Calling all dancing dynamos… it’s time to unleash your inner disco diva and groove to the hits of the 70s! Get ready for the sensational comeback of Mamma Mia! The Musical as the epic show returns to North America for its hotly awaited 25th anniversary! It’s time to dust off your denim jumpsuit, slip into those sky-high platform shoes, and let your feather boa fly, as you join the party with the dancing queens and the bride-to-be Sophie. Set on a Greek island paradise and featuring all your favorite ABBA classics, this show is not to be missed! It’s a night that promises to make you laugh, dance, and sing your heart out all at the same time. Don’t miss the 25th-anniversary celebration of Mamma Mia! The Musical at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in downtown Chicago, Illinois!
Mamma Mia Tickets:
“Night after night, audiences are having the time of their lives at MAMMA MIA!” – Broadway World
“One of the world’s most successful and recognisable musical titles” – London Theatre
Synopsis
Prepare to experience the heartwarming tale of Donna, a resilient single mother facing the looming wedding of her daughter, Sophie. Set on a Greek paradise island, Sophie’s dream is a classic white wedding, complete with the tradition of her father giving her away at the altar (cue “I HAVE A DREAM”). In her quest to uncover her father’s identity before the big day, Sophie comes face to face with a dilemma – her mother, Donna, had three lovers in Greece two decades ago. Now, Sophie finds herself with not one, not two, but three potential fathers, all of whom she invites to the island for the wedding (“HONEY, HONEY”). There’s a twist: Harry, Sam, and Bill, the three potential fathers, are blindsided by their newfound daughter. What could possibly go wrong, right?
As the three fathers to be, Harry, Sam, and Bill, believe they are simply attending a wedding on the idyllic island, they soon discover they’ve been beckoned back to Kalokairi (a fictional Greek paradise) for a completely unexpected reason. It’s a suprise that takes everyone by surprise, Donna included (“MAMMA MIA”).
Donna is the former lead singer of the 70s rock band “Donna and the Dynamos” and the hostess of a local tavern. She reunites with her former bandmates, Rosie and Tanya, who have arrived on the island for the wedding. Together, they reminisce about the past and reflect on the twists and turns of life, all while the timeless tunes of ABBA provide an epic soundtrack (“MONEY, MONEY, MONEY”). Set to these groovy songs, Mamma Mia! The Musical has become a global sensation that has viewers grooving all over the world.
“The 65 million tickets sold worldwide are a testament to the popularity of this smash-hit phenomenon – let alone the two box office smashing movies it inspired.” – Timeout
“The multigenerational love story promises a happy ending for young and old” – Artshub
Creative team
Mamma Mia! is a musical masterpiece that was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. The jukebox musical blends together songs from the Swedish pop-dance group ABBA, with music composed by the band’s very own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Both band members have played their part in the creative development of the show from the very beginning. Singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad has also financially supported the production and graced many of the premieres around the globe.
The production boasts design work by Mark Thompson, while the stage is brought to life with the incredible lighting designed by Howard Harrison. Meanwhile, Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken head up sound design and Martin Koch lends his talent to musical supervision, extra material, and arrangements.
Behind the scenes, the show is produced by Craymer, Richard East, and Ulvaeus, representing Littlestar in partnership with Universal. Amy Jacobs of Bespoke Theatricals takes on the role of executive producer, working alongside Work Light Productions.
History and Awards
The inspiration for the title of this production stems from the 1975 chart-topping hit by ABBA, “Mamma Mia.” Drawing from ABBA’s career, which spanned from 1972 to 1982, the musical pays homage to one of the world’s most adored and globally celebrated pop groups out there, capturing hearts and climbing the charts in Europe, North and South America, and Australia repeatedly.
The production opened its curtains in the West End, debuting at the Prince Edward Theatre on the 6th April 1999, followed by a move to the Prince of Wales Theatre on the 9th June 2004. It showcased at that venue until September 2012, when it was relocated to the infamous Novello Theatre in London. Crossing the pond, the musical graced the Broadway stage at the Winter Garden Theatre on the 18th October 2001. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, the original cast included talents like Siobhan McCarthy, Lisa Stokke, and Hilton McRae.
Fast forward to the fall of 2017, Mamma Mia! The Musical stood proud as the ninth longest-running Broadway production and held the title of the longest-running jukebox musical in Broadway’s history. AMAZING! The show has transcended borders, having been performed in over 50 countries across all six continents, even making a leap onto the silver screen with a blockbuster movie adaptation. Since its West End premiere, the musical has resonated with audiences in 16 different languages and grossed over $4 billion. WOW!
Over 65 million viewers have attended the production around the world, setting a record as the musical premiering in more cities at a faster pace than any other in history!!