Its time to party again at Mamma Mia!

I think that most people would have heard of the Swedish singing sensation group ABBA after they had their formation in the 1970s. Most people know some of their songs so well that they can sing the words of their many number one hits.

In Sydney at the moment is a wonderful musical called Mamma Mia!. It is a great stage production which has 22 of ABBA's songs featured in it. It is full of energy, joy and charm.

Most musicals are usually created by someone coming up with a storyline, then songs are written to fit in with this storyline. Mamma Mia! is different, in that the storyline was written about pre-existing ABBA hist songs. The plot is simple. A young girl, Sophie, that is about to be married invites 3 men who could possibly be her father to the wedding. She is hoping to find out who her real father is.

The musical takes place on a Greek island, with the simple set being the exterior of the hotel that the girl's mother runs. Lighting is used effectively to make the transitions between night and day

The musical is full of the wonderful ABBA songs, of energetic dancing, and moments of comedy. The main lead roles are backed up by a large ensemble, who are all excellent in their stage presentation. 

Hidden away under the stage is the wonderful band plays who all the music for the ABBA songs. Heard but not seen, they are very talented and back up the singers to highlight the singers voices.

At the end of the show after the bows, the cast sings some of the songs from the show once again. This is perhaps the best 10 minutes of the musical, as the cast give it all before they make their final exit.

65 million people around the world have already seen Mamma Mia! It is currently being staged at the Sydney Lyric theatre, that wonderful theatre in Pyrmont Sydney, until 30m July. Mamma Mia! then moves onto Brisbane in August then onto Melbourne in  October.

If you have not seen it already, make sure you book your seats soon so as not to miss out on this wonderful musical. There are matinees and evening performances to choose form, with the show going for 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute interval. Tickets range from $65 to $195 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster or at the theatre box office.