Musicals: July 2008 Archives

Knock me over with a feather. Meryl Streep has managed to, once again, astonish. Is there no end to this woman's amazing talent?

Outfest attendees got to see Meryl's musical "Mamma Mia" a week or so early Thursday night during two sold out showings at the DGA Theatre. I was igddy with excitement but running late for the 7 p.m. screening. But the musical gods were watching over me as I was the second-to-the-last car let in to the DGA parking structure before it was declared full and I was the very last Outpass holder let in under the 15 minute rule. If you are a passholder and don't arrive at least 15 minutes early, you have to wait in line with the other ticket holders which could mean a crummy seat.
We were treated to an appearance of one of the film's stars, Amanda Seyfried, who was given an ovation as she ran onto the stage to charmingly introduce the movie. Amanda is a real talent who plays Meryl's daughter in the movie - the daughter getting married who invites the three men who could potentially be her father to the wedidng. T^hey are played Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard.

Pierce cannot sing, let's face it. But he doesn't try too often, thankfully. This is the ladies' show all the way. In a bit of brilliant casting, Meryl is joined by two-time Tony winner and Emmy winner Christine Baranski and Oscar nominee Julie Walters who play her best friends.

What a delicious trio!

The movie was shot in the Greek isles so it is visually quite brilliant. And except for a dip in energy about midway through, the movie really zips along. I liked it more than "Hairspray," "Chicago" and maybe even "Dreamgirls" which I loved.

The reason is Meryl. Magical Meryl. When she is standing on the rocks by the water singing "The Winner Takes It All" to Brosnan, i don't think she has ever been more beautiful, more brilliant. It is kind of a Jennifer Hudson "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" moment and it is breathtaking.

Other standout numbers include Walters dancing on the table tops singing "Take A Chance On Me" to Skarsgard, a wonderful "Mamma Mia" led by Meryl, "I Have A Dream" by Seyfried, and group numbers "Dancing Queen," and 'SOS."

You don't have to be an ABBA fan or to have seen the show on stage to absolutely enjoy this film. I promise.

Mamma Mia! Meryl Streep! Magnificant! Here is Miss Streep at the London premiere of the film which opens soon ... but not soon enough for me! Here is the trailer: