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| Katie McFadzen, Debby Rosenthal, and Elyse Wolf photos by Reg Madison Photography |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through October 15th.
"...Phoenix Theatre's production, which stars a talented group of well-known actors from the Valley, proves to be an incredibly fun and infectious affair with a nice amount of emotion and sincerity. ...Phoenix Theatre favorite Debby Rosenthal is Donna, the mother of Sophie, played by Sarah Daniels. They both deliver layered performances of these identifiable characters who change and grow throughout the show. ...They evoke a realistic mother/daughter relationship which is beautifully displayed during "Slipping Through My Fingers,"...Elyse Wolf and Katie McFadzen are having a blast as Donna's two best friends Tanya and Rosie. ...Wolf and McFadzen have well-honed comedic abilities and clear and bright singing voices. ...As Sophie's three possible fathers, Phillip Arran as Sam, D. Scott Withers as Bill, and Kyle Sorrell as Harry all elicit firm and clear portrayals of these three very different men ..Arran gets the more serious moments to play,..and his beautiful voice delivers "S.O.S." and "Knowing Me, Knowing You" with ease. Withers and McFadzen turn their charming and funny duet of "Take a Chance on Me" into a showstopper. ...Brant Michaels..provides the superb upbeat, fun, and ever-changing choreography..Director Robert Kolby Harper keeps the show moving at a fast pace with a light comical air but also ensures the serious and emotional beats are present and felt....Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical with romance, humor and several heartfelt moments. Phoenix Theatre's production, with its winning cast, who deliver sincere and realistic portrayals of these lovable characters, bright direction, fun choreography, and sharp creative aspects, is a fun and infectious crowd pleaser.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...Mamma Mia! is ...the show that puts smiles on everyone’s faces. ...its first regional production, this time re-shaped for the more intimate Phoenix Theatre stage by director Robert Kolby Harper. ...you’ll be just as seduced as those seeing it for the first time.....choreography from Brant Michaels and musically staged by director and musical veteran Harper, here the dancing is sharp, disciplined and decidedly Broadway. ...the set, the style of moves...all work in this hugely entertaining Phoenix Theatre production...Donna (an outstanding Debby Rosenthal) and Donna’s two whacky Brit girlfriends from a musical past, Rosie (Kate McFadzen) and Tanya (Elyse Wolf) ..the trio of men who could potentially be Sophie’s dad. Bill (a fun D.Scott Withers) ...Harry (a surprisingly prissy though a comically broad Kyle Sorrell) and Sam (Welsh actor Phillip Arran with an effective London area accent) ...Plus...unlike Sam’s big screen counterpart as played by Pierce Brosnan, Arran can actually sing.......Mamma Mia! once again, as with past season openers, the beginning of Phoenix Theatre’s 17/18 season further solidifies its reputation of being the valley’s premiere presenter of regional musical theatre.." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
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