Lyric’s Fabulous Summer Series Concludes with Mamma Mia!

Lyric Theatre presents Mamma Mia!
Silhouette of Rosie, Donna, and Tanya
Photo by KO Rinearson

What a whirlwind! Lyric Theatre has given us a wonderful Summer at the Civic series, and this memorable season is closing out with another hit. Mamma Mia opens July 24th and runs until the 29th. Mamma Mia is a crowd-pleaser that features the legendary music of disco-pop band Abba. Lyric’s production of this fun show is directed and choreographed by Lyn Cramer. Of the show, Cramer says “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good tale of love conquering all. A celebration of love, laughter, family and friendship, Mamma Mia! is exactly what the world needs right now, an uplifting, fun-filled night at the theatre.” The dual role of director and choreographer is quite an achievement, and Cramer’s got a huge production to create. Lyric’s summer shows are fully orchestrated, and Mamma Mia is full of ornate song and dance routines. 

The third and final show of the season continues with a familiar theme- weddings. Twenty year-old Sophie, played by Jessica Martens, is on a gorgeous Greek island for her wedding. She wants her dad to walk her down the aisle, but she’s not quite sure who that is! Thanks to some inventive research, she invites three prospective dads. Of course, it’s all done without Sophie telling her unsuspecting Mom, Donna, played by Meredith Inglesby. A revelation, a calamity, and an unexpected reunion are in store, all set to flashy musical numbers that defined the disco era.

Lyric Theatre presents Mamma Mia!
From left, Renee Anderson (Rosie), Meredith Inglesby (Donna) and Barb Schoenhofer (Tanya)
Photo by KO Rinearson.

The three possible fathers who show up to walk their could-be daughter down the aisle are Harry, played by Gregory DeCandia, Bill, played by Tommy Glenn, and Sam, played by Steve Blanchard. Lyric’s production also stars Renee Anderson as Rosie, Barb Schoenhofer as Tanya, and Ashley Arnold as Lisa. Music direction is by David Andrews Rogers, scenic design is by Kimberly Powers, and costume design is by Jeffrey Meek. Lighting design is by Helena Kuukka and sound design is by Anthony Risi. Julie Meyer is the production stage manager.

Mamma Mia first opened on Broadway in 1999 and was an instant success. Two of the original members of the band ABBA helped develop the theatrical work. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus incorporated some of ABBA’s most popular songs into the show. Mamma Mia the movie, released in 2008 and starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, was one of the top films of the year. The movie sequel is set to be released later this month. That makes Lyric’s production of the original show a perfectly timed event to close out the summer. With fun music, a wild story-line, and unforgettable dance numbers, Mamma Mia will entertain and uplift audiences, while serving a dose of nostalgia that’s just perfect for a hot summer night.

Renee Anderson as Rosie. Photo by KO Rinearson.

Mamma Mia!, presented by Lyric Theatre, runs July 24th-29th at OKC Civic Center, 201 N. Walker Ave. Tickets are going fast, so visit lyrictheatreokc.com to get yours.