A Little Joy with Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is such a beautiful classic. Seeing it live was a beautiful story of growth, determination, acceptance, and of course love. Ensemble Arts Philly is highlighting this show until Sunday October 4th. Here are a few things you should remember about the show to prepare for an amazing experience. Keep in mind that this is the 25th anniversary tour show.
What to Expect for the Mamma Mia! Show
The show runs 2.5 hours with intermission. The show is hugely popular so not only should you get your tickets ahead of time please plan in enough time to arrive. Parking as always is on the street and in nearby lots. I personally prefer the lot at the Double Tree Hotel on Broad Street. This lot if you show your show ticket makes the parking $25. I know that is high, but I also am at the age where I pay for convenience. The convenience of parking right across the street makes sense to me at least in “girl” world.
There is merchandise for the show as well. The show drink is a limoncello spritz and its delicious. Remember to bring your past Ensemble Arts cup to save a few dollars. This show is meant for children, in my opinion ages 13 and up. There are a few adult themes that may not be suitable for younger children. Use caution.
High Energy and Full of Song
This musical has every element that you need. From the amazing singing to the moves, it is musical perfection. Dancing Queens unites this is your get out of your seat moves even if it is at the end. Here is the part that I loved about it as a choir director’s daughter. The notes are perfect. There are moments when the music drowns out a bit and you are left with the melody in all its greatness. I am talking about the notes that are hit without an issue.
Stand out Actress-Jalynn Steele
Let me tell you right now. You would think that I was talking about Donna, played by Jessica Crouch, who by all right is a powerhouse. Her vocals are unmatched. However, I must give a little extra praise to Tanya, played by Jalynn Steele. Her personality is infectious. Although she is playing a character you see her beyond that. Her vocals are tight too, but I feel in love with her charisma. She sets the tone. I saw my own friends in this show, and I know in real life I would be friends with Jalynn. My daughter who I took to show, and I immediately started whispering in the aisles about her. You can’t help to she’s amazing.
What I took home from Mamma Mia!
As a mother now I remember seeing the show and I am quite sure my thoughts were different then. In my mother era I see the show so differently. My children’s identity matters to me. Making sure that I am honest with them even when it hurts. I have a past and that past will have to reconcile as I age and they do the same. Check in with me once my oldest goes to college in a year. My mother has always been painfully honest about her past.
This has helped me to be honest so that I too can avoid the revelations that Donna experienced. One thing I know is that no matter how open I am I too will have to navigate an eye opening with my children in their own way. I pray I am equipped to handle it. Also, love is tricky. As we grow the things I accepted in my younger days aren’t the same as where I am now. My theatre days have been looking at me differently lately.
Have a little fun
That is a message in this show too. Bring it in with you. Grab a girlfriend or friend and see it for yourself. Enjoy the music and the lyrics. Take in the atmosphere. I was able to see it with my friends and my daughter and having multiple conversations on various levels at the same time is so funny and healing at the same time. At the end, be prepared to get up and move. I pray you have the same experience as we did. What I mean is that they gave us 3 songs and if you have ever seen Mamma Mia! you know which ones I mean.
This is a solid show. Full of great messaging, memories, and amazing music. Take the time to see it before it ends on Sunday October 4, 2026. Thanks to the team at Ensemble Arts Philly for having my daughter and I. Grab your own tickets and enjoy.
