I think I was expecting something different, maybe a bunch of production numbers of Abba songs, or a “popera” where any story was contained in the lyrics. But it was a Broadway musical, alright, albeit one that added an unrelated libretto to a body of music that really does stand on its own.

Alright, I know, I’m over thinking it, and to be fair, the cast was a hoot, particularly the three female leads, who dress up in “futuristic disco” ABBA type clothes and do a couple numbers…they were funny and charming. The best part was the big finale when they just…played the songs. The band was tighter than a gnat’s ass, that I will say.

I think that this show would be most enjoyed by women of a certain age…and I think it was obvious that it is aimed squarely at that demographic. So, if you are someone who thinks that Benny and Bjorn were musical geniuses, put on the records. If you got laid to “Waterloo” after your prom in 1977, this is your show.

Well about the show, it was very entertaining. The show is very funny and the singing is just great. The story is one of a kind! The only bad thing I would say is that the main character (the not so little, girl) wasn’t the prettiest thing to look at.

I ain’t a fan of ABBA’s music but I was after the show was over.

Now, I know I am not the most “normal” person I know but something is really wrong with me.
I love Abba. LOVE LOVE ABBA. I sang all of Abba’s songs as a child, and have never turned my back on them, even after they disbanded. My first tape was an ABBA tape. My first record was an ABBA record. LOVE them, so I will say – that is prerequisite #1 to truly enjoy Mamma Mia.

But that is not what’s wrong with me.
I have now watched THIS show, the Vegas Mamma Mia show, a total of FIVE TIMES. I kid you not – five freakin’ times. And…. (hiding head in shame) I loved it all five times! The last two times, at least I did not start tearing at the end of the show (I’m telling you, I am NOT normal!) but I was still gleeful and on a high when the show ended. Furthermore – I even watched the SF Mamma Mia. Once, though.

Folks, this is not a show where you come out with your life changed, and there is no deep meaning. It is almost silly – very light, but FUN FUN FUN, and just an enjoyable time. The cast is extremely talented, and some of them are truly amazing singers with outstanding voices.

I’ve sat as close as 3 rows back from the orchestra, and all the way back to the second floor seatings, and while the view was that much better in row 3 – - I found the acoustics to be better further back.

Given the fact I have watched it so many times, I will say that the mood of the whole show is largely determined by the audience – - I have been there on some nights when it was like every single ABBA whore was there that night (like me, or even worse) and we all go apeshit at the end, dancing to no end, many women sobbing through smiles, and everyone singing like CRAZY. And 1 or 2 shows were more subdued with an older, more mannered crowd, but I think that applies to any musical.

If you are looking for a FUN time with a talented cast, and great music, good laughs and just good humor – - try out Mamma Mia at the Mandalay Bay. In spite of the mediocre ratings some people have given this show – - I think they just expected the wrong thing. Yeah, the SF show was good – but this is a Vegas show. It’s more about having a great time than doing a serious production, British-style. It’s a great twist, in my opinion, to the original.

That said – I am due to go to the SF Mamma Mia (which is comin’ back in September 07) and still have to go to the Vegas one ONCE MORE… but that’s it. NO MORE MAMMA MIA FOR ME after that.

Even I have to draw the line at 8 times of watching one show, hahahahah…………… unless, of course, I go to Broadway. Then, all bets are off!

This show inspires me when I’m “Under Attack”. 2 shows a night for the cast, so they’re “Super Troupers”. The show is pricey, it’ll cost a lot of “Money, Money, Money”. But it’s a fun show, great story, great acting, and you’ll say, “Thank You for the Music”. If you see me at Mandalay Bay, “Take a Chance on Me” and come along on a date with me to watch “Mamma Mia”.

So to all my little “Honey Honey”’s, “I Have a Dream” that this show will stay at Mandalay Bay for a long time because if not, “One of Us” will be very sad. But if you want to see a cute story about a mother and a daughter, “The Name of the Game” is to watch “Mamma Mia”. It’s fun, alive, hysterical. You won’t lose with this show, like Napoleon at “Waterloo”. You’ll sing along, you’ll be a “Dancing Queen”.

There are many shows in Las Vegas and on Broadway, but this one is “The Winner Takes it All”. “Does You Mother Know” any ABBA songs, do you know any ABBA songs? After watching this show, you’ll say “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” at your local store to buy ABBA CD’s. “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, I own them all.

I love ABBA’s music. After all, I grew up with it (Oh shut up, I know I am old!). But I never thought I’d go see Mamma Mia or enjoy the show. I couldn’t be more wrong! I LOVED IT!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the free tickets!! The acting was a little too forced and the story line predictable. Nevertheless, the singing, dancing, and performance were fantastic! At the end I was actually moved to tears!

There was no acrobat or magic tricks, but definitely an entertaining Broadway show worth seeing.

The seats were comfortable and we had plenty of cocktails. The bathroom lines at intermission were very long and the drink lines took a while but we still were able to accomplish both. I don’t know if I would see it again, and I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if the tickets were not free, but it was a pretty fun show.

Since I was already familiar with the music and script, I was really looking forward to the stage set-up. I figure with it being a Vegas show, they would have really gone all out on the stage. I was wrong. It was very basic, and reminded me of a high school stage. I thought the props would be more artistic beyond what they did. Perhaps my expectations were too high, and that’s why they fall short.

Sure, I enjoy the story, music, and entertainment of it all…it’s just the Las Vegas production left me disappointed.

It’s definitely a two hour plus show, which I think is a good thing. (I hate when productions are cut short ‘cuz I feel jipped!) It’s definitely not worth the price though!

The theater is actually smaller than I thought and the nose bleeder seats are really not that far back.

And if you have to use the restrooms during the intermission, leave the theater! They’ll let you back in as long as you have your ticket and you won’t be standing in that ridiculous line. This applies to the men as well.

Word is, it’s their last summer in Vegas anyway. Just as well with the movie coming out soon!