Britain’s Comic Relief hilariously lacerated Mamma Mia! by, among other things, describing it as “The genius of ABBA … with words in between.” (Look up the spoof on YouTube.) Nonetheless, lovers of this internationally successful jukebox musical will finally get to see it in a different version beyond the oft-returning original tour now that the Jeff Award-winning Paramount Theatre is staging a whole new professional production. Mamma Mia! continues through Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets are $44-$59. For more information, call 630-896-6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.
Critics’ Picks
Three Hotels, Bluebird Arts at Athenaeum Theatre, through Sept. 17. Jon Robin Baitz’s two-person play soars on forceful yet understated performances by Dave Belden and Jaimelyn Gray. Luda Lopatina Solomon astutely directs. JA
Dutchman/TRANSit, American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse, through Sept. 25. This pair of one-acts—one a classic, one making its premiere—may deliver pessimistic news, but an ensemble of actors provide plenty of visceral urgency to thrill audiences nevertheless. MSB
Rose, Solo Celebration at the Greenhouse, through Sept. 25. Even Republicans are lining up for tickets to see Linda Reiter’s compassionate portrayal of the notorious Kennedy clan’s matriarch looking back on regrettable decisions. MSB
Sister Cities, Chimera Ensemble at Den Theatre, through Sept. 18. Playwright Colette Freedman has written five juicy roles for women to perform in this enjoyable issue-of-today advocacy drama that brings together four geographically named sisters to deal with the aftermath of their mother’s suicide. SCM
—By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan