I first saw Mamma Mia! on the Broadway stage as a young performer, enthusiastic about the opportunity to audition for this popular production. I had received extremely discounted tickets last minute and remember the thrill I felt to be sitting in the house of the famed Winter Garden Theatre knowing that this was “Broadway” and I was only a few feet away from my “dream.” I studied the Playbill intensely before curtain, noting that it had been produced all over the world in various different languages and was universally loved by all. I looked around and noticed that in that one space there were hundreds of people eager and excited to hear the music of ABBA and a story that in some way resonated with them. Many of us did not speak the same language, or grow up in the same country, or have anything in common really, but we were brought together by the universal euphoric effect that is musical theatre.

I approached this show with the mindset of how beautiful it is that we can all find pieces of ourselves in Mamma Mia! No matter our background, we can all be brought together through the beloved music of ABBA and the heartfelt journey of a mother juggling the inevitable moment that is her daughter facing adulthood, and her storied past catching up with her. So I invite you to find what moves you in this show, hold on to it, and let it bring you joy.

Allyson Richert
Director of Mamma Mia!