‘Mamma Mia!,’ what a lively show

The irresistible "Mamma Mia!" made quite a splash in its first-ever production at The Muny.

With a lively cast, sensational jumping-and-jiving dance numbers and flashy outfits, the fizzy and fun-filled romp illuminated its enduring appeal on opening night.

The musical, featuring 22 Abba pop hits, enjoyed phenomenal success during a 14-year run on Broadway —nearly 6,000 performances — and has been a popular draw at the Fox Theatre for multiple national tours.

Its regional premiere drew not just fans but many first-timers Thursday, either new to the outdoor stage or new to the Abba musical, all swept away in the moonlight. For starters, the show's buoyancy is contagious.

But just because it's the epitome of "feel-good," actually pulling off this musical isn't such an easy feat, as one could sense with a few noticeable glitches. However, the fans let it slide. They were there for a good time, and they knew to stay for the curtain call, which did not disappoint.

The show, another Muny feather in the cap, ended on a high note with one giant dance party, complete with sparkly costumes and energy to spare. The cheery ensemble came out into the audience, busting snappy moves, too.

The brilliance of the musical is how well it works, cleverly weaving the Abba songs seamlessly into a romantic comedy plot — its simplicity is deceptive.

The setting is an idyllic Greek island, where Donna Sheridan runs a tavern and has raised a lovely daughter, now 20, all by herself. Sophie's getting married to Sky, and Donna's old bandmates and best buddies, Rosie and Tanya, come for the wedding.

So do the three guys who might be Sophie's dads: Sam, Harry and Bill. Sophie invited them,but Donna doesn't know. Well, she is in for a big surprise. Mamma mia!

Let's face it, the story is silly and hokey — and no matter how far-fetched, just go with it, and don't think too much about it.

Several years ago, I invited gal pals to attend the second national tour at the Fox, and at intermission, one friend remarked: "It's like a 'Gidget' movie!" Why, yes. Every little surfer girl wants to find her Moondoggie.

As is often the case, the colorful supporting characters steal the show from the blander leads. Sorry "American Idol" fans of Justin Guarini, who plays architect Sam Carmichael. He's the beau who envisioned the tavern in the first place back in Donna's carefree days. They are each other's "the one that got away."

Guarini, good as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" and as the lead in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Muny, is a terrific song-and-dance man, but his acting was weak at the start.

Julia Murney ("Seussical") is a strong actress, not sure if her vibrato was right for Donna's songs. She is much better at the ballads, killing "The Winner Takes It All," her best number. The pop songs are much more difficult to sing than standard show tunes at times.

The pair seemed to hit their stride in the second act, and you root for them to get together.

Colorful characters Jenny Powers and Ann Harada as Donna's BFFs — the much-married Tanya and fiercely independent Rosie — are a hoot while Ben Nordstrom, dapper as cultured Brit Harry Bright, he the former 'Headbanger," and Mike McGowan as the Australian world traveler Bill, are hilarious. They nail their accents beautifully. Those four deliver distinct and vibrant portrayals, and look like they are having a blast.

Brittany Zeinstra is feisty and anxious bride-to-be Sophie and Jason Gotay, impressive as Jack in last year's "Into the Woods," excels as fiance Sky — and they are an adorable couple. Alexander Aguilar as Pepper — showcasing mad dance skills — and Wonza Johnson as Eddie are notable sidekicks.

The ensemble is bursting with energy and ebullience, polished in peppy dance moves, particularly strong in "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme" and "Voulez-Vous," and of course the finale, "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo."

Choreographer Jessica Hartman, impressive with "Hairspray" and "Seussical" in past seasons, has done remarkable work here.

She and director Dan Knechtges are quite a team. You know you are in for an upbeat, lighthearted good time when you see their name in the program. They knew the task at hand, and went all-in for it.

The music seemed to overpower the singers sometimes — the nature of the arena rock sound. But music director Michael Horsley kept the jam pumped up.

Impressive lighting design by Nathan W. Scheuer enhanced the production immensely, from the blacklight borders to the party lights, to the moon glow.

Video design by Greg Emetaz ranged from static gorgeous picture-postcard views to sentimental walks down memory lane with gauzy video. They really added another dimension to the show, creating a specific time and place.

The lighting and visuals perfectly complemented Tim Mackabee's spare but functional interior set and exterior beach scenes.

Costume designer Leon Dobkowski, also of the "Hairspray" and "Seussical" team, has created his best work — even lighting the guys up as disco kings.

You can't stop the beat of this Abba lovefest, nor will you want to. Go ahead and get on your feet. Despite the heat — those fans work miracles — it's a marvelous night for a moondance.

After all, how many times do you get to live vicariously as a dancing queen?

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 2:44 PM with the headline "‘Mamma Mia!,’ what a lively show."