Mamma Mia!
- When
- This event has already passed
- Contact
-
6218-6507, 6217-3055
- Contributor
Description -
Who would have guessed that a Swedish disco band would become the basis for one of the most popular musicals in the world. Whether you're a closeted ABBA fan or loud and proud, you're guaranteed to find friends as Mamma Mia! takes to the stage in a city with an insatiable fetish for all things pop. 7:15 p.m., RMB200-2,000
© 2007 Beijing Ringier International Advertising Company. All rights reserved.
京ICP备05061149号
While this ABBA-inspired musical is certainly not Broadway's greatest gift to the mainland, if you're a theater fan in Shanghai, you should take a chance on "Mamma Mia!." If you love ABBA, there is no risk involved. The music sounds great and the cast does a spirited 3-song encore. If you're like me, not a big ABBA fan but someone who enjoys theater, you might want to think twice before shelling out 700 yuan for the cheapest ticket (the 200-yuan seats are sold out for all remaining shows). What you'll see at the Shanghai Grand Theatre is a mediocre international tour cast without its leading lady. "Mamma Mia!" was forced to cancel six shows last week due to the illness of the leading actress and her two substitutes. A new lead was flown in from London and the show resumed Thursday night. I caught the Saturday matinee which, despite some sound issues and clumsy dance moves, gave the largely Chinese audience an engaging and extremely fun afternoon. While these musicals based on the work of pop singers tend to have unimaginative storylines, and "Mamma Mia!" is no exception, it is a unique experience to watch a Broadway show with a few thousand Chinese theatergoers. And despite the expensive ticket and the fact that "Dancing Queen" will be stuck in my head for days, "Mamma Mia!" was a great time.