MAMMA MIA! HEADLINES

MAMMA MIA! SUPPORTS CHILDREN IN NEED WITH GALA PERFORMANCE

MAMMA MIA! London has teamed up with BBC London for a special fundraising gala performance, from which 100% of the proceeds will go to Children In Need. BBC London 94.9 breakfast presenters JoAnne Good and Paul Ross, plus special guest Pudsey Bear, will present this fun-packed and glamorous event on 18 November at the Prince of Wales Theatre. To book tickets, click here.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR PLAYS IT’S 3150TH SHOW!

The North American Tour will play will its 3150th performance on 18 November at the Davis Theatre in Montgomery, AL. Prior to that the tour will return to Philadelphia's Academy of Music and open for the 5th time on Tuesday 3 November.

MAMMA MIA! DUTCH TOUR - EXTRA SHOWS

Due to the success of the MAMMA MIA! Dutch tour so far, we are pleased to announce that an extra show has been added in Eindhoven and MAMMA MIA! is also returning to Rotterdam! The Dutch tour performed in Rotterdam from the 1st to the 18th of October 2009, and in 2010 they're making a comeback. Tickets have just been released for another week of performances in July 2010. For more information and to book tickets visit our new updated website on www.mammamia.nl

MAMMA MIA! OSLO PROUDLY SUPPORTS PINK RIBBON IN NORWAY

Photo: Thomas Barstad Eckhoff		MAMMA MIA! Oslo has been working together with the Pink Ribbon Campaign in Norway to set the focus on breast cancer and cancer research. Throughout October MAMMA MIA! Oslo has proudly supported Pink Ribbon in Norway by giving a percentage of their ticket sales to support the charity. On Thursday 29 October MAMMA MIA! Oslo hosted the closing event for the Pink Ribbon 2009, with a charity performance of MAMMA MIA!, and all the profits also went to the Pink Ribbon. Her Majesty Sonja and Her Royal Highness Mette Marit, attended the performance and
met the Dynamos during the interval. The theme for the evening was of course pink, so everyone was dressed in pink and pink Champagne was served in all the bars before, during and after the show. In addition, for the last nine days the cast have been collecting from the audience after each performance. We are very proud to announce that they alone were able to raise over 200 000 Norwegian Kroner (approximately £20,000). In total MAMMA MIA! Oslo donated 475821 kroner (approximately £47582.10).

MOTHER OF ALL MUSICALS OPENS IN SYDNEY

The creator of MAMMA MIA! had trouble getting it off the ground but it has since broken box-office records, writes Stephen Downie of Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

JUDY Craymer was never a Dancing Queen. Not back when the Swedish hitmakers ABBA were sweeping the charts. She bopped to punk rock and fantasised about being an international horse-riding champion. Now, with an estimated fortune upwards of $160 million, the MAMMA MIA! creator can boogie all the way to the bank. Or wherever she likes.

But Craymer's path to money, money, money was by no means an easy one. Right up to when MAMMA MIA! had its Australian premiere in Melbourne on 9 June 2001, there was some confusion about exactly what it was all about. To Craymer's horror, some presumed it was an ABBA tribute show.

"I remember people asking, 'So, who's going to be playing the blonde one?'," she recalls.

Not a tribute show like, say Björn Again, but a theatrical experience interspersed with the hits of ABBA.

It's the ultimate fluffy, feel-good jukebox musical, it comes with the stamp of approval from ABBA's songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and it's guaranteed to leave fans giddy.

Probably too sweet for some. Ardent ABBA non-believers may be left wincing in pain. Nevertheless, the show has proved to be a tank, bulletproof to any sustained attack.

'Success' almost seems the wrong word to describe what has become a global phenomenon. Since it debuted in the West End in 1999, 40 million people have seen the show in 200 cities across the world.

The Australian production alone has been watched by 2.2 million. Away from the stage, the MAMMA MIA! film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, is the highest-grossing British film in the UK ever.

And yet Craymer remembers not even being able to find a suitable West End theatre for the London premiere.

"We got the Prince Edward Theatre, which seats about 1700, and I think Benny and Björn envisioned starting somewhere slightly off the radar, slightly smaller," she says.

"But then anything with ABBA cannot be off the radar."

Craymer was born and raised in North London. Studying stage management and music at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, she was always headed for a career in theatre. When she was just 23 she worked with theatre producer Tim Rice on Chess, meeting the two men who would later play a big part in altering Craymer's life, ABBA's Andersson and Ulvaeus.

A lightbulb flickered on in Craymer's head. It started off as a small film, but as she worked through some ideas she started to form the picture of a stage musical.

"I always thought it would be a kind of women's story," she says. "The Winner Takes It All, that was the inspiration for me. That's the song I played quite obsessively.

