Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the smash hit musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ It runs until Sunday August 5 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and there are still a few more chances to experience this popular guilty pleasure firsthand. This jukebox musical uses popular ABBA songs to tell the story of Sophie who is searching for her father. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are going fast and available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate.

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi where 20-year-old Sophie is making plans to marry her fiancé Sky. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle but she does not know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. The show begins with an overture, a montage of instrumental versions of ABBA songs. That leads to “Money, Money, Money” during which Sophie’s mom Donna and her two friends catch up on their lives. When the three possible fathers, Sam Harry and Bill, arrive on the day before the wedding, Donna is surprised to see them, “Mamma Mia,” and flees in tears. Eventually, Sky finds out what Sophie is up to and accuses her of wanting a wedding with the sole intent of finding her father.  Sam attempts to console her and gives her some fatherly advice on “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” On the big day of the wedding, Sophie and Sam agree not to marry and decide to take off together and see the world. Sam still loves Donna and proposes to her at the wedding and she accepts “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”

Overall, ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a fun show full of laughter and music that die-hard ABBA fans will enjoy. With the general theme of female empowerment, it celebrates friendship and love and is a musical nostalgic trip down memory lane. Show highlights include “Mamma Mia” and the hilariously played “Take a Chance on Me” when Donna’s friend Rosie tries to connect with Bill. Jessi Little delivers a strong performance as Sophie but Briane Green steals the show as the infectiously funny Rosie. Even those who are not familiar with ABBA’s music will find the show’s infectious songs hard to resist and the story a treat in and of itself. The cast is big but they all work together flawlessly to make this show a must-see and perfect for a girl’s night out. After the curtain call, the audience gets treated to a mini concert.