We first watched this musical LIVE in West End London back in 2004 long before the kids came along. Quite honestly, we had no idea then what we were ‘in’ for then but we remember fondly the theatre bobbing to the addictive groves and tunes of ABBA and moved by the plot filled with universal themes of hope, reconciliation and love. Since then, we have also caught its hugely successful Singapore musical run in 2014 as well as its latest movie sequel.
To date, the smash hit MAMMA MIA! musical has been seen by more than 60 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages. This month, MAMA MIA! is back in Singapore for a short run from now till 18 Nov 2018. Here’s our review:
The Music:
One can’t go wrong with a soundtrack consisting mainly of iconic ABBA songs. Even better is the fact that the songs are performed LIVE with an orchestra ensemble accompaniment from the pit. Though there were some minor variations to the lyrics, the infectious rhythm and groves remain. With a score consisting of iconic tunes from the 70s, singing them is no mean feat. The cast did a reasonably commendable job although this reviewer felt that the singing was occasionally flat (particularly at the lower register) and at times lacking the zest expected in songs of this genre.
The Acting:
MAMA MIA! is among the top few musicals that has played the longest in West End. With a reputation like this in musical history, it is never easy to portray characters that were played, on film, by the likes of Meryl Strepp, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard. The cast for this run here did a decent attempt in carrying the musical on their own. However just like the singing, there seems to be a need for more chemistry among the cast which would add a bit more of ‘Omph’ to the acting.
The Dancing:
One can’t talk about ABBA without talking about the dancing mood the music evokes. The entire dance crew complete with LIVE rendition of ABBA hit tunes really made viewers want to jive alongside them. Well syncopated to the beat, the cast together with the backup dancers saved the day with their dance routines.
The Set, Costumes and Lighting:
Simple, stylish and beautiful. The set literally revolves around the little tavern set in a small Greek isle cleverly morphing between scenes. Complete with its lighting, the costumes and backdrop lifts the plot beautifully.
Summary:
The current run of MAMA MIA! is still entertaining, funny and touching. Until the Swedish group decides to regroup (we hope!), this is as close as one would get to hearing and even moving to their iconic songs played LIVE. At the end of the day, it still has that bit of ‘magic’ that kept this pair of busy working parents tapping our toes in the theatre and enjoying that bit of couple time much like it did in West End. Perhaps with a few more runs, there is potential that this cast can truly carry the musical and give the musical the exclamation mark in its title MAMA MIA!
Synopsis:
Back for its 2nd run in Singapore after its hugely successful 2014 run, MAMA MIA! has wowed Over 60 million people with its string of ABBA hits including Dancing Queen, Super Trooper and the title hit ‘MAMA MIA’ complete with its storyline of Sophie whose quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they will never forget!
Ticket Details:
Show Dates: Sat, 3 Nov to Sun, 18 Nov 2018
Show Times: Tue – Fri: 8pm | Sat: 2pm & 8pm | Sun: 1pm & 6pm
Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Ticket Pricing: (Excludes Booking Fee)
VIP Reserve : S$188
A Reserve : S$158
B Reserve : S$128
C Reserve : S$98
D Reserve : S$68
E Reserve : S$58
VIP Box (For 4 seats): S$752
Box Seat (For 4 seats): S$392
Get tickets from SISTIC Website.
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