'Mamma Mia!' is a long-running musical play that has become one of the most beloved theatrical performances of all time. Based on the music of ABBA, the colorful and upbeat comedy has played all over the world and enjoyed a very successful run on New York's famed Broadway theater district.

The play was performed at the popular Winter Garden Theater since October of 2001 and then moved to the Broadhurst Theater in November of 2013. It also enjoying sold-out shows in many other venues all over the globe. Despite its massive success, the show closed in many locations over the past few years and it is now playing a final tour titled "Thank You For The Music." This tour aims to celebrate the incredible legacy of the work and give its fans one last opportunity to see the piece performed live.

Dustin Harris Smith is an actor who plays the character of Sky in the play. A distinguished actor of both stage and screen, Dustin earned a BFA from NYU and has appeared in shows such as “Urinetown,” “Violet,” “Dogfight” as well as in television shows including “Meet the Browns.” As of June 2017, Dustin is preparing to be a part of the final run of “Mamma Mia!” Dustin recently discussed this show and his hopes for the future of his acting career in an exclusive interview.

Acting in a musical comedy

Blasting News (BN): How did you get involved with "Mamma Mia!" and what do you most like about the show?

Dustin Harris (DH): The producers of “Mamma Mia!” originally brought me in to audition after I performed in a previous show with them called “American Idiot.” My favorite aspect of “Mamma Mia!” is the fact that no matter how your day is going before coming to the show, by the end of it, you're grinning ear to ear - that goes for audience and performers alike!

BN: Why do you think this show--and the music--has appealed to people for so long?

DH: If you have ever listened to ABBA, you know it gets stuck in your head. There's something to be said about a band with as much longevity as they have had, and why people continually come out to sing along. “Mamma Mia!” is a theater show that has a story that many people can relate to; throw in that upbeat music that people love and you've got a winning combination.

Future events and other projects

BN: What are some of the most memorable things that happened on stage and behind the scenes?

DH: More often that you'd think, we catch a group of women in sequined jumpsuits and feather boas dancing in the front aisle towards the end of the show. When the audience goes all in, that's my favorite part.

The most memorable moment behind the scenes would have to be the time I wore the wrong boots -- three sizes too small, for the final scene and had to shuffle my feet as if I were wearing slippers until I could get off and quickly switch into my regular boots.

BN: Do you have any other plays or gigs coming up in the near future?

DH: I'm looking forward to hitting the pavement again back up in New York, so I'll let you know when I've got something concrete! Ah, the life of an actor--just keep checking my website and social media as I always have new projects involving creative events in the works.