Christine Sherrill and Cast Photo by Joan Marcus

I saw that first run in 2000 and was charmed by the energy of the show, and ABBA's infectious tunes and imaginative arrangements more than made up for its rather broad, silly story, which has enough plot holes to drive a ferry boat through. In this 25th anniversary tour, the show seems to have gotten even broader and sillier, not to mention louder.

In the unlikely event you are unfamiliar with this immensely popular show, it's the story of Donna (Christine Sherrill), a single mom living on a Greek island with her daughter Sophie (Amy Weaver), who is set to marry Sky (Ethan Van Slyke, standing in for Grant Reynolds, who usually plays the role). However, Sophie has no one to walk her down the aisle, since she doesn't know who her father is. But after discovering a diary, Sophie learns her mother slept with three different men around the time of her conception. "You're not supposed to be reading your mother's diary–she's supposed to read yours" one her friends tells her.

With this new information, Sophie has taken it upon herself to invite all three men to the wedding–but without telling her mother. That day, the three arrive on the same ferry, but Sophie's hoped-for instant recognition of which man is her father does not come to pass–even though each of the three ultimately offer to assume father of the bride responsibilities. When Donna discovers her former lovers are on the island, she's furious–at Sophie for the secret invitation, and at the three men for imagining she needs a man in her life. For support, Donna turns to her two oldest friends, Tanya (Stephanie Genito, subbing for Jalynn Steele) and Rosie (Carly Sakolove). Back in the day, the three had been a trio called Donna and the Dynamos, and if you think they won't revive their act even before the end of act one, then you need some brushing up on musical theatre tropes. By the time the curtain falls, spats will be resolved, secrets will be revealed, and everyone ends up dancing.

When I first saw Mamma Mia! 25 years ago, I was impressed by the energy and freshness of the show, and surprised by how neatly many of ABBA's hits fit into book writer Catherine Johnson's story. Though little has changed about the show, this touring production seems to overplay its hand, choosing bombast over subtlety, and eye-rolling and mug-pulling over truly inhabiting characters, even thinly drawn ones.

The ABBA songs are still terrific, feeling timeless even after all these years. The orchestra–or rather the sound crew controlling the orchestra–cranks the volume up to the point where high-octane energy ends and ear-splitting distortion begins. (This is most noticeable during the overture and at the top of act two, but occasionally intrudes on the proceedings throughout.)

The cast, though seemingly directed into scenery-chewing by director Phyllida Lloyd, has some standouts. As Harry, the British banker who is one of the three potential dads to Sophie has a lovely, resonant voice that he uses to great effect throughout the evening. As Sky, understudy Ethan Van Slyke has a marvelously charming mien, as well as boyish good looks that help you see why Sophie has fallen so hard for him. In the song "Chiquitita," which Tanya and Rosie sing as a way of comforting their friend Donna, the three women slide into some absolutely gorgeous, delicate harmonies.

If you've never seen Mamma Mia!, here's your chance. Just know that this is a somewhat pared-down touring version of the show (lacking the array of sets and larger cast of the original)–though the volume level of the experience is anything but pared down. Although I was a little over-blown-away, the opening night audience managed to drown out even the amplified orchestra with their cheers at final curtain.

Mamma Mia! runs through May 11, 2025, at BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre, 1182 Market Street, San Francisco CA. The show plays Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm. Tickets range from $50.00-$245.00. For tickets and information, please call the box office at 888-746-1799 or visit broadwaysf.com. For information on the tour, visit www.mammamiathetour.com