In the hit Abba musical 'Mamma Mia!' at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Heather Beck (middle back) plays a fierce and fun Donna, who is forced to relive the past when her soon-to-be-married daughter Sophie invites her three possible fathers to her wedding. With the hip-shaking final number, Donna and her friends, “the Dynamos,” close out the show, alongside the three dads, Harry, Sam and Bill. The show is on stage until Sept. 9. Photo by Jeri Tidwell Photography

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Dancing queens kick up their heels in Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of 'Mamma Mia!'

Abba fans rejoice. The popular musical Mamma Mia! is back in town, this time at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, and it’s a smash. If you’re unfamiliar, this jukebox musical was created by Catherine Johnson, stitched together entirely through songs by Swedish pop duo Abba. There was a film adaptation in 2008, which now has a sequel in theaters.

The show is loosely based on the film Buono Sera, Mrs. Campbell, about a single woman who discovers she’s pregnant, and there are three possible fathers.

Mamma Mia! is more centered on the relationship between the mother, Donna, and her soon-to-be married, 20-year-old daughter, Sophie. They own and run an inn and taverna on the fictional Greek island Kalokairi, with some help from Sophie’s tech-savvy fiancé Sky.

Thinking about who will walk her down the aisle, Sophie decides to impersonate her mom and send letters to the three possible candidates, Sam, Bill and Harry, inviting them to the wedding. Despite their 21-year absence, they all agree to come. Hijinks ensue, of course.

A standout Donna

The boisterous singing and dancing is enough to make the show worth seeing, but there’s one particular performance that makes it unmissable. Toby’s veteran Heather Marie Beck is a firecracker as the freewheeling, independent Donna, who once moonlighted as a nightclub singer. Though the show is mostly told though the eyes of Sophie, Beck truly steals the spotlight, making her feel like the main character.

She also captures the raw energy, free spirit and strength of the single mom, who’s struggling to stay afloat on the island and stay true to herself. Beck’s the show’s best singer, and you need to see her performance to believe it. More than a few eyes watered (mine included) during her emotional scenes and soaring vocals.

Mamma Mia! debuted in 1999, but its theme of female empowerment still feels very current. The production has certainly aged well, and it’s nice to see such a well-rounded, nuanced role for an older female actress. In fact, in a show filled with young people, it’s the more mature actors who shine the most.

A robust cast

Toby’s newcomer Maggie Dransfield (Sophie) brings a fresh voice and personality to the show. As is appropriate to her character, she starts out a little uncertainly but warms up gradually throughout the show. By the end, when her character reprises the first song, it’s like she’s become a new singer — more sure of herself and the notes.

She’s accompanied by her friends Ali and Lisa, played admirably by Jamie Pasquinelli and Cassie Saunders, who hardly have much of a role at all. Still waiting for a version that makes use of these characters.

Thankfully, Donna’s best friends — the rich, feisty and thrice-divorced Tanya and the sweet, carefree single Rosie — are given much more to work with. In their youth, they sang backup in their disco-inspired pop trio Donna and the Dynamos, and we’re treated to several of their glittery performances, including “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo.”

Coby Kay Callahan is perfection as Tanya, hilarious as the superficial cougar. Her shining moment appears in the second act’s “Does Your Mother Know?,” sung while fending off the attentions of a much younger man-child.

Tess Rohan is wonderful as Rosie, whose character always seems so much older than Donna and Tanya but is equally spirited. “Take a Chance on Me” is the highlight for Rohan and also my other favorite Toby’s performer Russell Sunday, who plays the happily single and adventurous writer Bill Austin. There’s hip thrusting in this song, and the audience members were left clutching their sides.

College student Paul Roeckell plays Sophie’s fiancé Sky, who certainly captures the youth and fun-loving aspect of his character. Darren McDonnell is very British as the banker Harry Bright (perhaps a bit too on the nose).

There’s also some cheeky energy from Joey Ellinghaus’ Pepper, the much younger man who has eyes for Tanya, and Shiloh Orr as the goofy Eddie.

The strongest male performance was by Jeffrey Shankle, who actually seems a little miscast in this show as architect Sam Carmichael. His Sam is a bit of a jerk and has an unexpected hard edge that’s difficult to define. Though his vocals seem less strong than usual, his acting is sharp, and he really stands out as memorable. Maybe he leaned into it, so he could better serve as a foil and balance to Donna’s free spirit.

A Greek chorus

The ensemble is also used very effectively in this production, coming in and out of group numbers, often singing together on the sidelines. I can’t help but wonder if it’s a nod to its setting, since ancient Greek drama used the chorus as one voice in a similar way.

The most important thing to consider about this show is whether you enjoy the music. If you hate Abba, it would be difficult to tolerate Mamma Mia! It’s glorious for anyone who’s a fan, or loves upbeat pop music and acrobatic dancing. The audience even boasted some fans who came dressed like the dynamos.

I found myself clapping and cheering enthusiastically, and I couldn’t stop smiling on the way out. Clearly other patrons felt the same.

Mamma Mia! continues through Sept. 9 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia, Md. The show runs every day except Mondays, with evening and matinee performances.

Doors open at 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for dinner prior to the evening performances, which begin at 8 p.m. For Sunday evenings, doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner, followed by the show at 7 p.m.

There are matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays, which open for brunch at 10:30 a.m., with shows beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $45.50 (for children under 12) to $64, depending on the performance. Ticket prices include buffet dinner or brunch, tea and coffee. Alcoholic drinks – like this show’s “Dynamo” — cost extra.

The buffet meal features a selection of meats and sides (all helpfully marked vegetarian or gluten-free if applicable), including ribs, fried chicken, prime rib, a variety of vegetables, salad bar and more. Cake and unlimited ice cream are also included. You can also arrange to have coffee or alcohol brought to you during intermission.

Since the actors at Toby’s also wait on tables, their tips constitute much of their pay for their performances, so be sure to tip well. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (410) 730-8311 or visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.