MAMMA MIA! The Musical proves to be a timeless celebration of love and ‘F-ABBA-ulous’ music – gig report

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MAMMA MIA! The Musical proves to be a timeless celebration of love and ‘F-ABBA-ulous’ music – gig report

MAMMA MIA! The Musical has arrived in Singapore. 

If you’re looking to dance, jive, and have the time of your life, MAMMA MIA! The Musical is definitely one way to get you started. Having premiered across more than 450 major cities worldwide and witnessed by 65 million people, the musical is ready to take over the Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands.

 
 
 
 
 
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Directed by Carlton Edwards, the smash-hit musical promises a night filled with toe-tapping music, heartwarming scenes, and a tinge of adult humour. Set on a sunny Greek island, the story follows 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan who yearns for her father to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. The only problem is that neither she nor her mother, Donna Sheridan, knows who he is.

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So as any sensible young adult would do, Sophie secretly sent out invitations to three men who could potentially fit the bill. As the story unfolds, Donna finds herself face-to-face with the ghosts of past relationships. 

All in all, the details of the show are nothing short of amazing. From the dazzling costumes to the dynamic stage design, it’s no wonder why this show is so memorable. The musical proves to be a timeless classic that taps into love, chaos, and feel-good sound trips of Swedish pop group, ABBA. From the likes of ‘Dancing Queen’ (1976), ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ (1979), and ‘Super Trouper’ (1980), there’s no doubt that you’ll be singing along from start to finish.

What stood out the most during the musical’s opening night would be the ‘Super Trouper’ costumes that were donned by Sara Poyzer (Donna), Sarah Earnshaw (Tanya), and Nicky Swift (Rosie). Fun fact, did you know that approximately 33,000 rhinestones were hand-sewn onto the ‘Super Trouper’ costumes? Neither did we, but trust us when we say that they were “shining like the sun”. 

Razzle-dazzle aside, the overall choreography was an exuberant spectacle that successfully complemented the infectious soundtrack. Personally, the dance numbers for ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ and ‘Voulez-Vous’ took center stage considering the intense emotions showcased by the cast – which garnered a huge round of applause from the audience.

The transitions between each scene were flawlessly executed, thanks to the dynamic revolving stage. With the cast members seamlessly transforming the set design, there was no reason for us to look away from the stage. It was truly a testament to the cast's skill and the production team's meticulous planning. 

Growing up with ABBA, we would know that their music resonates with joy, nostalgia, and even heartbreak. In this stunning version of MAMMA MIA!, the classic hits of the Swedish supergroup were cleverly infused into the plot of the story, ultimately creating a harmonious flow. Just like when Sophie found her mother’s diary and discovered about her previous companions, she broke into ‘Honey Honey’ as she visualised the romantic moments of their relationship (with a hint of playful innuendo if you will).

MAMMA MIA! The Musical is a tapestry of timeless music, pristine choreography, and an uplifting storyline. Even after its third run in Singapore, the musical continues to bring excitement to Singaporeans given the packed theatre on the opening night.

MAMMA MIA! The Musical will run till 5 November 2023 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Tickets are priced from SGD 68, and are available for purchase via Marina Bay Sands’ official website or SISTIC

Watch the trailer for MAMMA MIA! The Musical here.