Director's Corner...
While I have joked with the cast and crews of Mamma Mia during our rehearsal process that this musical is really an Abba concert disguised as a musical (what jukebox musical isn't?), one cannot deny its success. According to Judy Craymer, one of the producers for Mamma Mia:
- Mamma Mia has been seen by over 65 MILLION people worldwide in 50 productions in 16 different languages.
- Mamma Mia has grossed over $4 BILLION at the box office.
- Mamma Mia is the 8th longest running musical in Broadway history after a 14 year run (2001-15) and 5,124 performances.
The fact that it is still running in London’s West End speaks to its longevity. What kept (and still keeps) audiences coming to see this show?
The critics were not big fans when the musical first premiered but the general population certainly was! Ben Brantley, theatre critic for The New York Times, wrote, '..."Mamma Mia!'' manipulates you, for sure, but it creates the feeling that you're somehow a part of the manipulative process. And while it may be widely described as a hoot by theatergoers embarrassed at having enjoyed it, it gives off a moist-eyed sincerity that is beyond camp."
Maybe that's what keeps it around. Even the most skeptical Rolling Stones or Chicago fans among us can't help but smile...and sing along to Abba. You may not know all of the words to all of the songs, but you know enough to sing, "you can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life, oh oh oh..." Music is a great equalizer.
So it's a big fat YES to Mamma Mia and its longevity AND universality.
We really have had "the time of our lives" creating this iconic piece of musical theatre. While we will do our jobs as performers, crew members and musicians telling the story as honestly and believably as we can, we will do so with a little bit of character, a bit more music, and a whole lot of heart. So dust off the platform shoes and dig out your halter tops and bell bottm pants; we gotta boogie tonight!
Keep on truckin' and catch ya on the flip side...Smile, sing along, and enjoy the show!
~CSM
