There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, at Montecasino’s Teatro, for the Opening of the Mamma Mia World tour in Johannesburg. With this production’s third time in South Africa, the second being a UK Cast, this ever-popular Musical created just as much anticipation this time around…. So Mamma Mia, Here I go again.

I don’t wanna talk, about the things we’ve gone through, but about this production of Mamma Mia, there are only good things to say. From the very simplistic, yet very effective set, to the grand finale that revived the music of ABBA with all the theatre-goers in the audience. With a curtain call like this, there is only one thing to do… You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.

I believe in angels, something good in everything I see, and so was also the case with the cast selected for the South African leg of this world tour. Donna Sheridan was played by an energetic Sara Poyzer, who also played this role in the West End Production of Mamma Mia. Richard Standing was given the role of Sam Carmichael, which, interestingly enough, is Poyzer’s real time husband off stage.

My highlight for the evening though, was the brilliance of Musical theatre, combined with unique British comedy with that tactful naughty streaks, by Shobna Gulati and Sue Devaney as Sue and Rosie respectively. The scenes in Donna’s room, lifted the noise in the theatre with laughter, as these two tried to lift the sorrows of their friend. They broke every bit of tension, and really enhanced the feel-good-goal of the Mamma Mia theatre production.

The rest of the cast contributed immensely to the good reviews of this show. Girls in bikinis, ripped boys without shirts, and dancing moves that makes you restless in your chairs were contributing to two and a half hours of real entertainment. At the end, it was the Music of ABBA who was the winner that took it all. In my mind, what makes a show like Mamma Mia successful, is the fact that all the music is well known, which adds to the interactive-silent-singing of each member of the audience.

But, so they made up their mind, it must come to an end. The show was converted in a mini-ABBA rock show, with standing ovations, spectacular lighting and a sound technician who increased the volume just that tad little bit. An ending like this, really caused all the audience members to leave the Teatro, with that one special ABBA tune in their head.

I know Mamma Mia is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you change your mind, I’m the first in line, to encourage you to go see it first. Mamma Mia will run at the Teatro until the 19^th of April, and tickets are available from Computicket, from R150 – R450.

Mamma Mia is really a show for all generations. For the young people, they can experience proper theatre, and for the older folks, those memories of yesteryear connected to that one ABBA song, will just make this show, a worth-while trip down memory lane.

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Big Concerts is excited to announce the return of the West End smash hit musical

MAMMA MIA! Experience the wonderful, irresistible storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs for a limited 4 week season only at the Teatro at Montecasino, from March 24^th.

MAMMA MIA! is an original musical love story featuring 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits including: ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’ and ‘The Winner Takes It All’. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless classics propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

Global reviews of this phenomenal production include:

“Quite simply, a phenomenon” – Associated Press

“If you are looking for the best night out in town, you’ve found it”- Talk Radio

This is the first time in 10 years that the International Tour production of MAMMA MIA! will be performing in Johannesburg. The hugely successful English-language International Tour premiered in Dublin in September 2004. The tour has to-date visited 77 cities in 36 countries and been seen by over 4.5 million people.

Attie Van Wyk, CEO of Big Concerts, commented “MAMMA MIA! continues to be a huge success around the world and we are thrilled that the MAMMA MIA! International Tour is finally coming back to Johannesburg after 10 years.  As the first international touring musical to be presented at the Teatro at Montecasino we are expecting a phenomenal demand for tickets for this strictly limited season“.

Teatro Manager, Bryan Hill, concurred “MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show and we are excited to be working with Big Concerts, South Africa’s premier entertainment promoter, on this international production”.

MAMMA MIA! is celebrating 15 years in London’s West End and is the 9^th longest-running show on Broadway. Over 54 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show. MAMMA MIA! The Movie staring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, is still the highest worldwide grossing live-action musical film of all time.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. MAMMA MIA has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

The MAMMA MIA! International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM. Presented locally by Big Concerts International.

This enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship will guarantee everyone at the performance will be “having the times of their live.

Tour Information: Johannesburg: 4 week run

Dates: 24^th March 2015 – 19^th April 2015

Venue: Teatro at Montecasino

Ticket Price:

Peak Dates: R165 – R480 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday matinee)

Off Peak Dates: R110 – R435 (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday and Sunday evening)

Special Ticket Offers

20+ tickets = 10% discount

100+ tickets = 15% discount

Pensioner = 20% discount available for OFF PEAK dates only (only available at Computicket outlets and limited to 1 ticket per person)

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