Behind the Scenes of Mamma Mia!

Meet the Virginia performers bringing ABBA’s classic to life during its 25th anniversary.

A mother. A daughter. And three dads.

Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, it tells the story of Sophie, who, on the eve of her wedding, brings three men from her mother’s past to find out who her real father is. The cherry on top of this tale of love, friendship, and family is the timeless soundtrack of ABBA.

In celebration of the production’s 25th anniversary, Mamma Mia is at Richmond’s Altria Theater from Dec. 10–15. Two Virginia actors are back in the Commonwealth for the tour. Meet Justin Sudderth and Ethan Van Slyke with these exclusive interviews!

Sudderth, a Virginia Beach-native, plays Pepper, the island’s flirt and is a member of the ensemble cast. Mamma Mia is Sudderth’s national tour debut, but he’s shined before in productions of The Color Purple, Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, and Evita.

Chantilly-native Ethan Van Slyke is the understudy for Sophie’s fiancé, Sky. He also plays Eddie, Sky’s best buddy. He’s been in regional productions like South Pacific, West Side Story, and Newsies.