Behind the scenes of ‘MAMMA MIA!’ underway at Pikes Peak Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Greek island, a mother-daughter story, and the timeless music of ABBA are taking center stage at the Pikes Peak Center as MAMMA MIA! returns for its final engagement in the 25–26 Broadway at Pikes Peak Center series.

The global smash-hit musical is back on tour after a limited Broadway return, and cast members say this version carries a fresh spark.

“It felt kind of… new energy,” said Donna Sheridan, played by Jessica Crouch. “Me and Juliette, who plays Sophie, were two new leading ladies… and it has forced the cast to have this new dynamic with each other. It’s really exciting backstage.”

That energy doesn’t stop behind the curtain, with Crouch describing the audience as an essential part of the show itself.

“I really do believe that the audience is another...character in our show,” she said. “We feed off of their energy… You can’t help but finish the show being on your feet, dancing, laughing, singing.”

A fast-paced show behind the scenes

While audiences see glittering costumes and seamless transitions, the cast tells KRDO13 that what happens backstage is a carefully choreographed system of quick changes and coordination.

“We travel with about 25 gondolas—closets on wheels,” said Eva Maciek, wardrobe supervisor. “There’s so many costumes because we also have understudies that have to be in the exact same costumes.”

Crouch added that even backstage movement is timed with precision.

“It’s just as choreographed on stage as it is off stage,” Maciek said. “I have my dresser...and our head of hair all working on me at the same time. It’s to the book—we have that dance down pretty well.”

The cast says some costume changes happen in seconds.

“One change I do on stage is about 15 seconds,” she said.

From Greek island colors to ABBA energy

Costume design plays a major role in transporting audiences to a sun-soaked Greek island, according to Maciek.

“We start with people arriving on the island in beige, whites and browns,” Maciek explained. “Then we move into the party scene with purples and color… and then the wedding.”

The cast says even backstage crew members get involved in the world of the show with costumes of their own.

“I always find it fun to see what they’re backstage people are wearing,” says Crouch.

A story about family, identity and joy

At its core, MAMMA MIA! follows a mother, a daughter, and three possible fathers in a story about love, identity and self-discovery.

Crouch says the character of Donna resonates deeply.

“She is incredibly resilient, incredibly loving and strong,” she said. “But underneath, she has so much heart. I try and think of myself that way, strong, but with a big ol’ mushy heart underneath.”

What audiences can expect?

So what can Colorado Springs expect when the curtain rises?

“Just be prepared to have so much laughter and joy,” Crouch said. “Bring a tissue or two, because this show really touches the heart in a way you don’t expect.”

The cast promises a mix of humor, heart and high-energy ABBA hits—from "Dancing Queen" to “Waterloo."

“Every night is different,” Crouch said. “Certain audiences love ‘Super Trouper,’...certain audiences love ‘Does Your Mother Know.' It is different every night, which is really cool."

The cast says that despite the show being around for more than 20 years, it continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

“It’s about family in all different forms—chosen family... self-discovery,” Crouch said. “No matter what age, you can always rediscover yourself.”

And for first-time theatergoers?

“Come and have a great time,” Crouch says. “It really is just a joyous love bomb!”

Performance Schedule:

• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 18, 2026 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 19, 2026 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 20, 2026 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 21, 2026 1:00 & 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the show, click here.

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