"But how do you make a happy musical out of a soulful break-up song? The challenge started. And it took quite a long time."

Yes, a long time to convince ABBA's songwriters that the musical was worthy of their songs. Ten years after first proposing the idea, Andersson and Ulvaeus finally gave Craymer the green light.

"They were always interested in the idea," says Craymer. "But they had moved on from ABBA, they wanted to do other things. They were resistant to going back and, in the beginning, didn't quite understand what I wanted to do."

Craymer also reasons ABBA's songwriters were hesitant because the public opinion of the pop group in the late '80s and '90s was not so great.

"There was a time when they did go out of vogue… well, not in Australia, of course," she assures. "But now, they're more like monuments on the landscape."

Doubtless, Craymer's MAMMA MIA! has had something to do with that. With the blessing of half of ABBA, Craymer knuckled down with writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd on creating MAMMA MIA!.

"It was Catherine who came up with the idea of a story based on a mother and her daughter," Craymer says. "Then it began to really develop."

"I had marked out the kinds of songs which I thought were story-centric.

Dancing Queen was there and also others which would help provide light and shade."

It was Ulvaeus himself who, as Lloyd searched for a way to open Act Two -- which centres on Sophie reflecting on her life -- with a bang, suggested the tune Under Attack.

Interestingly, even after she's picked over every ABBA tune thousands of times, Craymer doesn't tire of the band's music.

"I realise that even more now because I've lived with them so long and every time I try and start another project after a few weeks I can't stand hearing those songs."

As to the million-dollar question of whether she thinks ABBA will ever reunite, Craymer is doubtful, but believes you can "never say never".

She points to the BBC Radio 2 ABBA tribute concert, on 13 September, in which Kylie Minogue was on stage with Andersson and Ulvaeus, singing When All Is Said And Done. "It was a big celebration and I think closest one would get to a reunion," Craymer says.

"I think it shows that at last they realise how much people love their music."

It's only taken them about 36 years.

MAMMA MIA! IS NOW PLAYING AT SYDNEY'S LYRIC THEATRE

www.mamma-mia.com.au

PICK JUDY CRAYMER’S BRAIN

A charity auction is giving people the chance to get inside the minds of some of Britain's most successful figures in business, sport and entertainment.

Amongst those figures will be our very own producer Judy Craymer who will be auctioning 60 minutes of her time for the KRUG Mindshare event.

Proceeds from the bids will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation which supports research at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Prior to the live auction, the public can place sealed bids online for a chance to win time with Judy Craymer. The highest three bidders for each "mind" will then be invited to join the live auction at Christie's on November 5th 2009.

To place a bid online, visit the Krug site at www.krugmindshare.com.

BBC LONDON 94.9FM TEAMS UP WITH MAMMA MIA! FOR A SPECIAL FUNDRAISING GALA FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

Become a Super Trouper for the night whilst raising money for BBC Children in Need, with BBC London 94.9FM's special gala performance of MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Wednesday 18 November.

Guaranteed to get you in the mood for dancing in the aisles are BBC London's 94.9FM Breakfast show presenters Paul Ross and JoAnne Good, as well as Sony Award-winning morning show presenter Vanessa Feltz and afternoon host Danny Baker, who are all delighted to be introducing this fun-packed gala performance. All money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

The dress code for this very special red carpet performance is 'glamorous' so get your glad rags and dancing shoes on!

An incredible 40 million people round the world have fallen in love with MAMMA MIA! since the show first opened over a decade ago in London's West End. Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson's enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago...

In 2008, the hit movie of the show was released to huge global success with Meryl Streep heading up a stellar cast, and made history as the highest grossing movie ever released in the UK, and is the highest grossing musical film worldwide.

BBC London 94.9FM presenter Paul Ross said: "I can't wait to say Thank you For the Music to Abba while raising lots of Money Money Money for Children In Need!"

Global Producer Judy Craymer said: "MAMMA MIA! has always been keen to support Children In Need in some form, so it's fantastic that the charity can benefit from the revenue of this special performance of MAMMA MIA! on 18 November."

The MAMMA MIA! cast is headed by Sally Ann Triplett, Katy Secombe and Jane Gurnett, with Niamh Perry, finalist in BBC One's I'd Do Anything search for Nancy in the musical Oliver!, as Sophie Sheridan.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

With thanks to MAMMA MIA!, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and SEE tickets.

TICKETS

Tickets for the 7.30pm performance on Wednesday 18 November, priced from £19.50 - £58.00, and premium tickets (the best seats in the house) are available for £73.50.

Tickets can be purchased from the Prince of Wales Theatre box office and online. The 24 hour credit card line is 0844 482 5118. Booking fees apply for all purchases unless made in person at the box office. All booking information can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/london. The full face value of all tickets and any booking charges will be donated to the BBC's Children In Need Appeal by MAMMA MIA!

