likes of Les Miserables, Phantom or Rent will not be impressed by Mamma Mia’s theatricals.
However, ABBA’s music will distract the avid theatergoers from Mamma Mia’s simplistic and sometimes predictable plot with songs like "Chiquitita", "Dancing Queen", "Does Your Mother Know", "SOS", "The Winner Takes It All" and, of course, "Mamma Mia.", there were 22 in total. The familiar songs, well incorporated in each scene, provide a nostalgic and fun atmosphere. You can’t help but smile all the way through the show as you sing along to unforgettable hits from the '70s.
Although many of the performers in Mamma Mia! have strong voices, the show still gives you the impression that you could jump onstage and start singing and fit right in and thus the basis of its appeal. Spectators feel part of the show. They forget they are watching from a distance but rather are guests of the wedding.
All in all, the show is a success. If you are looking for a light, fun road trip down memory lane you will have a great time. The music of ABBA will keep you tapping your feel and clapping your hands and will be jingling around in your head for hours after the show.
Mamma Mia! will play eight times a week, starting June 12, Monday to Saturday (not including Friday) at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
