Sara Schwabe: Mamma Mia!
Who knew you could design an entire show--plot and everything--around the songs of ABBA?
Their songs aren't full of social commentary or deep insight on the human condition. They're not challenging or heart wrenching. They're just fun, and not to mention memorable.
Everyone knows the words to almost every ABBA song. (Come on, you know you sing along to "Fernando" whenever you're holding on the phone.) Maybe that's what's made Benny Anndersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA! the most popular touring production in the world. It's true--this show has more productions playing internationally than any other show. It's got people literally dancing in the aisles and singing along with the performers (the new ROCKY HORROR?) from the United States to South Africa to Japan. I had no idea there were so many ABBA fans out there!
Judging by the audiences at Broadway in Knoxville's recent offering of MAMMA MIA!, there are a lot of ABBA fans right here in K-Town, too.
In fact, this particular show is the highest selling production Broadway in Knoxville has brought to town, according to Carl Thompson, General Manager.
MAMMA MIA! is classic ABBA. The songs were changed very little in order to craft the story. Somehow, "Take A Chance On Me" and "Dancing Queen" are the perfect basis for a love story set on a Greek Island. Don't ask me how Benny and Bjorn pulled it off, but they managed to create a fun and amazingly popular piece of musical theatre. (Really though...why am I so surprised? Anyone who could write "One Night In Bangkok" deserves my respect.)
The show is currently running at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium through Sunday. Be sure to get your tickets now, as the shows are selling out.
We'll be speaking more with Carl Thompson as the 2006-2007 Broadway in Knoxville series unfolds. This season's line-up also includes, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, AIDA, THE PRODUCERS (cancelled last season due to the movie's opening) and HAIRSPRAY.