Mamma Mia, an Original Production

Mamma Mia is a stage musical based on songs of ABBA. It was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. The title of the musical is taken from the group's 1975 song "Mamma Mia", however the plot is fictional, and not biographical. Interestingly enough, the two composers of the ABBA song Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson, were involved in the development though out the production. Some of the songs that are included in the production are "Super Trouper", "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Take A Chance On Me", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", and "SOS". To date over 42 million people have now seen the show and the show has grossed of two billion dollars.

The original London production opened in the West End at the Prince Edward Theatre on April 6, 1999 and was moved to the Prince of Wales Theatre on June 9, 2004, where it is still playing as of January 24, 2011. The production is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.

This musical was inspired and thought of by producer Judy Craymer. She met Bjorn and Benny in 1983 while they were working on "Chess". This makes for an unusual threesome with the producer (Craymer), the writer (Johnson), and the director (Phyllida) all being female.

The production has been performed in over twenty five countries and has been translated into thirteen languages, with no expectation of slowing down anytime soon Mamma Mia Tickets are one of the hottest shows in London and has proven that it can transfer its appeal to any country that is performed. In proof that it has appeal almost everywhere, the show ran in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Hotel from February 2003 to January 2009. Mamma Mia! played its one thousandth performance making the production the longest running Broadway musical in Las Vegas.

It has become so popular that it was even adapted for film in 2008 starred actors of the likes of Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan. This film has grossed over six hundred million in revenues since its release.

If you are interested in Mamma Mia tickets check your local box office for show times and prices. This production is not to be missed and if you are on holiday to London you cannot miss the history of seeing this production in its original location.