I got to see one of the first Johannesburg performances of Showtime Management‘s Mamma Mia! on stage at The Teatro at Montecasino this past weekend. After a very successful run in Cape Town where shows were sold out and new dates were even added, I had high expectations. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. Here are my thoughts on why you should see Mamma Mia! (2024).
Don’t worry – there aren’t any spoilers about the story if you haven’t seen the movie.
1. Be transported to Greece
Right from the start, you easily believe that you’re following an actual moment in a coastal Grecian town. The look is exactly what you imagine a little Greek island would be with small details that help sell that illusion. The set was also surprisingly diverse, moving in and out to create different settings, in a remarkably effective way. One minute you’re in a town street; the next you’re in a hotel room. I was very impressed by how we were taken to different locations just by the layout of the set; as well as the lighting.
Something I noticed was how lighting was a major part of amplifying the story. The backdrop was lit in different ways to replicate different times of the day, as well as moods. There were even stars for some romantic nighttime scenes. This was an impactful part of the production that helped draw the audience in.
2. Feel-good disco pop music
Whether you’re familiar with Swedish pop supergroup, ABBA’s music or not, the music fits each scenario it’s used in and will have you tapping your foot along to the beat. The music from the 1970s band is iconic for those familiar with it, and will have fans smiling and singing along throughout the production. If you don’t know the movie and music well, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is. ABBA’s music was inspired by different parts of life, and so, the play uses 22 of their hits that fit perfectly with the story. From big energetic dance numbers, to more tender intimate moments, the music is the perfect fit for each scene. The choreography was also flawless and the vocal talent on top of high-energy performances was awe-inspiring.
While the vocal performances were impressive, the music really stood out. What was lacking for me with The Sound of Music, for example, was the limited number of instruments used. It felt small and synthetic. This is not the case with Mamma Mia! You can hear the quality of the instruments. At the end, the set clears to reveal the band and then it all made sense why the music sounded so enveloping.
3. It’s guaranteed fun & lighthearted enjoyment
The story is simple and feel-good, filled with humour and heart. As you may know, I’m a huge fan of local talent and the cast of Mamma Mia! was no exception. The production is ‘presentational’, meaning that the cast’s performances are directed at the audience. For certain scenes, characters look out to the crowd as if we’re getting a glimpse into their mind, often in a humorous way. This is very common in productions in this genre and made the experience fun and enthralling.
Closing Thoughts
Mamma Mia! is promoted as, a “guaranteed feel-good musical” and it’s absolutely that. If you love the movie, you’ll love the stage version. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s simply impossible to leave the theatre feeling anything but happy.
Tickets are selling out fast (no, really) so don’t miss out. The show is on from 12 April to 9 June 2024. Ticket prices range from R200 to R550 and are available at TicketMaster.
Tickets to Mamma Mia! would be the perfect gift for Mother’s Day (12 May) – just saying…
