By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
Donna and the Dynamos step out of the shadows at Sophie's wedding.
That spirit of unquenchable optimism thrives in the eager Arizona Onstage production of “Mamma Mia,” celebrating the songs of ABBA. No matter how many times you've seen it, on Broadway, at Broadway in Tucson or someplace in between, you haven't seen a production more endearing than this one directed by Debbie Runge.
Danae Dorame gets the star-making role of Sophie, the Greek island girl who discovers her mom Donna's old diary, only to read how her mom spent the night (dot...dot...dot...) with three different men in the summer of 1979.
Convinced one of these men is the father she has never known, 20-year-old Sophie invited all three to her wedding on the tiny island where she grew up, helping her mom run a picturesque taverna.
Back when Donna was carefree and single she was the lead singer of Donna and the Dynamos. But once Sophie was born, Donna put those dreams aside to run the taverna and make a loving home for her daughter.
Dorame has a terrific voice, soaring freely with the impetuousness of youth. Donna is sung by Tucson favorite Liz Crachiolo. Mature and reasoned, her singing adds a bittersweet quality to the role.
Donna is proud of her life of independence and resourcefulness, but also knows she has paid a price by staying on the island and raising Sophie by herself.
As for those three men with all the dots in Donna's diary. Dennis Tamblyn topped the applause meter as Bill, in his duet and dance number with Jessica Armistead as Rosie, one of the Dynamos.
They sing “Take A Chance On Me” the day of Sophie's wedding. Their natural chemistry together immediately won the audience over, cheering spontaneously.
Kit Runge is cast as Sam, the sincere one. He and Donna get to sing the big number “SOS.” They are the natural fit in voice and personality.
Harry, the third man, is Jordan Siebert. In his youth they called Harry a headbanger, but he grew up to become the strait-laced one with corporate connections and a proper manner.
Also creating a unique character was Stephanie Sikes as Tanya the flamboyant Dynamo, oversexed and proud of it. As the comedy relief Tanya brings a flashy dash of cynicism to counter all the joyfulness from everyone else.
Debbie Runge is also the choreographer. With a cast that includes 22 chorus members and 22 songs in the show, she has plenty to work with. All the company numbers are impressive, filling the stage with consistently moving bodies who are well-rehearsed.
The song list includes “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Chiquita,” “The Name of the Game” and at the very end “Waterloo.”
But walking back to the parking lot after the show, Sophie is the one you will be thinking of. She's the one who discovers herself.
“Mamma Mia” continues with performances Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.., then again Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2:30 p.m. The show runs 2 ½ hours at the Berger Center for the Performing Arts, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. Tickets are $20-$35, available in advance online, an additional $5 when purchased at the door. For details and tickets, arizonaonstage.org
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