Some generous friends gifted us an evening at the theater as a wedding gift, so when we returned from our short road-trip honeymoon, we scoped the play schedule for 2018.  I let Phil make the first suggestion, and when he proposed Mamma Mia, there was no further discussion!

We went to the play at 5th Avenue Theater at the end of February and it was so good!  The story is not sophisticated, but the music carries the show and you’ll be smiling the whole time (if you’re anything like me and the rest of the crowd).  Abba songs are well known and easily recognized.  Occasionally, the first few chords of a song would play, then pause.  The entire audience then erupted into applause as they anticipated “Take a Chance on Me.”  The acting, singing, and dancing were excellent, and the fact that the lead singer looked like my cousin added an extra layer of fun personally!  Be ready to dance at the end!

I’ve always liked Abba’s songs, but after raving to my sister about the play, Kerri reminded me of a story that epitomizes to what extent I enjoyed their music:

I worked at the local movie theater when the movie Mamma Mia came out.  I had figured out the timing of my favorite songs so I knew when they would be on screen after the scheduled showtime.  Once the movies start, there is a little bit of downtime so during every showing Mamma Mia I would sneak into the theater at least once or twice to watch a scene from the aisle.

Now that you’re confident I’m an expert, I can share the (subjective) 10 best songs below.

1. Honey, Honey
2. Waterloo
3. Does Your Mother Know
4. Chiquitata (I didn’t like this one at first, it grew on me)
5. Take a Chance on Me
6. Knowing Me, Knowing You
7. Mamma Mia
8. If It Wasn’t For the Nights
9. S.O.S
10. The Name of the Game

Download immediately.  I promise there is nothing more uplifting than singing along to Waterloo in your car (though hitting the high notes with Celine Dion is a close second).

“My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
Oh yeah, and I have met my destiny in quite a similar way
The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itself…”

Mamma Mia was the fourth play we have attended at the 5th Avenue Theater.  It is a gorgeous (ornate Chinese-inspired decor) playhouse in downtown Seattle that has been around since 1925.  Along with being a visually appealing venue, their production quality is fantastic.  I highly recommend seeing any touring Broadway play there if you have the chance!