A Classic Musical with Modern Twists That Fell Flat.
by Alex on 10/8/24Citizens Opera House - BostonRating: 2 out of 5I rated Mamma Mia a two out of five primarily because of my overall disappointment with the performance and production choices. First, I was particularly looking forward to seeing Alisa Melendez in the role of Sophie, as advertised when I purchased my ticket. However, an understudy took her place, and I found the lack of transparency regarding who would be performing each night frustrating. Knowing this in advance would have set clearer expectations.
Second, while the vocal performances were strong, I felt that the actors’ stage presence, particularly in the second half of the show, was lacking. There was little animation or excitement in their movements, and the absence of dynamic body language made it difficult for the cast to fully engage the audience. This lack of energy, despite the vibrant music, detracted from the overall experience.
Lastly, while I fully support diversity, equity, and inclusion in theater, I found the casting choices to be somewhat distracting in this particular production. Mamma Mia is known for its setting and character dynamics, which have been historically portrayed in a specific way. The casting felt forced and as though it was making a statement that overshadowed the story itself. While I understand the desire to reflect contemporary values, the execution here seemed to prioritize this message over maintaining the essence of the musical as previously seen in tours and the film adaptation.