Preview: ‘Mamma Mia!’ Returns to the Ahmanson as ABBA’s Beloved Musical Phenomenon Celebrates 25 Years

Some musicals become successful, whereas others become generational bonanzas. More than two decades after first premiering in London and later conquering Broadway, Mamma Mia! remains firmly in the latter category as a buoyant, crowd-pleasing celebration of love, family, nostalgia, and ABBA’s immortal pop catalog that somehow feels as irresistible now as it did at the turn of the millennium. This summer, the musical’s 25th anniversary tour arrives at the Ahmanson Theatre from June 23rd through July 19th, bringing one of theater’s most enduring global sensations back to the City of Angels.

Built around the songs of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and written by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! unfolds on a sun-drenched Greek island where bride-to-be Sophie furtively invites three men from her mother Donna’s past in hopes of discovering which one is her father before her wedding day. What follows is a heartfelt and frequently hilarious collision of romance, past musings, reflection, and pure pop exuberance, all propelled by ABBA classics such as “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Chiquitita,” and, of course, the title anthem itself.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, the touring production retains the exuberant theatricality that helped transform Mamma Mia! into one of the most commercially successful musicals ever staged. The company is led by a new ensemble of performers stepping into these now-iconic roles, including Jessica Crouch as Donna Sheridan, Juliette M. Ojeda as Donna’s daughter Sophie, Victor Wallace as Sam Carmichael, Rob Marnell as Harry Bright, Leland Burnett as Bill Austin, and Carly Sakolove and Jalynn Steele as Donna’s longtime confidantes Rosie and Tanya.

Also central to the story is Grant Reynolds as Sky, Sophie’s fiancé. Their relationship becomes increasingly complicated amid the chaos of Sophie’s secret quest to uncover her true dad. Together, the cast revisits a story whose sincerity has long acted as the perfect counterweight to the larger-than-life musical energy.

The production also arrives following a successful Broadway return at the Winter Garden Theatre, further cementing the musical’s remarkable staying power across generations of theatergoers and movie audiences alike.

LAexcites recently spoke with Reynolds (Sky) about stepping into one of musical theater’s most recognizable worlds, balancing audience expectations shaped by the films, and why ABBA’s music and this show continue to mean so much to people all these years later.

You recently made your Broadway debut with Mamma Mia! before joining the national tour — how has your relationship with the show evolved?

Reynolds: I definitely have a more robust understanding of Sky and all his layers because I’ve had the privilege to really explore him at every angle. It’s a blessing to have this much time with a character, so I’m taking advantage of it and trying to explore deeper every day!

Sky can sometimes be overshadowed by the larger family dynamics surrounding him. What aspects of the character have you tried to bring forward in your portrayal?

Reynolds: I love how Sky really represents the pillar of truth within the show. He’s the one who tells Sophie that her identity doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with who her parents are. I try to lean into the truth of the show and the truth of who Sky is. By doing that, I think his honesty really shines through — and that is something I love to bring out every night.

Because so many audiences know Mamma Mia! through the films first, do you ever feel a responsibility to honor what viewers already love while still making the role your own?

Reynolds: Thankfully, because this show is such a masterpiece of a musical, I do not. I think you get the best of both worlds, truly. This production has the heart of the movie, but with even deeper and more fleshed-out storylines that live performance just enhances even further. We are so lucky to have a show with songs that many of us grew up with and know, and I think the popularity of the movie combined with the energy of our Broadway national tour is just a perfect union for audiences!

The show is built around ABBA’s music, but underneath the spectacle there’s also a story about growing up and commitment. What do you think resonates most strongly with audiences?

Reynolds: At its core, Mamma Mia! is a story about family. It’s about who and what you consider your family to be — your born and chosen family. It’s about relationships, whether that means your mom and dad or the relationship you have with your partner. It’s about love — that is something every human can relate to. A relationship and the emotions that come along with it, whatever the dynamic is. The music is such a sweet cherry on top, and we definitely feel the comfort and joy it allows our audiences.

You’ve worked on productions ranging from Sweeney Todd to The Color Purple. How different is the energy of performing in something as communal and joyful as this show?

Reynolds: Mamma Mia! is so different from anything I’ve ever done. Although it tackles emotional themes, it’s wrapped in this joyous, buoyant happiness, and it’s the best gift to end a show on such a high note, with such energy. It’s a challenge stamina-wise for sure, but I’m not sure how many times in my career I’ll have the opportunity to have a mini-concert within a show every night.

Do you have a favorite ABBA song that’s featured in the musical or in general?

Reynolds: My classics remain “Voulez-Vous” and “Lay All Your Love on Me.” However, it changes almost every day! This cast is so phenomenal — like one day, I can hear Jaylynn Steele (Tanya) singing, “Does Your Mother Know?” and it will then become my favorite for the week, or Victor Wallace singing “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” and that will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day. It’s a gamble!

Cover image caption: Left to right are Jalynn Steele, Jessica Crouch, and Carly Sakolove in the 25th anniversary tour of Mamma Mia! Photo is by Joan Marcus. 

Mamma Mia! runs from Tuesday, June 23rd through Sunday, July 19th at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre. For tickets and more information on the production, visit centertheatregroup.org.