Children in Need

Thanks to your creativity, support and commitment last year, BBC Children in Need raised over £37.8 million which will go on to make a positive change to thousands of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

The 2009 BBC Children in Need Appeal is around the corner on the 20th November, and we need your help again! We couldn't do it without you, and this year we are asking everyone to Do Something Different and help us raise money!

Call 0345 607 3333 or visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey for a Fundraising Pack full of fundraising ideas and inspiration.

MAMMA MIA! ALL THEY WANT IS TO SING IT OUT LOUD!

ALL-SOUTH AFRICAN STAR STUDDED CAST ANNOUNCED FOR WORLD'S NUMBER 1 SHOW INCLUDES TWO CAPE TOWN BORN PRINCIPAL PERFORMERS

From sets to costumes and its multi-talented 31-member company and six musicians, MAMMA MIA! 2010 is proudly South African. Boasting a cast featuring South Africa's finest talent starring many highly acclaimed stars of stage, film and the small screen, MAMMA MIA! is next year's hottest ticket for fun-filled family entertainment.

Opening at Artscape, Cape Town from Sunday, 15 August 2010, continuing to The Teatro at Montecasino from Saturday, 02 October 2010 the SA cast of this global smash hit musical will be "singing out loud" for "somewhere in the crowd, there's you".

Award winning actress Gina Shmukler (Chess, Blues Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar, Showboat) stars as the mother of the bride, Donna Sheridan. Joining her on stage is South Africa's youngest theatre sensation, 19 year old Carmen Pretorius (High School Musical SA & Shanghai, Footloose) cast as the bride-to-be, Sophie; Cape Town-born theatre and television award winning actress, Ilse Klink (Chicago, The Full Monty, Isidingo, Scandal, 7de Laan) is the no-nonsense Rosie and acclaimed stage and television star, Kate Normington (Hairspray, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, High School Musical) plays the role of the wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya. Cape Town actor and 2008 IDO Hip Hop World Championships team finalist dancer, Stephen Jubber (Merchant of Venice, High School Musical, Bollywood movies) plays Sophie's fiancée, Sky.

Popular Afrikaans actor and soapie-star Anrich Herbst who began his television career as the young son, "Wimpie" in the hit series Orkney Snork Nie and went on to play major roles in Egoli and Isidingo, will delight audiences in the role of the charismatic, Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie's three possible fathers. Murray Todd (We Will Rock You, The King & I", "Boogie Nights", "Oklahoma", "That'll be the Day", Generations) is Bill Austin, another possible father of the bride.

Sophie's friends Ali and Lisa are played by Christel Mutombo (High School Musical, West Side Story, Cabaret) and Gemma Donnelly (Hairspray, My Fair Lady, Footloose) with Karabo Maithufi (Cats SA & International Tour, Hairspray, Groovy Nights) and Christopher Jaftha (High School Musical, Saturday Night Fever, African Footprint) as Sky's friends, Pepper and Eddie.

The female ensemble includes Marlee van der Merwe (The Full Monty, High School Musical, Showboat); Natasha van der Merwe (Best Foot Forwards, For Old Time's Sake, Scrooge the Musical). Trudy Fredericks (African Footprint, The Lion King, High School Musical), Chantell Joubert (South African colours for Latin American dance & freesyle dance, Strictly Come Dancing), Carly Graeme (Sound of Music, Grease, We Will Rock You Asia/Pacific Tour), Molebatsi Lekgetha (Ain't Misbehavin', Amen Corner); Shelley Adriaanzen (Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, The King & I); Letshego Seekoe (Sweet Charity, Ragtime the Musical, The King & I); and Nurit Graff who makes her theatrical stage debut.

The male ensemble dancers are Clive Gilson (Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, High School Musical), Daniel Buys (Snow White, Spotlight), Darryl Evans (Cats, Chess, Beauty & The Beast), James MacEwan (Isidingo, Binnelanders, Angel's Song), Lebo Toko (Ragtime the Musical, Touch My Blood); Nicol Sheraton (Chicago, Oliver Twist, We Will Rock You - New Zealand Tour).

"This all-South African cast is going to WOW audiences - a sensational mix of experience, youth and glamour - plus special chemistry..!! Fantastic fun.' says MAMMA MIA! Co-Producer, Hazel Feldman

Book now at Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com.

