ABBA was one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, delivering a decade’s worth of hits between the mid-70s and mid-80s. The Swedish group, which consisted of two married couples, burst onto the scene with Waterloo in 1974, and became widely known for their energetic music and bright, colorful costumes. Turning their hits into a jukebox musical (a musical consisting of well- known popular music, often by one artist or group) was the idea of producer Judy Craymer, who met songwriters Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1983.
In 1997, Craymer commissioned Catherine Johnson to write the book for the musical, and Mamma Mia! was born. The show opened on the West End in 1999, and eventually opened on Broadway in 2001, where it enjoyed a nearly four-year run. Mamma Mia! is all the things a good jukebox musical should be--light, fun, colorful, and a little bit raucous. Coincidentally, those are some of the things we all need a bit of in our lives these days. Bringing this show to life with this cast and crew has truly been the highlight of my days the past three and a half months. The students have stepped up to the plate and pushed themselves in many ways, dancing, singing and just having fun.
Some of the most memorable lyrics from the piece come from “Thank You for the Music.”
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing.
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing.
Who can live without it?
I ask in all honesty.
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance, what are we?
I love the way these lyrics celebrate music and its ability to bring people together, to make life a little more joyful. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, we had to see what life would be without live music, dance, and theatrical performance. We spent months in isolation, communicating and making music and theater behind our screens. It was a difficult time, especially for the young artists that are about to perform for you today. That’s why I feel very grateful that they have the opportunity to perform this vivacious and fun-filled piece for you.
These talented and hard-working young people have worked very hard to make sure you leave with a smile on your face and song in your heart. Working with them has been an absolute joy, and I’m thrilled to share their work with all of you. I hope this show makes you smile, and maybe sing and dance a little bit, too! Thank you for coming!
Dr. Michael Penna
Director & Choreographer
