From the moment I slipped on my sparkly disco ears, I knew the night was going to be magical. "Mamma Mia! The Musical" at the Arsht Center on Feb. 18 wasn’t just a musical. It was a full-on glittery, feel-good, ABBA-fueled extravaganza that had me twirling in my fluffy blue skirt and sparkly Stormtrooper shirt like I was born to be a dancing queen.

But before we get into the electric energy of the show, let’s talk about all the pre-show magic.

Taylor and I made our way to Teatro, the Arsht Center’s sleek, vibey restaurant, to start bringing out that disco spirit. We were told there was a drink that we needed to try out, and it will also be available for this one week that the show is presented at the Arsht Center. Yes, only one week. So, rush to get the limited tickets that are available for this experience.

Enter: the Dancing Queen cocktail. Let me tell you, this wasn’t just a drink — it was an experience. Olive oil-washed vodka (yes, you read that right), rosemary syrup, and muddled grapes combined to create a flavor that was smooth, slightly herbal, and totally unexpected.

And then, as if it wasn’t already perfect, it was topped with a tiny, glittering disco ball garnish. A drink fit for a queen, and my friend and I felt even more ready to have fun that evening.

Sipping our cocktails and reminiscing about the show, we couldn’t help but feel overwhelmingly thankful. Thankful for live theater, for the power of music, for sparkly outfits and twirling skirts, and for nights like these that remind us how beautiful it is to simply be at the moment. And, how it’s even better to bring out your genuine self, a self that simply oozes confidence and dances with no care in the world. This is what this show brought out of us, and trust me, it was a wonderful feeling.

Let’s continue with the pre-show experiences. Yes, there were more!

There was this little flower bouquet-making station, which honestly felt like the perfect touch for a night that was all about love, friendship, and unapologetic joy.

As I put together my bouquet, surrounded by fellow theatergoers buzzing with excitement, I could already feel the ABBA energy settling in. This was going to be a night to remember.

And then, the lights dimmed. It was time for the show. We were ready.

The first chords of “Overture/Prologue” hit, and just like that, I was transported to a sun-drenched Greek island where love, laughter, and a lot of disco music ruled the world.

Watching "Mamma Mia!" live for the first time was everything I hoped for and more. The cast was electric, the songs had the entire theater swaying and singing along, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

But what made it even more special? Sharing the moment with my friend Taylor, an ABBA superfan who practically radiated joy with every note. There’s something about experiencing a show like this with someone who loves it just as much (if not more) that makes it more meaningful.

By the time the mega-mix encore rolled around, the entire theater was on their feet, dancing like it was 1979. I twirled, I laughed, I sang at the top of my lungs, and I didn’t care who was watching.

This was what live theater was all about: pure, unfiltered happiness. And, about being and enjoying yourself.

So, if you haven’t seen "Mamma Mia!" yet, here’s your sign.

Run, don’t walk, to the Arsht Center this week only. Bring a friend, wear something sparkly, and let yourself get swept up in the joy.

Because trust me, there’s nothing quite like dancing, laughing, and singing along to ABBA in a room full of people who love it just as much as you do, or are even experiencing the magic for the first time.

For tickets and showtimes, visit arshtcenter.org.