SOME OF THE MAMMA MIA! SA 2010 LEADS
From left to right back row: STEPHEN JUBBER (Sky), KARABO MAITHUFI (Pepper), ANRICH HERBST (Sam), CHRISTOPHER JAFTHA (Eddie), KATE NORMINGTON (Tanya) From left to right front row: ILSE KLINK (Rosie), GINA SHMUKLER (Donna), CARMEN PRETORIUS (Sophie) and GEMMA DONNELLEY (Lisa) Photo credit: Ruphin Coudyzer.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BROADWAY STARS

MAMMA MIA! welcomed Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel as "Donna Sheridan" and Alyse Alan Louis in her Broadway debut as "Sophie Sheridan" to the Winter Garden Theatre. Watch NY-1 News' television segment following the new mother-daughter team from rehearsal to their first performance, featuring party footage and interviews with resident director Martha Banta and MAMMA MIA! global producer Judy Craymer. To watch click here.

Also check out opening night photo coverage of the new Broadway stars - Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel (Donna Sheridan), Allison Briner (Rosie), Alyse Alan Louis (Sophie), Eric William Morris (Sky), John Dossett (Sam Carmichael), David Andrew Macdonald (Harry Bright), Patrick Boll (Bill Austin), Halle Morse (Lisa) and Michael Mindlin (Pepper) as they stormed the Winter Garden Theatre stage for their first performance followed by a champagne toast led by global producer Judy Craymer! To view click here.

To get to know Broadway's Donna a bit better, check out BRoadway.com who followed Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel as she readied to take over the leading role of "Donna Sheridan" on Broadway. Witnessing her transform into a Dynamo in the rehearsal room, at her costume fitting and choosing a dressing room, and finally taking the stage at the Winter Garden Theatre for her first performance. To watch the fourth and final segment and the whole video series: click here.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF ABBA

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were joined by a host of stars including the MAMMA MIA! London cast, Chaka Khan and Lulu for an ABBA tribute concert in Hyde Park on 13 September, organised by BBC Radio 2.

Kylie Minogue took to the stage towards the end of the three-hour event in London's Hyde Park to sing the Swedish group's 1980 hit Super Trouper. She later returned to perform When All Is Said And Done with Abba songwriter Benny Andersson.

Hosted by DJ Chris Evans with lyricist Sir Tim Rice and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, the concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. To check out more details click here.

HAPPY 100 PERFORMANCES!

The Mexican production of MAMMA MIA! is celebrating 100 performances on Monday 12 October. Famous Mexican actors, VIPS and press are due to attend the landmark performance and to share cocktails at the end of the show. The local language production opened in Mexico city on 29 July. To book tickets, click here or to find out more information about the show in Spanish click here

LONDON’S SOPHIE ON ITV’S ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW

Niamh Perry (London's Sophie) performed on the Alan Titchmarsh Show on ITV 1 on Monday 5 October, when other guests included musical theatre and film legend Tommy Steel. Niamh delighted the studio audience with her live performance of 'Name of the Game' and had a quick chat with Alan about life since the BBC show "I'd Do Anything".

CELEBRATE 6th ANNUAL ‘ROCKTOBER’ MONTH

MAMMA MIA!'s 6th annual "ROCKTOBER" celebration is back - packed with news about the musical, celebrating 8 years and over 3,000 performances on Broadway, and other ABBA-related news and trivia! The traditional calendar has been re-imagined online with a new design. Every Friday this month, MAMMA MIA! will choose a "winner to take it all!". Enter once a day by answering a trivia question for your chance to win fABBAlous prizes! Check out: www.mmrocktober.com

KRISTINA AT THE CARNEGIE HALL

ABBA, MAMMA MIA! and Chess legendary song-writing team Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus presented a two-night only Carnegie Hall concert presentation of KRISTINA 23 and 24 September, marking the American premiere of the hit Swedish musical in English. New York Post theater critic Elisabeth Vincentelli interviewed the composers and stars of KRISTINA for a feature in the newspaper, and followed their road to Carnegie Hall on her theater blog in an exclusive multi part series.

"The Road to Kristina" print feature

Benny and Björn talk influences

Chatting with "Kristina" Director Lars Rudolfsson

Kristina on "Kristina"

Louise Pitre on her Carnegie Hall debut

Benny & Björn on "Kristina"

MAMMA MIA! DUTCH TOUR OPENING NIGHT IN AMSTERDAM

Monday 14 September 2009 was the glamorous premiere of the Dutch MAMMA MIA! Tour in the Royal Theater Carré in Amsterdam. A red carpet led the fans and celebrities into the theatre to watch an exciting and celebratory show. The night was a great success and afterwards the invitees enjoyed an after party with the MAMMA MIA! cast. Now the Dutch national tour has officially started click here to book your tickets.

