It gets into your blood

Music definitely gets into your bloodstream and that's what happened to our foursome that attended the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre successful production, Mamma Mia.

Judy and I have seen many wonderful productions over the years at Chanhassen, which seems like it is on the other end of the world.

Even though its distance is challenging, it is worth one's while to go see this latest Chanhassen success story.

I had heard so much about this production at Chanhassen that I just had to see it before it ended its extended run.

Seeing Mamma Mia is an experience that Judy and I and in-laws Darrell and Cindi will not forget. In fact, we all agreed that we would go see the musical again.

The acting is splendid as usual and the music was more dynamic than I had witnessed with any of the other Chanhassen productions including "Fiddler on the Roof," "South Pacific," "Beauty and the Beast," "Little Mermaid," "Sister Act" and "Mary Poppins."

Our foursome learned a little secret when we saw "Sister Act." It's in the seating. We chose to sit in what used to be the orchestra pit, right at stage level. These seats are awesome and gives you a flavor for the production that you don't otherwise experience at a different level.

With these seats, we are at stage level and just an arm's length away, when many of the actors and actresses approach the end of the stage.

There's no real reason to toss out bouquets to the stars of the show because they are all exemplary stars. We will say we were amazed at the singing voice and acting prowess of Kersten Rodau, who played the part of Sophie's mother Donna Sheridan.

There were times when Rodau, Michelle Barber (Tanya) and Therese Walth (Rosie) made us laugh so hard that we were brought to tears.

The three possible dads were also stars in their own right.

If you like musicals and have never seen Mamma Mia, make sure you either see the film or definitely try to see the production at Chanhassen.

And, if you are looking for hometown acting talent, try to take in the Blooming Prairie High School musical, "Sound of Music." Tamzen Johnson and Kari Bottin are again directing this high school play.

Blooming Prairie's theatrical productions have been very popular over the years. Credit not only goes to the actors and actresses, but to the people behind the scenes and to the directors.

Musicals, whether done by professionals or by high school actors and actresses, give us a type of enjoyment that takes us away from our daily work routines and rigors.

Sit back and relax with a favorite musical. These musicals give us lasting entertainment.