by Foo Rong En
The International Tour of MAMMA MIA! makes a highly-anticipated stop in Singapore, opening on 13th November 2014 at Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands. Inspired by the classic songs of ABBA, the award-winning musical takes the audience on a journey through family and friendship against the backdrop of a Greek Island paradise.
With the discovery of her mother’s diary, bride-to-be Sophie sets out to discover who is her father. With a combination of ABBA’s greatest hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Take A Chance On Me” and “Winner Takes It All”, the charming tale of love, laughter and friendship comes together fluidly with the musical boasting high-octane dance moves from the cast. Since its debut in 2004, MAMMA MIA! is the 9th longest-running show on Broadway and have been seen by more than 54 million people in 39 productions in 14 different languages.
The media call gave a glimpse of what it is like for the cast to be on tour. Led by Resident Director Nick Evans, the elaborate props were designed to be faithful to the era that the musical is set in.
With fabulous wigs and costumes, the musical is set to be an extravagant and fun-filled one, with a stellar cast from the UK. Lead characters Donna Sheridan and Sam Carmichael are played by real-life husband and wife Sara Poyzer and Richard Standing respectively. Good friends Tanya and Rosie will be played by Geraldine Fitzgerald and Sue Devaney in the musical, while Niamh Perry reprises her role of the bride-to-be Sophie five years after her debut performance in London’s West End.
“The luggage tag shows Heathrow, London. Even the newspaper is in Greek! This is to make the cast more comfortable in their roles, as they immerse themselves fully into the character,” quipped the director, Mr Nick Evans. This attention to detail lends to the authenticity of the musical. Assistant Choreographer, Mr Jamie Wilkin, also taught some moves from the finale number “MAMMA MIA!”, emphasising that “passion and zest is key in the dance performances for a fabulous performance.”
MAMMA MIA! The Musical runs until 14 December 2014, with tickets from $95.
