Dancing Queens Unite: Mamma Mia! Storms Back to Broadway After 10 Years

Mia Reynolds, 8/19/2025Mamma Mia! returns to Broadway after a decade, delighting audiences with its infectious ABBA hits and whimsical plot. Christine Sherrill shines as Donna, while the production captures a mix of nostalgia and modern appeal, drawing diverse crowds and hinting at more adaptations to come.

Let's face it — the plot remains delightfully bonkers. A bride-to-be invites three possible dads to her Greek island wedding, somehow managing to squeeze ABBA's greatest hits into the narrative like perfectly-fitted puzzle pieces. Yet there's something oddly perfect about this theatrical comfort food, especially now.

The current production feels slightly leaner than its predecessor (presumably prepped for an upcoming tour), but don't let that fool you. Christine Sherrill absolutely owns the role of Donna, bringing a raw authenticity to the former disco queen turned taverna owner. Her "Winner Takes It All" left more than a few audience members discretely dabbing their eyes. Amy Weaver's Sophie radiates the perfect mix of determination and vulnerability — though occasionally her vocals got lost under the enthusiastic orchestra during preview performances.

Remember when critics dismissed this show as nothing more than a "singing Hostess cupcake"? Well, that cupcake has aged like fine wine. The influence of Mamma Mia! on modern theater can't be overstated; it practically invented the jukebox musical format. Sure, we've seen countless imitators since — everything from Buddy Holly to that new Alicia Keys show workshop making waves downtown — but none quite capture the same lightning in a bottle.

What's fascinating is how ABBA's music has evolved in our cultural consciousness. These songs have transcended their disco roots to become something closer to modern folk music. (Speaking of which, those ABBA avatar concerts in London are still selling out nightly, proving the Swedish quartet's staying power across generations and technology platforms.)

During a recent Wednesday matinee, something remarkable happened. The audience — a fascinating mix of silver-haired Dancing Queens and TikTok-generation newcomers — created this electric atmosphere of shared joy. By the time that second-act medley kicked in... well, even this somewhat jaded theater regular found herself unconsciously swaying in her seat.

The production isn't perfect — some sound mixing issues still need ironing out, and certain scene transitions feel a bit clunky. But those minor quibbles evaporate the moment the cast emerges in those gloriously ridiculous "galactic disco suits" for the encore.

Box office numbers don't lie. Even in previews, Mamma Mia! is pulling Hamilton-level crowds, suggesting that Broadway's appetite for feel-good nostalgia remains unsated. And with producer Judy Craymer confirming a third film adaptation in development (rumors are swirling about Sabrina Carpenter joining Amanda Seyfried), this particular show train shows no signs of slowing down.

Like its palindromic namesake, Mamma Mia! creates a perfect circle of joy — beginning and ending with the simple pleasure of losing yourself in a really good pop song. In an era where theatrical innovation often means darker, edgier productions, there's something refreshingly honest about a show that just wants to make you smile.

Those unmistakable marimba notes are back on Broadway, and honestly? They couldn't have returned at a better time. Mamma Mia! has waltzed its way back to the Winter Garden Theatre, bringing its signature brand of musical escapism to a 2025 audience that seems absolutely starved for joy.Let's face it — the plot remains delightfully bonkers. A bride-to-be invites three possible dads to her Greek island wedding, somehow managing to squeeze ABBA's greatest hits into the narrative like perfectly-fitted puzzle pieces. Yet there's something oddly perfect about this theatrical comfort food, especially now.The current production feels slightly leaner than its predecessor (presumably prepped for an upcoming tour), but don't let that fool you. Christine Sherrill absolutely owns the role of Donna, bringing a raw authenticity to the former disco queen turned taverna owner. Her "Winner Takes It All" left more than a few audience members discretely dabbing their eyes. Amy Weaver's Sophie radiates the perfect mix of determination and vulnerability — though occasionally her vocals got lost under the enthusiastic orchestra during preview performances.Remember when critics dismissed this show as nothing more than a "singing Hostess cupcake"? Well, that cupcake has aged like fine wine. The influence of Mamma Mia! on modern theater can't be overstated; it practically invented the jukebox musical format. Sure, we've seen countless imitators since — everything from Buddy Holly to that new Alicia Keys show workshop making waves downtown — but none quite capture the same lightning in a bottle.What's fascinating is how ABBA's music has evolved in our cultural consciousness. These songs have transcended their disco roots to become something closer to modern folk music. (Speaking of which, those ABBA avatar concerts in London are still selling out nightly, proving the Swedish quartet's staying power across generations and technology platforms.)During a recent Wednesday matinee, something remarkable happened. The audience — a fascinating mix of silver-haired Dancing Queens and TikTok-generation newcomers — created this electric atmosphere of shared joy. By the time that second-act medley kicked in... well, even this somewhat jaded theater regular found herself unconsciously swaying in her seat.The production isn't perfect — some sound mixing issues still need ironing out, and certain scene transitions feel a bit clunky. But those minor quibbles evaporate the moment the cast emerges in those gloriously ridiculous "galactic disco suits" for the encore.Box office numbers don't lie. Even in previews, Mamma Mia! is pulling Hamilton-level crowds, suggesting that Broadway's appetite for feel-good nostalgia remains unsated. And with producer Judy Craymer confirming a third film adaptation in development (rumors are swirling about Sabrina Carpenter joining Amanda Seyfried), this particular show train shows no signs of slowing down.Like its palindromic namesake, Mamma Mia! creates a perfect circle of joy — beginning and ending with the simple pleasure of losing yourself in a really good pop song. In an era where theatrical innovation often means darker, edgier productions, there's something refreshingly honest about a show that just wants to make you smile.