The musical Mamma Mia! is an entertainment phenomenon that has been delighting audiences for 27 years. It opened in London in 1999 and is still playing there, making it the fifth longest-running show in London's history and the third longest-running musical. Seen by more than 70 million people worldwide, it has grossed over $4.5 billion. Its 14-year run on Broadway makes it the longest-running jukebox musical in that venue's history. Due to its rapid expansion into many cities, it is considered the fastest-growing musical in theatre history.
A New Tour in Alberta
The current Alberta tour brings Mamma Mia! to the Edmonton Jubilee from May 12 to 17 and Calgary from May 19 to 26. This marks the sixth time the musical has played in these cities, and ticket sales are so strong that several shows are likely to sell out. The production continues to draw enthusiastic crowds, proving its enduring appeal.
The Story and Its Appeal
Mamma Mia! uses the songs of ABBA as its foundation. It tells the story of Donna Sheridan, whose daughter Sophie is getting married on a Greek island where Donna runs a cafe. Sophie secretly reads her mother's diary and discovers that Donna had affairs with three men. She invites all three to the wedding, hoping to identify her father. This heartwarming tale of family and friendship resonates deeply with audiences.
Jessica Crouch, who plays Donna in this tour, explains the musical's lasting popularity. “Of course, the music of ABBA is a huge factor. People know and love those songs, but it's also the fact that the musical is so joyous. It is a beautiful escape, and that's what people long for. It's a musical where you can just go and have fun for a couple of hours. It's about family and friendship, and it hits so many heartstrings in so many different ways.”
Jessica Crouch's Connection to Donna
Crouch has been with the tour for only two months but has already fallen in love with her character. “Donna is an immensely strong woman, which is so much fun to play. She is very resilient, and she has such a huge heart. She feels so much. As an actor, it makes you get in touch with those things in yourself. The more I play her, the more I feel I bring my own rock-chick to the role.”
Female Friendship at the Core
The theme of female friendship is central to Mamma Mia! Crouch observes this at every performance. “We see groups of women in their 60s and 70s coming to the show together. They have all been friends for so many years. They identify with Donna and her close female friends.” She adds that the show appeals to women of all ages. “Donna is a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself. It's about mother and daughter bonding. We see so many daughters bringing their mothers. There is so much heart to the show.”
The Film's Impact
The 2008 film version of Mamma Mia! starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried grossed $610 million worldwide, becoming one of the most successful movie musicals ever. Crouch notes that the film boosted the play's popularity. “It introduced the musical to a younger generation who now want to see it live. There is no greater experience than seeing Mamma Mia! live with an audience, especially the last 15 minutes, which are really like a rock concert. The audience is invited to sing along with us to the songs.”
ABBA's Music and a Favorite Song
The musical features 23 ABBA songs. Crouch looks forward to singing “One of Us” each performance. “I love 'One of Us.' It's a quiet little song about unrequited love. I think it is something we can all identify with. I know I connect with it.”
