The hit musical “Mamma Mia!” opened last January 24, 2012 at Cultural Center of the Philippines, Main Theater.  This is the first time that the musical is being staged in the Philippines.

“Mamma Mia!” has fascinated audiences around the world since its 2004 debut. It has graced international theaters in the United States (New York), United Kingdom, Dubai, Germany, Sweden, Prague, New Zealand, Turkey, China, Tapei and more.

Over 50 million people around the world have fallen in love with the story, characters and most of all, the enchanting music.

The show will run until February 19, 2012 so there is still time to catch the renowned musical based on the songs by ‘70s Swedish pop group ABBA.  The charming and timeless songs of ABBA bring perfect harmony to the tale of romance, laughter and friendship.

Birth of the musical

According to Inquirer Lifestyle, twenty five years ago, creative producer, Judy Craymer met Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, songwriters behind ABBA. Craymer showed high regards for the musical geniuses who wrote the hit “Dancing Queen.” But it was their song, “Winner Takes It All,” that inspired Craymer to come up with an original musical featuring Ulvaeus and Andersson’s compositions.

The songwriters did not immediately warm up to the idea of a musical.  But in 1995, Bjorn finally told Craymer that if he could find the right writer and perfect story, he will give it serious consideration. After 2 years, Craymer put the story writing task in the hands of playwright Catherine Johnson.

Craymer told the Johnson that no lyrics could be changed; the story should be “contemporary, ironic, romantic comedy”; and it should cater to 2 different generations.  The songs “Honey, Honey” and “Dancing Queen” have playful tunes that target a slightly younger audience while the songs “The Winner Takes It All” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You” are more mature and emotional.

The collaboration gave birth to a “cross-generational love story.”