A Greek island, three possible fathers, a wedding, and enough ABBA songs to remind us why these melodies never left.
MAMMA MIA! arrives with one built-in advantage: most of us already know the music. Before the lights even dim, people are smiling, recognizing songs they’ve carried around for years.
But the show works because it offers more than nostalgia.
Beneath the dancing, romance, and comic confusion is a warm story about family, friendship, and finding where we belong.
Families can be complicated. Especially when three men show up and any one of them might be Dad.
The Story
Sophie is preparing for her wedding on a beautiful Greek island, but she has one unanswered question before walking down the aisle: Who is her father?
After discovering her mother Donna’s old diary, Sophie secretly invites three men from Donna’s past, hoping one of them will finally provide the answer.
Instead, she creates a joyful collision of old relationships, unexpected reunions, awkward moments, and discoveries that become less about biology and more about understanding the people we love.
Joy becomes contagious
Director Lisa Morse understands exactly what makes MAMMA MIA! work: energy, heart, and fun.
Marilyn Izdebski’s outstanding choreography keeps the stage moving with energy and personality. The dance numbers feel vibrant and playful, creating the kind of energy that naturally spills into the audience.
Nick Brown’s musical direction gives the familiar songs warmth and momentum.
What keeps the production from becoming simply a concert of ABBA hits is the emotional heart beneath the music. Donna and Sophie’s relationship grounds the comedy and spectacle in emotions we instantly recognize.
Lauren Sutton-Beattie, Julianne Bretan, Jane Harrington
Photo credit: Jere Torkelsen
Outstanding choreography doesn’t simply fill a stage. It turns music into movement and joy into something we can feel.
A feel-good experience
Some productions challenge audiences.
Some leave us emotionally drained.
MAMMA MIA! does something simpler.
It sends us home smiling.
The music, humor, and emotional moments combine into the kind of evening where audiences are still humming songs on the drive home.
You don’t leave MAMMA MIA! quietly.
What it adds up to
MAMMA MIA! reminds us that life rarely unfolds according to plan.
Families form in unexpected ways.
Love arrives unexpectedly.
And sometimes happiness appears where we least expect it.
Sometimes theater doesn’t need to change our lives.
Sometimes it simply reminds us how good it feels to laugh, sing along, and enjoy the ride.
How to see it / Get tickets
Novato Theater Company
5420 Nave Drive
Novato, CA 94949
May 15 – June 7, 2026
Showtimes
Fridays — 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays May 16, 23 & June 6 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 — 2:00 p.m.
Sundays — 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: NovatoTheaterCompany.org
Box Office: Tickets@NovatoTheaterCompany.org
