Theatre Aspen’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ shines this summer

Since its Broadway debut in 2001, “Mamma Mia!” has been a global phenomenon, inviting audiences to bask in the timeless music of ABBA while celebrating love, laughter, and the bonds that shape our lives. 

Set on a sun-drenched Greek island, the musical follows Sophie Sheridan, a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother’s past in hopes of discovering which one is her father. What unfolds is a joyful, high-spirited story about identity, family, and the friendships that carry us through every season of life. 

Theatre Aspen’s production at the Hurst Theatre within the  in the Rio Grande Park, running through Aug. 2 under the direction of Michael Bello, captures the show’s signature warmth and energy with fresh performances, clever staging, and a palpable sense of fun. It is the perfect summer escape full of heart, humor, and just the right amount of sequins. 

Nevada Riley brings a bright, engaging presence to the role of Sophie from the moment the lights come up. Alongside Avery Ramsey (Ali) and Grace Mauldin (Lisa), the trio captures one of the show’s most resonant themes: the sustaining power of your three-person group chat. That bond is mirrored beautifully in the older generation as Erin Davie’s Donna reunites with her longtime confidants, Tana (Kyli Rae) and Rosie (Mia Scarpa). Their rendition of “Chiquitita” holds the delicate balance between sympathy and silliness, turning tears to laughter with pill bottle maracas and a curling iron brimming with masculine energy.

Davie brings depth and honesty to Donna, grounding the production with a performance that is emotionally rich and vocally strong. Her scenes with Riley, particularly the quiet moments alone before the wedding, are among the most tender. Scarpa and Rae shine in their own right: Scarpa’s exuberant delivery of “Take a Chance on Me” brings the house down with her full-out commitment, and Rae’s “Does Your Mother Know” is a crowd favorite, buoyed by her effortless command of the stage.

As the three potential fathers — Sam, Harry, and Bill — arrive, the story gains both momentum and emotional texture. Benjamin Eakely’s Sam brings steady warmth and sincerity, while Josh Adamson’s Bill charms with rugged likability and comedic timing. As Harry, John Gardiner finds subtle moments of vulnerability beneath the character’s buttoned-up exterior. Together, these three offer a counterbalance to the show’s bigger, brasher moments.

The ensemble cast brings vitality to every scene, seamless transitioning between island locals, wedding guests, and Greek chorus. Their energy is infectious, from comical slow-motion dance vignettes during “Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!” to layered harmonies, to full-cast dance numbers, that amplify the show.. 

Scenic designer Seth Howard has transformed the stage into a breezy coastal village, with details like cobblestones extending beyond the apron that subtly draw the audience into the story. Costume designs by Jess Gersz move fluidly from casual wear to shimmering disco glamour. Lighting design by Wheeler Moon and sound design by Megumi Katayama keep transitions smooth and scene changes crisp. Music Director Alan J. Plado leads a live, offstage band, whose performance propels the show with clarity and drive.

The finale is a full-throttle celebration that had the audience singing along and felt more like an encore at a concert than a curtain call. It is a fitting conclusion to a production that thrives on connection — among the performers, the characters, and everyone in the theater.

It is a joyful reminder that sometimes finding yourself is as simple as opening your eyes and seeing what you already have. With its irresistible songs, heartfelt performances, and warm summer spirit, “Mamma Mia” is a crowd-pleasing delight that invites audiences to laugh, sing, and maybe even fall in love.