Two Family Favorites! Mamma Mia is at WBT through June 25; then it’s on to Annie, June 29-Sept. 10
If you are looking for a fun-filled evening with a delicious dinner and a musical with catchy infectious disco tunes, be sure to check out the latest production of Mamma Mia! at the Westchester Broadway Theater (WBT) in Elmsford. The show marks WBT’s 200th mainstage production and the cast features nine incredibly talented Actors Equity performers in the lead roles belting out 18 hits such as “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me” from the 1970s Swedish pop band ABBA.
Mamma Mia! tells the story of Donna Sheridan, a single mother of a struggling small hotel on an idyllic Greek island who is about to give her daughter Sophie away for her wedding. But trouble looms when Sophie reads Donna’s diary from years ago and discovers that her mother had three boyfriends around the time of Sophie’s conception. In her quest to find out who her real father is, Sophie invites the three ex-boyfriends to her upcoming nuptials and figures she’ll be able to figure out who her real father is so that he can walk her down the aisle. With irresistible songs, show-stopping dance numbers and disco-themed costumes, it’s no wonder why Mamma Mia! was the eighth longest-running show in Broadway history.
WBT is the longest running year-round Equity theatre in the state of New York and was founded in 1974 by Bob Funking and Bill Stutler. It was their vision to create a theater with each show produced exclusively for WBT. Casting and auditions for both performers and theater staff takes place in New York City and many of WBT’s performers have gone on to grace the Great White Way. Originally dubbed “An Evening Dinner Theater” with Kiss Me Kate as their first production, Funking and Stutler eventually changed the name to WBT and founded today’s current venue in 1991 in Elmsford offering a larger performance space and state-of-the art technology.
In addition to Mamma Mia! which runs through June 25th, WBT also puts on special events, concerts and children’s theater productions. Tribute concerts to hit bands such as the Eagles, Motown musicians and comedy nights are also offered. All shows (excluding children’s theater productions) always include a lunch or dinner beforehand.The theater can accommodate almost 400 people and each seat is uniquely situated so that they all offer a good view of the production. WBT also offers luxury box seating which is a very popular option for those celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and bridal showers, according to Pia Haas, WBT’s Director of Press and Public Relations. The luxury box seating includes enhanced menu options and dining in private for groups of 6-20 people. Upcoming mainstage productions are Annie, Annie Get Your Gun and during the holiday season, The Christmas Voyager.
WBT is a great way for Westchester families to experience top-notch theater close to home. The upcoming production of Annie which runs this summer from June 29- September 10 is a wonderful opportunity for young theatergoers to see the magic of live theater. With on-site free parking and an easy commute to WBT, your family will thank you for introducing them to this local gem. For more info and reservations, please visit www.BroadwayTheater.com or call 914 592-2222.
