Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia! is an internationally acclaimed stage musical based on the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Since its premiere in 1999, the show has had several major productions worldwide. It features 22 of ABBA's greatest hit songs, including "Dancing Queen" and "The Winner Takes It All."¹

Fast Facts

1. Music and lyrics by: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson)²
2. Book by: Catherine Johnson²
3. Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd²
4. 2002: Winner of the Theatre World Award (Louise Pitre)³
5. 2002: Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Louise Pitre), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Judy Kaye), and Best Orchestrations³

History

• 1995: Björn Ulvaeus approves Judy Craymer trying to put together a musical using ABBA songs⁴
• 1997: Craymer asks Catherine Johnson to write the book for Mamma Mia!⁴
• 1999: World premiere on April 6 in London⁴
• 2000: First U.S. tour in San Francisco in November⁴
• 2001: Broadway premiere at The Winter Garden Theatre in New York City⁴
• 2008: Film version released in U.S. on July 18⁵

Plot Summary

The story takes place on a Greek island. Prior to her wedding, Sophie finds the diary of her free-spirited mother, Donna. Prompted by her dream of her father walking her down the aisle, Sophie invites the three different men who could be her father to the wedding—without telling her mother.

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