The 38th season of Moonlight Stage Production is now underway with the regional premiere of Mamma Mia! The show has been thrilling audiences so much that two more performances of the show were added to the run. Mamma Mia! has also become Moonlight’s highest-grossing show in the company’s 38-year history.
The show, under the direction of John Vaughan with the orchestra directed by Lyndon Pugeda, do a tremendous job in delivering the sounds of ABBA. If you are fans of the infectious beats of the Swedish group then you are going to love what Moonlight has in store for you with this first production of the summer.
This feel good musical has entertained over 54 million people worldwide. Now you have the chance to see the great talent of Southern California perform the show in our own backyard. An enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship is discovered through some of ABBA’s greatest hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All.” The show, which centers on a daughter’s quest to discover the true identity of her father. The tale takes twist and turns as three men from her mother’s past reunite on a Greek island for the first time in twenty years. It will be a rocking musical you won’t soon forget.
“Mamma Mia! resounds with audiences because of the show’s infectious music and dazzling dance numbers. It is the longest – running jukebox musical in Broadway history , which is no surprise since it features ABBA’s best – known songs. It’s the perfect opener to our season.”
– Producing Artistic Director Steven Glaudini.
The cast of Mamma Mia! is a group of strong actors and dancers. That talent can be seen throughout the show as they deliver the high energy that is needed to pull off a juke box musical of such catchy hits. That ability combined with the choreography from director John Vaughn highlights the strength that he has in his actors. Your eyes will be bombarded with a spectacle from beginning till the end.
Bets Malone leads the cast playing Donna Sheridan. She is no stranger to Moonlight and is one of my favorite actors to see perform. We last saw her at Moonlight in the musical Aida. This time she takes on the role as matriarch of the Sheridan family. In combination with Katie Sapper who plays her daughter Sophie the two come together in harmony. The perfect combination of vocal skills and sounds that deliver throughout the show.
They aren’t the only ones to keep your eye on. Karyn Overstreet and Barbara Schoenhofer complete the trio, playing friends of Donna. The three seem like they have been friends for decades the way they play off of each other. A highlight is when they come together to perform the popular Dancing Queen. All bets are off and your toes begin tapping.
Numerous ensemble numbers stick out for me from “Lay All Your Love on Me” to “Does Your Mother Know.” These two songs take use of the male and female ensemble in fun and exciting ways. The latter includes a duet between Schoenhofer and Nicholas Alexander. That particular number will have you laughing as the lively duo interact with the ensemble. The choreography of Vaughn really stands out during these numbers. Everyone’s favorites “Mamma Mia” and “Take a Chance on Me” will have you smiling and laughing at the actions of this impeccable cast.
The lighting from Jean-Yves Tessier is magical especially combined with all the mirror balls near the end of the production. Sound Design when combined with Pugeda’s 9 piece band delivers the upbeat excitement of ABBA’s music.
3-D Theatricals supplied the costumes, sets, and props all of which met and matched the feel of the Mediterranean mixed with the stylings and flashiness of ABBA. You’ll be seeing these same sets again in the future with 3-D theatricals production later this year.
Mamma Mia! features Bets Malone as Donna Sheridan, Katie Sapper as Sophie Sheridan, Barbara Schoenhofer as Tanya, Karyn Overstreet as Rosie, Robert J. Townsend as Sam Carmichael, Lance Arthur Smith as Bill Austin, Jason W. Webb as Harry Bright, and Nicholas Sloan as Sky.
Ensemble: Nicholas Alexander, Beth Alison, Kalin Booker, Hanz Enyeart, Deborah Fauerbach, Danny Hansen, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Julia Alessandra Martinez, Kylie Molinar, Sebastian Montenegro, Koda Montoya, Dylan Nalbandian, Jacob Narcy, Joy Newbegin, James Odom, Amy Smith, Chad Takeda, Andrea Williams.
Additional Credits: John Vaughn (Director/ Choreographer), Lyndon Pugeda (Musical Director and Conductor), Stanley D. Cohen (Stage Manager), Jean-Yves Tessier (Lighting Designer), Jim Zadai (Sound Designer), Carlotta Malone, Roslyn Lehman, and Renetta Lloyd (Costume Coordinators), Bonnie Durben (Properties Designer), Gabe Nunez (Make-Up Design)
Mamma Mia!: Book by Catherine Johnson, Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
Ticket Information
Single tickets for Moonlight Stage production of Mamma Mia! range from $17 – $57. There are discounts for Seniors and Students and military. For tickets contact The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit the Moonlight Stage Production Ticket Website.
Schedule
Mamma Mia show times are June 13th – June 30th with gates opening at 6:30pm and showtimes at 8pm.
Location
The Moonlight Amphitheatre is located at 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084
Take the Civic Center Drive and exit off Highway 78, go north. Turn right on E Vista Way. Turn right on Vale Terrace. Continue on Vale Terrace about 1/2 mile and turn left into Brengle Terrace Park.
Parking at Moonlight Amphitheatre
There is free parking available at Brengle Terrace Park. Shuttle service is available for those who end up parking in the upper grass lot. The shuttle will begin running 2.5 hours before the show starts as well as after the show.
For more information and tickets call The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit The Moonlight Stage Production website.