MAMMA MIA! ‘BROADWAY ON BROADWAY’ CONCERT

MAMMA MIA!'s new Donna Sheridan, Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel performed "The Winner Takes it All" at the annual outdoor Times Square concert "Broadway on Broadway" in front of a crowd of over 50,000 fans. Watch her morning interview on WABC News Weekend: To watch click here

MAMMA MIA! BACK DOWN UNDER

The eagerly anticipated 10th Anniversary Australian Tour of MAMMA MIA! is just weeks away from opening, with the first performance scheduled for 23 October at Sydney's Lyric Theatre, Star City. The limited 15 week only Sydney season will be followed by seasons in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane in 2010. For more information and to book tickets visit: www.mamma-mia.com.au

US TOUR WELCOMES NEW CAST MEMBER

MAMMA MIA! welcomes John-Michael Zuerlein (Ensemble) to the North American Tour of MAMMA MIA!. His debut performance was at the Majestic Theatre, in San Antonio, TX where the show also played it's 3100th performance on 4 October 2009. Later in the month, on 27 October 2009, the North American Tour of MAMMA MIA! will celebrate it's 3125th performance at the Grand Theater in Wausau, WI.

MAMMA MIA! BECOMES 13th LONGEST RUNNING BROADWAY SHOW IN HISTORY

Surpassing Original Run of "Fiddler on the Roof"

MAMMA MIA! officially became the 13th longest-running show in Broadway history on Wednesday 19 August 2009 when it surpassed the record previously held by long running landmark musical Fiddler on the Roof (3,242 performances).

Seen by over 40 million people around the world, MAMMA MIA! is celebrating over 3,000 performances in its eighth year at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre and remains one of Broadway's top selling musicals.

KYLIE TO PERFORM AT ‘THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC’ CONCERT

Kylie Minogue will give her only live UK performance this year at London's Hyde Park in September, as part of the 'Thank you for the music' ABBA tribute concert.

The singer, 41, will perform Super Trouper and will be joined on stage by Benny Andersson for a rendition of When All Is Said And Done.

ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus will also perform at the 13 September show.

Minogue said: "The opportunity to perform classic ABBA songs on stage with members of ABBA really is a dream come true."

"Their music has played such a great part in my life from a very early age and I'm thrilled I'll be able to share that with them personally."

Other acts confirmed for the gig, organised by BBC Radio 2, include Lulu, Chaka Khan and The Feeling.

Thank You For The Music: A Celebration of the Music of ABBA, which will be hosted by Chris Evans and broadcast live on Radio 2, will also feature our very own west end cast of MAMMA MIA!, as well as jazz musician Jamie Cullum, former Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri and Elaine Paige.

INTERNATIONAL TOUR CELEBRATES 5 YEARS!

The MAMMA MIA! International Tour will celebrate it's 5th Birthday in Christchurch, New Zealand. The tour opened on 9 September in Dublin in 2004. The company have just finished their Bangkok leg of the tour and so will be resting for the next couple of nights before their first performance in Christchurch on 10 September. To book tickets, click here

SPANISH TOUR BREAKS RECORDS

The Spanish MAMMA MIA! Tour broke the box office records of the Teatro Arriaga on its opening night. They are on their way to beating the box office records of the entire Vasque Country, having sold 36,000 tickets so far. The MAMMA MIA! tour has become a great success since its opening night on 13 August 2009. Since then, over 20,000 people have enjoyed the show in the Arriaga Theatre in Bilbao. The tour will visit over 20 spanish cities from now until June 2010. Book tickets here!

100 PERFORMANCES IN OSLO!

On 20 August 2009, MAMMA MIA! Oslo celebrated their 100th performance at the Folketeateret in Oslo with a very appreciative audience!

Björn Ulvaeus surprised cast and crew with a video greeting, congratulating the production on their achievement and promising to attend the 200th show in December.

Champagne and hotdogs were served backstage to the ecstatic cast and crew after the landmark performance to carry on the celebrations.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR INTRODUCES NEW CAST MEMBERS

The North American Tour welcomes Stephanie Barnum, Vince Corazza and Carole Jones to MAMMA MIA! Their debut performance will be Tuesday 8 September at the Music Hall in Kansas City, MO. During the Kansas City leg the tour will also be celebrating its 3075th performance.

Book tickets for Kansas or any other city on the North American tour!

WINTER GARDEN WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPALS

MAMMA MIA! will welcome Patrick Boll, Alyse Alan Louis, David Andrew Macdonald and Eric William Morris to Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre on Tuesday 22 September 2009. MAMMA MIA!'s new principals join previously announced stars Tony Award® nominee John Dossett and Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel as "Sam Carmichael" and "Donna Sheridan". Alyse Alan Louis will play bride-to-be "Sophie Sheridan", making her Broadway debut opposite Eric William Morris (Coram Boy) as fiancé "Sky". Patrick Boll (Faith Healer) and David Andrew Macdonald ("Guiding Light", Coram Boy) join the company as "Bill Austin" and "Harry Bright", rounding out the trio of men from Donna's past who are Sophie's three possible dads. Click here to order your tickets to catch their first performance!

