Thursday, March 2, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.
The axiom "The more things change, the more they remain the same" could not be more appropriate than for "Mamma Mia!"
The ABBA-inspired musical has begun its fourth year with an entirely new cast of leading characters, but the production remains pretty much the same as it did with the past casts - upbeat, energetic and as lightweight as ever.
For those of you who cringe at the sound of ABBA, this production at Mandalay Bay will have little interest for you.
Without the music to support it, the story is a bit farfetched - Donna Sheridan breaks up with her boyfriend one night on a Greek Island and, on the rebound, has two quick flings with two other men on the island.
Sheridan gets pregnant, but doesn't know which man is the father.
Some 21 years later the daughter born as a result of the trifecta of romance is making wedding plans. Sophie Sheridan discovers her mother's diary and invites each of the candidates, hoping that she will learn her father's identity.
The clever twist in the production is the use of 22 ABBA songs to tell the story, which was written by Catherine Johnson.
Among the numbers are "Mamma Mia!", "Thank You for the Music," "Dancing Queen," "SuperTrouper," "S.O.S." and "The Winner Takes It All."
The production company has a policy of changing the leads every year or so in an effort to keep the musical fresh.
The best change this year is Carol Linnea Johnson, the new Donna.
Johnson has a strong stage presence and a commanding singing voice that easily makes her the dominant character.
Another good change was the actor portraying the role of Sam Carmichael, the true love interest of Donna. Rick Negron is the new Sam, and it is a welcome change. Negron is less stiff than previous actors in the role, and he is more believable.
Although Robin Baxter (Rosie, one of Donna's best friends) blew a couple of lines the night I saw the performance, she is still a delight as comedic relief.
The weakest link in this chain is Kelly Anise Daniells, the new Sophie.
Daniells is a sharp contrast to past Sophies, both in stature and talent.
She is a mere shadow of her predecessors - too small, too perky, with a voice that doesn't measure up to the rest of the cast.
Nevertheless - and Steve Wynn's opinion not withstanding - "Mamma Mia!" should continue to be a major force in the Las Vegas entertainment arena.
Brett Butler
It's pretty sad when the opening act is funnier than the main attraction.
But that was the case at the Canary in North Las Vegas last weekend, where comedian Brett Butler was the headliner.
Andrew Norelli opened for Butler, and he made the most of his 15 minutes in the spotlight.
He was sharp and generally funny, funnier overall than the former star of the popular TV series "Grace Under Fire."
The series (1993-98) imploded after a five-year run tainted by reports of conflict on the set and rumors of Butler's drug addiction.
Following the collapse of the series, Butler went into rehab for addiction to pain killers.
She alluded to her past drug problems in her act.
Although the room was packed and her many fans seemed to enjoy her comedy, the native of Montgomery, Ala., stumbled at times during the act and never really seemed to be into her routine - jumping from topic to topic with little transition.
There were a few laughs during her performance, but not what you would expect from an entertainer of her stature.
Bob Dylan & Merle Haggard
Two legends for the price of one will be performing at the Aladdin's Theatre for Performing Arts next month.
Pop artist Bob Dylan and country music icon Merle Haggard (opening for Dylan) will present a powerful package of entertainment.
The show begins at 8 p.m. on April 7.
Tickets range from $65 to $125. For more information call 785-5555.
Dylan's rise to fame was ignited by his 1965 hit single "Like a Rolling Stone."
Haggard ("Okie From Muskogee") is a member of The Country Music Hall of Fame and has received six Country Music Awards and one Grammy Award.
Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at [email protected].
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