Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...If you're someone who'd travel anywhere to see this show, know that this is a much warmer and thus more enjoyable production than the recent Paramount Theatre endeavor, the first major local production after the rights became available following the end of the show's 14-year run. Yep, 14 years. No wonder Bjorn has a private island in Stockholm. Fully deserved, too."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The latest incarnation of the show has arrived on the stage of the Marriott Theatre, where director Rachel Rockwell has gathered a cast that includes several alums from her hit show, "Ride the Cyclone" (whose Chicago production enjoyed great success in its recent Off Broadway incarnation), as well as a number of other high-profile regulars from the city's musical theater scene. Rockwell also has called on choreographer Ericka Mac to assure that the show gets audiences of every age ready to move. And while this might not be a definitive production of the hit show that debuted in London in 1999, moved on to Broadway, and has reportedly been seen by 60 million people in 40 countries, and been translated into 23 languages, it has its charms. (Any guesses about how you say "Super Trouper" or "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme," in Mandarin or Greek?)"
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...The latest comes courtesy of Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, whose peppy production of the jukebox tuner -- set to songs by 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA -- follows Paramount Theatre's 2016 revival by five months. What Marriott's version has going for it -- besides a couple of knockout performances -- is a canny creative team led by director Rachel Rockwell, who is clearly in on the joke."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Following in the footsteps of the Marriott's recently retired and beloved costume designer Nancy Missimi was certainly no small task, but Theresa Ham came through with flying colors, sequins and spandex to spare. Jesse Klug's incredible lighting is so seductive and hypnotic it should carry its own PG-13 rating. Jukebox musicals like "Mamma Mia!" are almost impervious to review, because the audience loves them and they are so much fun that serious dramatic criticism becomes irrelevant. So "Mamma Mia!" here I go again for whatever it's worth. And Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus: A heartfelt thank you for the music, the song I'm singing...thanks for all the joy you're bringing!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Tonight, after watching what she has created on the intimate stage in Lincolnshire, I became even more impressed. "Mamma Mia!" is a long show- over two dozen songs created by ABBA (Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus) and some songs with Stig Anderson with a book that ties the songs together written by Catherine Jonson. Yet, under Rockwel'ls direction and some great choreography by Ericka Mac, the show moves swiftly, never dragging or leaving empty space on the stage."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Stirring up fond memories of those mirrorballed 1970's and 80's, and filling the audience's head with over two dozen infectious ABBA's hits, Rachel Rockwell has created a much-welcomed, fresh, lively new interpretation of a musical whose chief weakness is often its story. Ryan T. Nelson has skillfully guided his cast through all the catchy pop songs, nicely accompanied by Patti Garwood's eight-member band. With hits like "The Name of the Game," "Under Attack," "S.O.S.," "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and the haunting melody that opens and closes the show, "I Have a Dream," it's guaranteed that audiences will leave the theatre humming a grateful, "Thank You for the Music."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...I have been an unapologetic “Mamma Mia!” idolater since I first saw the show almost 15 years ago. I was impressed by how much better it was than it needed to be, declining to coast solely on the ABBA music. The Marriott revival earns special commendation for the depth of its casting, its talented and exuberant dancers, and the elevation of its book into a story worth watching and not just a shell to accommodate the songs. The expectations of the show’s arrival on the Marriott subscription schedule have been well satisfied."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Rockwell's new, exciting production of Mamma Mia! at Lincolnshire's Marriott Theatre is a splendidly raucous celebration of women's key life relationships (mothers, daughters and BFFs). Timely to say the least, though the musical has been performing seemingly everywhere since it opened in London's West End in 1999, and there are at least seven production of the show performed daily around the world."
