In Mamma Mia!, which takes place on a fictitious Greek island, well-known ABBA songs intertwine to tell the story of Sophie, a young girl about to be married.
She does not know the identity of her father, but after reading her mother Donna's diary, she realizes that three of Donna's past lovers are the possible candidates.
Wanting the right man to walk her down the aisle, Sophie invites the three men to her wedding.
"At certain times you forget it is the music of ABBA," Sullivan said. "It's funny how it fits the show so well. The music naturally weaves itself into the story and makes it enjoyable."
Cast member Michael Grayman plays Eddie, a handyman who works for Donna at the tavern she owns. Grayman said the familiarity of the music helps make it very high energy and fun.
"The great thing about this show is that it's a lot about audience participation," Grayman said. "At the end, the audience is encouraged to join in and dance and sing in the aisles."
Grayman said the hardest part of this tour, as it is with every theatrical production, is to keep it fresh for each performance. Though many actors may struggle to keep the momentum going, Grayman said it is easy with Mamma Mia! because it is such an entertaining show.
"It is part of the challenge to make it like it's happening for the first time every time," Grayman explained. "But I'm just enjoying this show too much."
Although ABBA devotees will likely be big fans of the show, it is not necessary to love the music or be very familiar with the group in order to enjoy the musical. Grayman said, like most people, he was familiar with popular numbers like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," but now has become a bigger fan.
"I think I appreciate them more now as musicians," he said.
"Each song tells a story that is very unique."
Natasha Zoretich (sophomore-economics) described the show, which she saw on Broadway, as an energetic, feel-good show.
Although she said the meanings of a few songs didn't exactly fit the mood of a scene, she agreed that the music helps to make the show a success.
"Even if you don't know ABBA you really get into it," Zoretich said. "I would see it again."
Grayman noted the songs are portrayed so well and with so much enthusiasm that it will likely turn audience members into bigger ABBA fans, as he sees happen at every tour stop.
"Everyone buys the soundtrack at the end," Grayman said.
"After, I hear the people who just saw the show blasting the CD in their cars."
Because it is a rock musical, Grayman said Mamma Mia! reaches many age groups and works especially well for young audiences.
Melissa Shernoff (sophomore-psychology) also thought the show would be a success in State College.
"The songs are really catchy and cute," Shernoff said. "I thought that overall, it is a fun and uplifting
show."