AUSTRALIAN CAST GET READY TO REHEARSE

The cast for the 10th Anniversary Australian Tour of MAMMA MIA! commence rehearsals on 14 September. It will be a day of reunions with Original Australian Cast Members Anne Wood, Lara Mulcahy, Robert Grubb and Peter Hardy joining with new stars Suzie Mathers (Sophie), David Somerville (Sky) and Ben Nicholas (Pepper).

The cast also includes one of Australia's brightest stars of the world's stage, Michael Cormick who will play Sam.

Tickets for the Sydney and Melbourne seasons are now on sale. Visit www.mamma-mia.com.au to get hold of your tickets.

Thank you for the music - A celebration of the music of ABBA

Radio 2 will join forces with songwriters, producers and former members of the world renowned Swedish pop group ABBA, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, to host 'Thank you for the music... a celebration of the music of ABBA' in London's Hyde Park on Sunday 13 September.

The concert will include exclusive live performances from an array of stars of some of Benny and Björn's most famous songs from their days as of one of the world's greatest pop bands, to music from their recent offerings in musical theatre and folk.

Buy tickets now

MAMMA MIA! WELCOMES DOSSETT AND LEAVEL TO BROADWAY

MAMMA MIA! Broadway will welcome Tony Award® nominee John Dossett and Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel as "Sam Carmichael" and "Donna Sheridan" to the Winter Garden Theatre on Tuesday 22 September 2009.

John Dossett returns to the Broadway company after first starring as "Sam Carmichael" in 2005. He recently starred in the world premiere musicals Giant at Signature Theatre and The First Wives Club at the Old Globe Theatre. Broadway credits include The Constant Wife, Democracy, Gypsy (Drama Desk and Tony Award® nominations), Ragtime, Dinner at Eight, An Almost Holy Picture and Ragtime as well A Little Night Music at The Kennedy Center.

Beth Leavel recently starred in the world premiere musical Minsky's at the Ahmanson Theatre and as "Lucille Early" in City Center Encores! production of No, No, Nanette. She received 2006 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic's Circle and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle awards for her title role performance in The Drowsy Chaperone. She has appeared in the Broadway musicals Young Frankenstein, 42nd Street (original and revival), The Civil War, Showboat and the original company of Crazy for You.

Book now!

MAMMA MIA! OPENS IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2010

A South African production of MAMMA MIA! is set to premiere at Artscape, Cape Town on Sunday 15 August 2010 for a limited season. Thereafter the production moves to The Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg, opening on Tuesday 5 October 2010.

"But I have a talent, a wonderful thing ..." Open auditions will take place at Artscape, Cape Town and The Teatro, Montecasino at the end of August 2009.

Keep checking for further details.

INTERNATIONAL TOUR, BANGKOK: 8 MORE PERFORMANCES ANNOUNCED!

As the premiere of MAMMA MIA! at the Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre approaches, another 8 performances have been announced from 25-30 August. Don't miss the last chance to grab your tickets to experience the guaranteed feel-good musical of the year, MAMMA MIA! in Thailand.

Book here

For more information, please contact:
PR Department, BEC-Tero Entertainment Public Company Limited
Anongsiri (Juey) anongsiri_pr@bectero.com 089-927-6169

LIFE WITH MY THREE FATHERS! MAMMA MIA! BECOMES 14th LONGEST RUNNING SHOW IN BROADWAY HISTORY

Surpassing Original Run of "Life with Father"

MAMMA MIA! officially became the 14th longest-running show in Broadway history on Sunday 2 August when it surpassed the record previously held by the play Life with Father.

When MAMMA MIA! plays its 3,225th performance, the musical also earns the distinction of having run longer than any other straight play in Broadway history.

Seen by over 40 million people around the world, MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating over 3,000 performances in its eighth year at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre and remains among Broadway's top selling musicals.

Book tickets to the show now!

3,050 PERFORMANCES FOR THE US NATIONAL TOUR

On Wednesday 12 August the U.S. national tour will celebrate 3,050 performances in Clearwater, FL at the Ruth Eckerd Hall. The U.S national tour also welcomes new Ensemble member Matthew Tyler to the company! His first performance was July 28 in Charlotte, NC. A fun fact is that Matthew Tyler is married to Rachel Tyler (Tanya).

Check if the US tour is currently playing near you!

DUTCH TOUR: LET THE FUN BEGIN!

The Dutch tour MAMMA MIA! cast have started rehearsals for the first national Tour of MAMMA MIA! in Holland - opening on 25 August - with great enthusiasm.

From now on they are working 6 days a week at the Focus Studios in Amsterdam to prepare for their first performance! The new cast are very thrilled about starting the show and will be meeting the Dutch national press in Holland on 11 August at a perfect 'city' beach in Amsterdam.

