Variations on romance, cheerful ’70s-era music by ABBA and a colorful wedding set on a sunny Greek island — thoughts of such things go down particularly well when it’s 26 degrees and snowy just outside the door (as it was on Thursday night in Portland).

But, really, the bright flash of musical theater that is “Mamma Mia!” has been delighting audiences everywhere at any time of year since it originally came to Broadway in 2001.

The longevity of the show undoubtedly got a boost from the sparkling 2008 movie version starring Meryl Streep and, despite some critics finding the musical “mindless” and “square,” it continues to round up sell-out crowds.

The touring company that Portland Ovations brought in for the Maine premiere of the show, under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd (who also directed the Broadway and film versions), filled the wide Merrill Auditorium stage with much music, dance and a little acting. And, oh those songs! Devilishly catchy, full-bore pop tunes that are likely to linger in the mind for quite some time.

This story concerns a young woman who, on the eve of her wedding, tries to find out which of three men referenced in her mother’s diary may be her father. As the bride, Stephanie Barnum proved a gifted entertainer at Thursday’s opening performance.

She showed just the right balance of innocence and single-mindedness to be a believable daughter to her spunky mom, played by Kaye Tuckerman. Her best moments came during a really nicely choreographed ensemble performance of “Voulez Vous,” which closed the first act of the two hour-plus show.

Tuckerman impressed on her big solo, “The Winner Takes It All,” as well as on “Money, Money, Money.”

But when she was joined by her old girl-group pals, played by Alison Ewing and Mary Callanan, things really took off. Girls want to have fun (and romance) is definitely the message at the center of this show.

Ewing and Callanan each have funny segments where they pursue and/or are pursued by male cast members. Ewing’s showcase, “Does Your Mother Know,” includes some athletic dance moves by her boy toys, while Callanan implores one of the potential dads to “Take a Chance On Me.”

The male leads also get featured moments, with Christian Whelan at the fore. And the pleasantly named Happy Mahaney and his onstage buddies get to employ some diving gear in an usual way.

An interesting sculptural set and live, loud backing music add to making this show well worth the investment that full-house crowds have been eager to make.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.