For local actor Kittra Coomer, back in town now with the touring production of the Abba jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, the best thing about her first national tour is the closeness to her fellow artists. Its like a big family that youre living with, twelve hours a day. We meet up with the tech crews in each city for drinks and just have a great time. And the worst thing? Its like spending twelve hours a day with your family. After a few days of traveling, youre thinking, Dont even look at me, dont even talk to me, I just want to go take a bath and then well talk in the morning. Coomer had worked with a number of Seattle companies, including ACT and Seattle Public Theater, before relocating to New York. She auditioned for Mamma Mia! on her fathers advice, and was surprised to land the major role of Rosie, the best friend and former bandmate of Donna, the tavernkeeper planning her daughters wedding. She was even more surprised when she saw the show and caught the audiences reaction to the touring cast she was coming in to replace. When they came out in their Abba-inspired jumpsuits and platform boots, it sounded like a jet plane taking off. Now that Im in the show, its the same thing. People have seen it eight, 10, 12 times, and theyre still ecstatic. We feel like the rock stars they think we are. Theres only one downside to this Super Trouper stardom: the insidious earworm qualities of Abba songs. Ill dream in Abba, she admits. Ill walk around singing other peoples songs in the show all day long. As great a time as Im having, when its over, I dont think Ill be listening to any Abba for a while. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 292-ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com, www.theparamount.com. $20-$77. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 19-Thurs., March 20; 8 p.m. Fri., March 21-Sat., March 22; 2 p.m. Sat., March 22; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun., March 23. JOHN LONGENBAUGH
Tue., March 18, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., March 19, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., March 20, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., March 21, 8 p.m.; Sat., March 22, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., March 23, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2008