See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' Mamma Mia!

As the season descends into the cold, dark expanse of winter, the National Theatre presents a burst of color that warms the heart and soul. Mamma Mia! blasts off its feel-good message with unparalleled flair and boatloads of fun, sprinkled with feminism.

The musical, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus based on the songs of ‘70s rock band ABBA, is the story of Donna Sheridan (Jeanine Morick), a middle-aged woman with a wild past whose daughter Sophie (Chilina Kennedy) is about to be married. Invited to the wedding are Donna's "backup band" from younger years (Cynthia Sophiea and Rosalyn Rahn Kerins) and—unbeknownst to Donna—the three men who might have fathered Sophie.

What ensues is head-bobbing hilarity. Great restraint is needed to counter the compelling music and stay seated. A live band, as it were, rocks the house while the cast dances along, beautifully choreographed by Anthony Van Laast and in costumes that leave the audience aghast.

During more than one number, the ensemble is clothed in wetsuits, flippers and diving masks. Wardrobes also include but are not limited to white spandex, silver platform boots and a wedding dress or two. Despite its outrageousness, the show manages to be sensationally sexy in a very discotheque way.

The loudness of the costumes is nearly matched by the quality of the singing. Even the most petite actresses have rich, booming voices, and the whole cast sounds amazing, especially when they sing together. However, Sam (Gary Lynch), one of Donna's past lovers, is the exception. His singing voice is nauseatingly nasal; but his songs are saved by the backup ensemble.

The one irreparable casting mistake is the character Sky (PJ Griffith), Sophie's husband-to-be. He looks like he just walked out of an Abercrombie ad and is on his way to a quiet gay bar. His whole demeanor makes it hard to believe that he and Sophie actually are in love. Despite that, they do make a rather cute couple in their summery outfits.

Though the musical takes place on an island in Greece, most of it could easily be straight out of southern California. The setting is a rust-rimmed taverna and Sophie a surf-bleached blonde in hippie clothing. And everyone has a groovy attitude that radiates into the audience.

Over all, the musical feels almost like a rock show, and the stars are Donna and her best friends, a trio to beat Charlie's Angels, singing out for the real independent women. At the impeccably happy ending, the audience stood not just to applaud but to dance and sing along too. All were loath to leave without calling for an encore.