Mamma Mia!: Laurie Veldheer plays Sophie

Laurie Veldheer plays the role of 'Sophie Sheridan' this week in the Broadway musical Mamma Mia!, assuming the role from Christy Altomare.

Veldheer has appeared on Broadway in 'Newsies' and toured in the musical comedy 'Hairspray.' Her regional credits include playing 'Millie' in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' (Paper Mill Playhouse and Maltz Jupiter Theatre), 'Hannah/Smalls' in 'Newsies' and 'Brenda' in 'Hairspray' (Paper Mill) and 'Natalie' in 'Next to Normal' (Milwaukee Rep), Goodspeed, and MTW.

Mamma Mia!, now in its 11th year, and currently the 10th longest running show in Broadway history, opened at Winter Garden on 18 Oct 2001, following previews from 5 Oct 2001. The production recently announced that it will transfer from the Winter Garden Theatre to the Broadhurst Theatre in late 2013.

Mamma Mia! is inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, Tony Award nominated writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale of family and friendship unfolds on a tiny Greek island. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited twenty years ago.

Songs including "Dancing Queen"; "The Winner Takes It All"; "Money, Money, Money" and "Take A Chance on Me" are all featured.

Mamma Mia! now features Judy McLane (Donna Sheridan), Felicia Finley (Tanya), Lauren Cohn (Rosie), Aaron Lazar (Sam Carmichael), Daniel Cooney (Bill Austin), Graham Rowat (Harry Bright), Laurie Veldheer (Sophie Sheridan), Zak Resnick (Sky), Jacob Pinion (Pepper), Thomasina E. Gross (Lisa), Traci Victoria (Ali) and Albert Guerzone (Eddie).

Mamma Mia! has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with book by Catherine Johnson.

The musical is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, set design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

The show is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.