Let's hope there is good weather!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BROADWAY’S SKY!

MAMMA MIA!'s Chris Peluso, now starring as "Sky" on Broadway, is featured on Broadway.com's "First Person" page this month.

AUSTRALIA’S SOPHIE AND SKY ANNOUNCED

Australia's newest stars-of-the-stage were revealed this month with the announcement of the actors who will play bride-to-be Sophie and her fiancee, Sky in the 10th Anniversary Australian Tour of MAMMA MIA!

MAMMA MIA! is set to return to Australia for strictly limited seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Suzie Mathers will play Sophie and David Somerville will play Sky. Both Musical Theatre graduates of Perth's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Suzie has been appearing in the Australian production of Wicked and David has just finished a Sydney season of Gutenberg! The Musical.

Tickets for the Sydney season of MAMMA MIA! go on sale August 7 and for the Melbourne season on August 14. To book tickets and for more information please visit: www.mamma-mia.com.au

REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR SPANISH TOUR

A Spanish Tour of MAMMA MIA! begins previews in Bilbao on 6 August 2009 and opens on 13 August 2009 at the Teatro Arriaga. Last month the cast rehearsals began in Madrid with a combination of new and original cast members from the Madrid and Barcelona productions of MAMMA MIA!

Book tickets now!

MAMMA MIA! PREMIERES IN MEXICO CITY

The Mexican premiere was a smashing success on 29 July 2009 in Mexico City at Centro Cultural Telemex Theatre. Co-produced by Ocesa in association with Littlestar, it was a star-studded, exciting night. The cast headed by Rocio Banquells as Donna, was in fine form. All are looking forward to a long run.

Book tickets now!

MAMMA MIA! MEXICO!

A Spanish speaking production of MAMMA MIA! (co-produced by Ocesa) begins previews in Mexico city, Mexico on 22 July 2009 and opens on 29 July 2009 at the Mejor Teatro. Last week, to launch the show, select members of the press were invited into cast rehearsals for a sneak peek and a tour of the theatre to see the set and costumes.

For more info, click here

MAMMA MIA! RETURNS TO HOLLAND

MAMMA MIA! will return to the Netherlands this Autumn as a National tour, touring around the 15 biggest theatres in Holland.

The premiere of this MAMMA MIA! tour will take place on 13 September 2009 in Amsterdam.

The cast has now been announced and will be headed by Lone van Roosendaal as ‘Donna’, John Vooijs as ‘Sky’, Elise Berends as ‘Sophie’, Anouk van Nes as ‘Tanya’, Mylène D’Anjou as ‘Rosie’, Ad Knippels as ‘Harry’ and Rutger le Poole as ‘Bart’, with the part of ‘Sam’ still to be confirmed. Lone Van Roosendaal is well versed in the role of ‘Donna’; she has played the part several times in MAMMA MIA! productions in Belgium, the Netherlands and in Essen and Berlin in Germany.

On 8 June 2009, the cast introduced themselves to the Dutch public at the John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards by singing a highlights-medley of MAMMA MIA!. See the pictures on the left.

To find out more about the Dutch Tour in Dutch, click here
Photos of Dutch cast performance at the John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards, June 2009

MAMMA MIA! OSLO - SEEN BY 100,000 PEOPLE

Audience member number 100,000 arrived at the Folketeatret in Oslo to see the Norwegian production of MAMMA MIA! on 13 June 2009 to be greeted by the management with a bouquet of flowers to congratulate the lucky visitor. The very surprised guest had an unforgettable evening!

On 27 June MAMMA MIA! Oslo closed a very successful first season for the summer holidays. The show re-opens again on 14 August 2009 and the company are looking forward to the second season!

SEE CARMELLO’S CARICATURE AT SARDI’S ONLINE NOW

Watch MAMMA MIA! Broadway’s leading lady Carolee Carmello’s Sardi’s portrait honor unveiling now on BETTER TELEVISION.

Watch segment online here

MAMMA MIA! US TOUR CELEBRATES 3000 PERFORMANCES

The current North American tour of MAMMA MIA! celebrated 3,000 performances in Toledo, Ohio at the Stranahan Theater on Sunday 21 June 2009.

The tour is next playing in Columbus, Ohio from 7 - 12 July 2009 at the Ohio Theatre.

Click here to book

The U.S national tour also welcomes new Ensemble members Lyndsey Cole and Jane Cooke to the company. Their first performance will be 21 July 2009 in Rockford, IL.

