I readily admit the jukebox musical “Mamma Mia!” is not one of my favorites and, coupled with an hour drive to Aurora, the attractiveness of writing this review was not high. But who am I to argue with a musical billed as “the show that turned musical theater on its ear”?

“Mamma Mia!” has been seen by more than 60 million people in 40 countries on six different continents, and the audience at the gilded, beautifully ornate Paramount Theatre have joined in that contagious adoration. In truth, the applause started even before the first musical note was struck.

Kudos to British playwright Catherine Johnson, who built and wove a story connecting ABBA’s greatest musical hits. And kudos to New York City’s Winter Garden Theatre, which opened “Mamma Mia!” just five weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, reinstalling the laughter our nation had lost. And although “Mamma Mia!” is catchy and energetic, it is just plain silly entertainment. You’ll sit back, escape and enjoy all those ABBA songs you know well.

Paramount’s Artistic Director Jim Corti has done an upliftingly spectacular job of directing “Mamma Mia!” Every lead gets their moment in the Greek sun, and the 28 individuals who comprise the ensemble are all very attractive, exquisite singers and dancers. Eighteen are making their Paramount debuts. Scenic designer Kevin Depinet has designed a simple revolving set framed by a portal that showcases moving waves and clouds with accompanying backscreen projections – and they’re almost as dazzling as the Paramount itself. And what Depinet has done for the much anticipated medley/finale will knock you out of your seat to join the brave dancing in the aisles. Enhancing Vendafreddo and Depinet’s vision is costumer Matt Guthier’s creations – very pleasing and vibrant. Granted, most of the cast spends their time in bare feet and beach wear, but again the glitz, glamour, sequins and explosion of wild disco outfits of the finale will knock your socks off.

For me, the true magnificence of this production is William Carlos Angulo’s choreography. It’s fresh, inventive, creative and ruthless in its delivery throughout, but especially for “Money, Money,” “Under Attack” and the already lauded finale. The applause lasts long after those nimble, athletic and very talented dancers stop their moves.

Most gratifying, everyone is miked, (great sound system) and there is a live in-the-pit orchestra conducted by Vendafreddo. Let me stress the musicians are as energetic, flawless and magnificent as the ensemble.

As for the actors, there are six particular standouts. Among them are the versatile Amy Montgomery as Donna, the willful, strong single mom (“I will not be muscled out by an ejaculation”) and former disco Dynamo lead singer who now owns a Greek Taverna, and her former group singer/friend Rosie – perkily and comedically portrayed by actress Sara Sevigny. Sevigny almost steals the show with her playful rendition of “Take a Chance on Me.” The rest include Jennifer Know, the sexy three-times divorced Tanya, who is just marvelous in a very steamy “Does Your Mother Know?”; Steve O”Connell as the kind, possible father author Bill Austin (somewhat reminiscent of Irish actor Chris O’Dowd); Michael Gillis as the delicious British possible father, Harry the Head Banger, and the superb Jeff Diebold as Sophie’s real father and Donna’s true love, Sam. Dieblold’s “SOS” duet with Montgomery was raw and gripping. The vocal power of these six in particular is incredible as they relive their fateful summer in Greece.

Lest you think I’ve become a “Mamma Mia!” fanatic, let me say there still are problems with this production. As talented as Kiersten Frumkin is as Sophie, the daughter, she reads too old – she looks more mature than the 20-year-old innocent she is supposed to be. As much as the audience adored this production, at times, it’s over the top and deliberately played for laughs. The Paramount’s production is slick, fast-paced and developmentally one note, and it never lets up. (If this was a more serious show, I suppose you could say the themes of love, friendship, lost dreams and last chances are woven in under the guise of a daughter’s wedding.) But “my, my here I go again,” I happily will admit Paramount’s “Mamma Mia!” is an extravaganza well worth seeing.

• Regina Belt-Daniels is a working actress and director who began her career onstage in 1985 at the Woodstock Opera House. Now serving on the Raue Center for the Arts Board, she also is a lifetime member of TownSquare Players and a retired District 47 teacher.

“MAMMA MIA!”

WHEN: Through Oct. 30

WHERE: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora

COST & INFO: Musical running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Rated PG. Tickets range from $44 to $59. Tickets and information: www.paramountaurora.com or 630-896-6666.