Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...So. I swear I hold no eternal candle for the once-brilliant original production, which only diminished over the years as the tours became cheaper. Regular readers will know I've been deeply impressed with so many of Corti's homegrown takes at the Paramount, which always delivers a Broadway-sized orchestra and production values. That applies here."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Paramount’s “Mamma Mia!” has been ideally directed by Jim Corti (whose storytelling and casting choices are invariably diamond-sharp), with exuberant choreography by William Carlos Angulo (whose work on Paramount’s ‘West Side Story” was so brilliant), lush musical direction by Tom Vendafreddo (leading a top-notch orchestra) and a richly evocative, Greek island-of-your-dreams revolving set by Kevin Depinet, animated by Christopher Ash’s Aegean Sea video projections. And it is a “honey” on every level."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Among the best are Jennifer Knox as cougar-esque Tanya and Sara Sevigny as Rosie, two-thirds of Donna's old act Donna and the Dynamos -- a name that still fits. Both women deliver the laughs and the vocal goods. Knox's flirty dance with the much-younger Pepper (the delightful Aaron Patrick Craven) and Sevigny's playful "Take a Chance on Me" are highlights."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Jim Corti, Paramount Theatre's production of this Abba-infused classic had audience members out of their seats and dancing on the night I attended. The show's splash, glitter, and style do justice to the famed Swedish pop foursome, and everyone in the cast holds their own as a dancing queen."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Mamma Mia! looks terrific with neat lighting effects and credible choreography (by William Carlos Angulo). The mini disco concert at the show’s end was breathtaking as the principles donned Elvis-like jumpsuits complete with large bell-bottoms and fringe. The silver, yellow and orange colors jump into our eyes almost causing sensual overload as the songs blare through the gigantic speakers. Everyone left the theatre grooving. Mamma Mia! is one of the most toured show around the world as over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in in love with the Abba show. The Paramount’s production is a fine as any tour I’ve seen of this amazing show."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Those of you familiar with The Paramount Theatre in Aurora will not be surprised to hear that the 2016/17 season opener, "Mamma Mia!" is brilliant! This theater has been wowing its audiences since its inception and the Jeff Award nominations and awards keep on piling up."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Although the story’s pretty thin, and some of the transitions between scenes feel a bit off, Jim Conti’s latest offering is a lot of fun. The show’s supported by topnotch musical direction and a talented pit orchestra, all compliments of the gifted Tom Vendafreddo. Spirited choreography by William Carlos Angulo, assisted by Aubrey Adams, nicely revisits those dazzling days of disco. Clothed in Matt Guthier’s sparkling costumes, set into motion upon Kevin Depinet’s revolving set, accented with animated projections by Christopher Ash, and beautifully lit by Greg Hoffman, Paramount’s season opener is a journey down memory lane."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."Mamma Mia!" is no longer one of the musical theater's guilty pleasures. For years it was fashionable to take pot shots at the show for its disco ambience, just like many people, notably reviewers, once mocked "Cats." Time has vindicated "Momma Mia!"as one of the great audience shows of our time. I still get chills every time I hear "Dancing Queen." The opening night audience applauded enthusiastically after every number and they were jacked up with anticipation for the "Dancing Queen"-"Waterloo" finale (which could have been milked for a little more excitement). But the revue clearly connects both with the generation that grew up with the ABBA music and today's millennials. If you are an ABBA zealot, the show is absolutely worth a trip to Aurora."
