MAMMA MIA by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is featuring the 5-Star Theatricals production of Mamma Mia.  This musical presents a large cast of wonderful actors, singers, and dancers as well as an interesting plot.  The music and lyrics are by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson, book by Catherine Johnson, originally conceived by Judy Craymer, musical direction by Anthony Lucca, choreography by Stephanie Landwehr, and directed by Richard Israel.

            Mamma Mia takes place on a fictional island where Donna Sheridan (Kim Huber) lives with her 20-year old daughter, Sophie (Nicolette Norgaard) in a hotel that Donna has run for some years.  Sophie and her fiancé Sky (Max DeLoach) are soon to be married and even though Sophie is not aware of who her father is, she has a strong desire to have her father give her away at her wedding.

            Sophie secretly reads through her Mother’s old diary and comes across three former beaus, anyone of who could possibly be her father. She also secretly sends each of them an invitation to her wedding in the hope that she will discover which, if any of them, is her father.  They are Sam Carmichael (Eric Martsolf), Harry Bright (Brayden Hade), and Bill Austin (Christopher Robert Smith)

            The time of the wedding arrives, and one has to imagine Donna’s feelings at the sight of these three men showing up to attend her daughter’s wedding.  After all, she has lived an independent life for many years. While Donna and Sophie struggle with one another, it appears that Sophie’s wedding may not turn out the way she was hoping. However, not only do they come to an understanding, but Donna makes a big change and all ends happily ever after.  Mamma Mia is a marvelous fast-moving play with wonderful actors, beautiful voices, terrific songs and music, and top dancers and choreography.  

            HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Where:  Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

When:  Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30 PM, Friday, Oct. 22, 8 PM, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2 PM and 8 PM,   Sunday, Oct. 24, 1 PM.

Tickets range from $38 -$91        For tickets please call (800) 745-3000

For theatre information, call (805) 449-2787, or buy online at www.5startheatricals.com

Student, Senior and Group discounts are available.