CEBU, Philippines - If you absolutely adored the movie Mamma Mia starring Oscar Best Actress winner Meryl Streep with the timeless songs of the popular Swedish quartet ABBA, but missed the theater runs due to conflicting travel and holiday schedules, the next best thing you should do is fly to Manila and get yourself a ticket to the hottest show in the country, Mamma Mia at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
This classic, feel good musical is celebrating its twelfth year and touring productions have included the Philippines in its schedule. It has performed in 25 countries and has been around the globe two and a half times. The International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Bjorn Ulvaeus for Littlestar, in association with Universal State Entertainment and MGM.
The smash hit musical first opened in April, 1999 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End and in the United States in 2000 at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.
The funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise called Kalokairri and begins on the eve of Sophie Sheridan's wedding to her fiancée Sky, played by David Roberts. Her quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past. Donna portrayed by Sara Poyzer, back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's songs propels this captivating story of romantic love, genuine friendship and laughter. The choreography is dazzling and the liveliness by all the performers is simply catchy.
It is fitting to say "Thank You for the Music" to two gentlemen Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, founders of ABBA, considered one of the worlds most successful musical bands. They became an overnight sensation with their song entitled Waterloo which they sang and won at the Eurovision Song contest.
The unique band name was coined using the first letter of each of their first names assembled together, Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andresson and Anni Frid. The band has sold more than 350 million records worldwide to date and the message that they convey in their music and lyrics create an audience that spans the ages and now is the key element of the Mamma Mia Musical.
This show is strictly for people who like ABBA songs and like to have a good time. The audience will hear famous hits like Dancing Queen, Gimme Gimme, Chiquitita, Knowing Me, Knowing You and Take a Chance on Me. In total 22 ABBA songs make up the musical element of Mamma Mia. Just go with the thought of enjoying the songs, reminiscing and having a lot of fun.