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Movie review: “Mamma Mia” true to the spirit of the original

The movie “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a sequel to the well-loved original “Mamma Mia!” a movie based on a musical famous for its songs produced by the popular Swedish pop group ABBA. The soundtrack of the sequel includes classic songs from the previous movie, such as “I Have A Dream,”“Dancing Queen,”and “Mamma Mia,” along with other engaging pieces by ABBA.

Without having seen the first movie or musical, it may be a little difficult to follow the storyline. Therefore, it is recommended to either watch the previous movie or musical, or read a short summary of them online.

As the movie progresses, scenes quickly switch from the past to the present and vice versa, which may be difficult for viewers to follow. However, the transitions between these scenes are done smoothly and creatively, keeping the viewers engaged.

The creative transitions are especially prevalent during many of the musical numbers in the movie — such as when they fade from a scene in Donna’s life to what’s unfolding in the present with her daughter, played again by Amanda Seyfried —  and they are accompanied by the entertaining choreography. Big group numbers include “Waterloo,” with many background dancers and the colorful costumes that fill the screen.

As for the acting and cast,” Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” brings back many of the memorable actors from the first movie, such as Dominic Cooper as Sky, Julie Walters as Rosie, Christine Baranski as Tanya, Stellan Skarsgård as Bill, Pierce Brosnan as Sam, and Colin Firth as Harry.

The cast also includes many new faces in order to portray Donna’s young life. Lily James portrays young Donna as an adventurous soul full of imagination and dreams. She infuses Donna’s character with life and passion.

Other actors who played younger versions of the original characters include Josh Dylan as young Bill, Jeremy Irvine as young Sam, Hugh Skinner as young Harry, Alexa Davies as young Rosie, and Jessica Keenan Wynn as young Tanya.

These actors stay true to the characters of their older counterparts while also displaying the impetuousness of their young lives.

 

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Berkeley Playhouse merges professionalism and community

The Berkeley Playhouse’s production of “Tarzan,” the musical with words and lyrics by Phil Collins runs through Aug 13. Photo by Keon Morley.

BERKELEY, Calif. —The Berkeley Playhouse, founded by Elizabeth McKoy 10 years ago, uses art to bring a sense of community, producing shows for all ages.

The wood-paneled walls and red doors of the historic Julia Morgan Theater make the exterior appear barn-like and give the impression of a community theater. But the Playhouse is home to professional productions. The advertisements, equipment and costumes for the current production of the musical “Tarzan” further exemplify the theater’s professionalism.

“I have a spotlight here. I have a crew here. They got a brand new light board… We have LEDs, we have M-Faders… A little bit of everything,” Jeff Bristow, three-time stage manager at the theater, said. The theater boasts youth conservatory and after-school classes in addition to a full slate of productions.

Catherine Manning, the mother of one of the actors, says her daughter, Jaina, found the summer theater experience enticing.

“It was much more intense…An amazing experience for her to be side by side with professional adults,” Manning said. “…within the six-week rehearsal period I heard her voice change.”

After a recent matinee, actors and crew alike commented on how McKoy strives to bring a sense of family to all of her cast and crew members while maintaining a professional environment.

Actor Tiana Paulding said,“Elizabeth…exudes family. She will take everyone under her wing.”

She added that “everyone here is just so supportive and very uplifting…It’s just a very good sense of camaraderie here.”

Bristow said his favorite part of being with the theater is “just working with the people. I’ve met a lot of new people, I’ve met a lot of great people, and I know a lot of them will remain my friends after this is over.”

Actors Aurelia Jordan, left, Adam Niemann, and Tiana Paulding greet the audience after the show. Photo by Rachel Winterhalter

Adam Niemann, another actor, said, “The people here [keep me coming back].”

““The theme of the show ‘Tarzan’ is family,” Nieman said of the show based on the Disney film, with music from pop legend Phil Collins.

“And I think it is quite appropriate that that’d be produced by Berkeley Playhouse because I definitely think that’s … a mission of Berkeley Playhouse.”

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Summer in the spotlight

WASHINGTON — In the summer, the American University campus is alive with a variety of students from diverse programs, including the weeklong camps from Imagination StageImagination-Stage Logo. These  are called “Flex Week” camps because they can be mixed and matched to suit the schedules of families in the area, teens in particular. During the week, students study musical theater and dance.

The program is for students in seventh grade through 10th grade. Most of the students are from the District or the Bethesda-Potomac area, but some have ventured all the way from the South and Spain.This week at American University, Imagination Stage is offering courses in Scene Study and Musical Theater Dance.

“It’s nice to see the strong young adults they’re becoming,” said Nikki Kaplan, associate director of education for Imagination Stage. Kaplan has worked with Imagination Stage for eight years. She began performing when she was younger, then spent a few years as an actress, performer and singer in New York. “Ultimately, I found myself wanting to work with young people,” said Kaplan.

For acting classes, students develop an understanding of physical character, which is when you adjust your body and your voice to fit the needs of the character. They also play theater games and do improvisation.”When they’re on stage, they should want something from the other character on stage with them, which is their objective,” said Kaplan.

For dance classes, the pupils begin with establishing a ballet foundation, which teaches footwork and clear lines with the body. It also builds strength, flexibility, dexterity and coordination. A lot of focus is put on expression.

The program consists of a morning session and an afternoon session, each three hours long. Some students stay for both sessions and others come for just one. Students who do both sessions stay on campus the whole week.

The goal of the program is to introduce young people to acting and refine their dance and musical theater technique. It is also to give students an appreciation of why classes are important. “There is a technique,” said Kaplan. “Acting is the thing people think they can do without teaching.”

Instead of a professional show, the students have an informal sharing in front of their parents at the end of the week. The teachers will give them feedback and suggestions leading up to the presentation. “It’s more like a rehearsal than a production,” said Kaplan.

“We focus on the process instead of the product,” said Marcia Howard, who is the senior faculty for dance at Imagination Stage. Howard has been a dance mentor at Imagination stage since 2001 and became the senior faculty member in 2011.

“Being a dancer, actor or musical theater performer, it’s really important to spend time in classrooms,” said Kaplan. “Acting is like anything else. You have to learn how to do it first. You wouldn’t want your doctor to just jump into surgery.”