MAMMA MIA! the beloved ABBA jukebox musical is back in Melbourne once again!
This hugely successful show based around ABBA’s many hit songs has been touring the globe for a number of years now with an estimated 60 million people seeing a performance (and there is a good reason they keep on coming back!).
The new Australian production launched this week at the stunning Princess Theatre which has been home to Harry Potter for the last few years.
So why is this show so popular? Well besides having some of the catchiest songs of any musical (who hasn’t sang along to ABBA before), the musical is full of comedy, love, mystery and laughs. It’s simply a really fun time.
For the uninitiated, MAMMA MIA! stars Sarah Krndija as Sophie, who is is preparing to get married on a beautiful Greek island but wishes she could meet the father she never knew.
Choosing chaos she decides to invite three of her mother’s former lovers, hoping to discover the identity of her dad – just in time for the wedding. Despite this chaotic move, Sophie doesn’t tell her mother Donna (played by the incredible Elise McCann), who also doesn’t know who Sophie’s father is.
Her discovery of the three potential dads arriving at the hotel she runs on the island is the perfect opportunity to belt out a song or two.
The Greek Island setting is brought to life brilliantly by Linda Bewick’s pastel-hued taverna set, awash with vines and backlit by a digital sunset, bright blue sky or moonlight.
During the high energy numbers, MAMMA MIA! really comes into its own. The excellent ensemble made Voulez-Vous and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) a real treat to watch, thanks to the lively choreography.
ABBA’s iconic songs will keep audiences coming back for more, time and time again, and the brilliant Aussie casting brings an infectious energy to these characters that we couldn’t escape.
MAMMA MIA! Is a must-see show. Get your tickets soon and don’t forget your dancing shoes.