Review: Mamma Mia! at The Acting Company

The intimate theater space occupied by The Acting Company in Yuba City just isn’t big enough to house all the artistry and striking talent of the Mamma Mia! cast.

In this beloved musical tribute to ABBA, a spirited young woman, Sophie (Bethany Huff), invites three of her mother’s past lovers to her wedding in Greece in an attempt to discover which one is her father. Sophie’s mother, Donna (Cassie Fifield), is surprised to find the three men at her hotel and must decide how, or if, to tell her daughter the truth.

Huff graces the small stage with enough charisma to fill a stadium, while Fifield gives a powerhouse performance—her tears during “The Winner Takes It All” are as moving as her strong vocals and natural stage presence.

Other notable characters include Donna’s two friends, Tanya (Jessy Nanoff) and Rosie (Ada Schmidt), who bring playful humor to this production. Joseph Morales, who plays a bartender named Pepper, lights up the stage and is hilariously entertaining. The cast’s ensemble of 16 (full cast of 30) includes several energetic high school and college students.

The set is expertly designed in the 20-by-30-foot space by director Foster McManus and her husband Paul McManus (who also plays Father Alexandrios), with moving parts and a relaxed, Mediterranean feel.

This musical is bursting with fun, flair and all the best ABBA songs. Take a chance on Mamma Mia! and by the end you may find yourself saying, “Thank you for the music.”