CURTAIN CALLS: Take a chance on ‘Mamma Mia’
One thing is certain about monster successes: they can’t be predicted. The best laid plans can run to naught as easily as an ordinary bright idea can become a shooting star. There’s no formula for it and no accounting for public reactions – which brings me to “Mamma Mia!”
Now playing at the Riverside Center in Fredericksburg, “Mamma Mia’s” stardust reputation has preceded it and is filling the house. Anyone who thinks today’s audiences are too jaded for feel-good rhythms and happy-but-improbable endings is betting on the wrong side.
DCMetroTheaterArts Review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Mamma Mia!, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Catherine Johnson, with some songs by Stig Andersson. Riverside Center is the first theater in the metropolitan area to be granted the rights to present this worldwide hit musical, and with their Broadway-quality productions, I couldn’t think of a better-deserved venue to handle its regional debut. Based on the hit songs written by ABBA, this fun-loving production is a must-see for musical lovers.
Here we go again: Riverside brings Abba musical 'Mamma Mia!' to the stage
More than 70,000 people saw a show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts last year, making 2017 its most successful year to date.
After a record-breaking year, it appears things are off to a solid start for the theater here in 2018. Advanced sales for its latest production—“Mamma Mia!”—are already the highest grossing in the venue’s 20-year history. So, you may want to put a little pep in your step if you want a seat for the party.
“Mamma Mia!” owns the stage at Riverside through March 4, with shows on Wednesdays through Sundays.