Rep takes a chance on insanely popular Mamma Mia!

There is a high degree of interest in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre production of Mamma Mia!, which celebrates the music of ABBA, the Swedish group linked to the 1970s disco era.

But for the show to attract such interest that an additional week was added to the show's run, before the show has even opened? Well, Mamma Mia, indeed!

It certainly surprised John Miller-Stephany, the Rep's producing artistic director, who is directing the show.

"I've never done this show before, and I just wanted to do something fun," he says. "I had just done a drama earlier this year and wanted to do something silly and sexy. We have 22 actors in the show, so it's one of the larger shows we've done here. There's something very celebratory about this show, there's this energy and excitement that makes it so much more exciting than a movie."

He adds, "For instance, you don't want to just re-create the costumes. Our costume designer, Matthew [LeFebvre] who had never seen the show, wanted to look at the period of ABBA, turned on their actual music and looked at the time of ABBA, other bands during that time and he looked at tour fashion."

ABBA's music and lyrics are by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeaus, with some songs by Stig Anderson; additional material in the play is by Martin Koch. The show's book is by Catherine Johnson. ABBA's hit songs include "Dancing Queen," "The Winner Takes It All," "Money, Money, Money," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Lay All Your Love on Me," "Take a Chance on Me" and, of course, "Mamma Mia!"

ABBA's music is entwined with the story of Sophie, a young bride-to-be who is planning her wedding on a Greek island. She wants to have the man who fathered her walk her down the aisle, but there is an unusual problem: Her mom is not sure who the man could have been.

"It was written for the stage and was meant to be done live," says Cooper Grodin, who portrays Sam Carmichael, one of the possible fathers of Sophie. "The movie was done many years after the fact, and actually, part two is coming out this summer, starring Cher. It's been interesting for me to discover how brilliant ABBA was, hearing some of their songs that were not hits."

Zane Phillips, who plays Sky, Sophie's fiance, says, "Our show has these insane, crazy disco glam costumes, juxtaposed with other people that wear normal clothes," he says, which makes it all the more effective.

The other members of the cast are Sarah Daniels as Sophie Sheridan; Erin Mosher as Donna Sheridan (Sophie's mother); T.J. Mannix as Bill Austin (another possible father of Sophie); Peter Simon Hilton as Harry Bright (the third potential dad); Twyla Wilson as Ali and Ayana DuBose as Lisa (both friends of Sophie); Daniel Velasquez as Eddie and Avery Royal as Pepper (both friends of Sky); Alison Nusbaum as Rosie Mulligan and April Nixon as Tanya, both former singers in the Dynamos (best friends of Donna and members of her 1970s girl group). The ensemble includes 10 members.

The band, who will be in the orchestra room on the second mezzanine, will consist of two keyboards, two guitars, bass, drums and percussion.

Strong language and adult scenarios are featured; the movie version of the show (released in July 2008) was rated PG-13.

The national tour of the play came to Little Rock's Robinson Center Performance Hall in March 2005.

Additional Mamma Mia! events include:

At noon today, the Clinton School of Public Service Distinguished Speaker Series will present Miller-Stephany and members of the cast and creative team in a panel discussion at the Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Ave. To reserve seats, email [email protected] or call (501) 683-5239.

At 6 p.m. today, the play's second preview performance of opening week will include Beer Night, provided by Lost Forty Brewing and the Arkansas Times.

At 6:15 p.m. today, the pre-show director's talks return, with insights into the production from Miller-Stephany and members of the creative team.

At 6 p.m. Friday, the Rep recently inaugurated Opening Night Dinner, in celebration of Miller-Stephany's first programmed season at the Rep. The three-course dinner -- by Catering to You -- will be held in the Rep's Rehearsal Hall, with pre-dinner libations. Cost is $55 per person; for reservations, call (501) 378-0405. (Tickets to the performance are not included.)

Also on Friday there will be an opening night post-show reception with the cast, with complimentary toast provided by La Marca Prosecco and light hors d'oeuvres from RSVP Catering.

At 7 p.m. Sunday (March 18 only), "Pay Your Age Night" will permit those between 22 and 40 to pay the equivalent of their age for a ticket. There are 100 such tickets available and only four tickets per household will be sold, with proof of age for each person in a party required when picking up tickets. There will be a complimentary wine tasting provided by Legacy Wine and Spirits.

On Wednesday, immediately following the performance, "Epilogue: A Conversation With the Actors," will feature a discussion with members of the cast.

At 6 p.m. March 22, Stone's Throw Brewery will sponsor Beer Night.

At 6:30 p.m., March 23, there will be pre-show ABBA Karaoke in Foster's. (Tickets are not required for the pre-show music.)

At 7 p.m., March 28, the performance will include a sign language interpreter positioned in front of a special section. Call the box office to book tickets.

On April 12, "Sing-A-Long Night" will provide patrons with the opportunity to dance and sing along while watching the play.

Weekend on 03/15/2018