I walked into Keller Auditorium for Broadway in Portland’s Mamma Mia! already excited. I’ve seen the musical before, watched the movie, and know and love ABBA (who doesn’t?!) and I had a feeling it was going to be a great night out. What I did not anticipate was my husband — who I politely forced to go with me — also enjoying the musical.
For the uninitiated, Mamma Mia! is the beloved musical built around the songbook of Swedish pop legends ABBA. The story centers on Sophie, a young woman on the eve of her wedding who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past — each a possible father — to the sun-soaked Greek island where she grew up. What unfolds is a joyful, chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly moving celebration of love, friendship and identity. It’s pure fun, and this production delivers on every level.
The leads were simply fantastic. Jessica Crouch, who plays Donna, received rousing applause after every one of her powerful, pitch-perfect songs. My husband was impressed with how she belted out her ballads. My favorite was Jalynn Steele, who plays Donna’s best friend Tanya. She was the scene stealer of the evening. Every time she stepped into the spotlight, the audience lit up. Her comedic timing was razor-sharp, her energy was electric and her delivery had us, and everyone around us, cracking up.
I also loved the costumes. Not just the disco glamor jumpsuits, but also the bold prints, the flowy-beachy outfits, all of it. I low-key wish I could have raided the wardrobe department on the way out. There’s something liberating about watching performers own those looks with such confidence, and it added a whole extra layer of fun to an already joyful show.
Another delight: seeing firsthand how the songs of ABBA and the wacky, endearing story of Mamma Mia! transcend generations. There were plenty of older folks in attendance — some in their own fabulous dresses and pantsuits — but the opening night audience was also filled with tweens and teens. Seated next to us was a family with a young girl (who danced in her seat the entire night) and a tween boy, who by Act 2 was smiling and laughing.
This morning, while making breakfast for our toddler, my husband queued up “Take a Chance on Me.” I think it’s fair to say we both had a great time.
If You Go
Mamma Mia!
🗓️ June 2-7
📍Keller Auditorium (222 SW Clay Street)
🕣 Run time is 2.5 hours with one intermission
🎟️ Tickets start at $68
Pro tip: Mamma Mia! is recommended for ages 8 and older (children under 5 are not permitted).