Also embarrassed, bemused, frightened and slightly nauseous watching a much respected 59 year old actress doing mid-air splits in overalls while singing along to songs written by a former Swedish pop sensations. Yes, Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia (just watch this) was definitely a sight to behold. Sitting in a theater full of young females and their gay friends at midnight, we were all full of enthusiasm, cheering and clapping as the movie began. As scene after scene of overly ridiculous musical numbers unrolled, we first laughed our heads off (at the movie, not with it) and then fell silent, unable to process anymore cheerful, bubbly ensemble dance extravaganzas. Director Phyllida Lloyd has also directed the stage version, and it definitely shows. The long drawn out seconds with only the characters singing faces on screen and the overuse of chorus singers made it evident that making the musical silver screen appropriate was not quite a success. High point? Being shocked that Karen from Mean Girls has a normal speaking voice.