THEY DO! REAL-LIFE BRIDES-TO-BE HELP MAMMA MIA! MARK A MILESTONE

On 27 June 2009, the hit musical MAMMA MIA! officially became Broadway’s 15th longest running show, surpassing Tobacco Road at 3,183 performances. To celebrate, a group of real-life brides-to-be (selected via radio contests) gathered at the Winter Garden Theatre to see the record-breaking matinee, followed by a meet-and-greet with the stars, plus champagne and cake. Then came the afternoon’s main event: Brandi Burkhardt, who stars as MAMMA MIA! bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, tossed the bouquet, and the lucky lady who caught it, Lauren Hopkins Sheridan (yes, that’s really her last name!) will receive a honeymoon trip to London to see the West End production of the show. Broadway.com joined the party, toasting MAMMA MIA! and a bevy of brides.

To view photos of the event click here.

BENNY ANDERSSON BAND - FREE CONCERT!

The Benny Andersson Band are to play a free concert on Hampstead Heath, NW3 on Saturday July 4 and the album ‘Story of a Heart’ is released on July 6 on Polydor. For more information, click here

KRISTINA CONCERT EVENT AT CARNEGIE HALL

KRISTINA is the inspiring story of one woman and her family's struggles in Sweden and their subsequent emigration to America in search of a better life. With stirring music by Benny Andersson and lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, this moving musical production has won awards, critical acclaim and is the most popular theatre piece in Swedish history.

For the first time ever, this epic masterpiece has been translated into English and will make its American Premiere for two nights only at Carnegie Hall.

On 23 and 24 September, be part of these historic evenings featuring a cast of over 30 performers led by the original Kristina, Helen Sjöholm, international recording artist Russell Watson and a 50-piece symphony orchestra.

ON SALE NOW! TICKETS START AT $40!

Call CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800 or Visit www.carnegiehall.org, Box Office at 57th St & 7th Ave

For more information visit www.KristinaTheMusical.com

NEW LONDON CAST START 15 JUNE

The new London cast for MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre will start performances on Monday 15 June 2009. The cast will be headed by Sally Ann Triplett as 'Donna Sheridan', with Katy Secombe as 'Rosie' and Jane Gurnett as 'Tanya'. Norman Bowman will play 'Sam Carmichael', Paul Ryan 'Harry Bright', Christopher Hollis 'Bill Austin', Niamh Perry 'Sophie Sheridan', Oliver Hembrough 'Sky', Jodie Read 'Ali', Laura Selwood 'Lisa', Ben Heathcote 'Pepper' and Sam MacKay 'Eddie'. At certain performances the role of 'Donna Sheridan' will be played by Melissa Jacques.

New cast members Sally Ann Triplett, Katy Secombe and Norman Bowman are all West End musical stars with many shows to their credit. Christopher Hollis has made many television appearances including EastEnders, The Bill, A Touch of Frost and Brookside. Niamh Perry was a recent finalist on I'd Do Anything on BBC, competing for the role of 'Nancy' in the current production of OLIVER!

MAMMA MIA!’S NORTH AMERICAN TOUR CAST PERFORM AT THE TONYS

MAMMA MIA!, led by North American Tour "Dynamos" Michelle Dawson, Rachel Tyler and Kittra Coomer had Radio City Music Hall on its feet with a live performance of "Dancing Queen" on the 2009 Tony Award® broadcast on Sunday 7 June.

The Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award®, recognise achievement in live American theatre and are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City.

MAMMA MIA! HEADS TO BASEL!

The International Tour of MAMMA MIA! is once again visiting Switzerland after its hit runs there in 2007 and 2009. From 13 April until 30 May 2010 it will be playing exclusively at the Musical Theater in Basel.

To purchase tickets, click here

For more information, click here

INTERNATIONAL TOUR EXTENDS NEWCASTLE RUN

Metro Radio Arena is delighted to announce that it has just added a fifth week to its Christmas schedule of MAMMA MIA! which will now run from 12 December 09 to 17 January 2010!

Look out for the large lit sign above the main entrance as the Arena prepares for the production's visit.

To book your tickets, click here

CAROLEE CARMELLO’S SARDI’S PORTRAIT UNVEILING

Two-time Tony Award® nominated Broadway favorite, Carolee Carmello, who stars as "Donna Sheridan" in MAMMA MIA! at the Winter Garden Theatre, received one of the theater's most coveted honors when her portrait was hung on the legendary walls of Sardi's Restaurant this month.

"BETTER" was on hand to speak with the grateful leading lady and capture her initial reaction to the unveiling of her portrait. Watch the complete segment online now at: http://tinyurl.com/nhd4x3

Carolee Carmello made her Broadway debut in 1989's City of Angels and has appeared in nine Broadway musicals, garnering Tony Award® nominations for her roles in Jason Robert Brown's Parade and Elton John's Lestat.

She first joined the Broadway cast of MAMMA MIA! during the 2004-2005 season, and returned to her starring role in 2006 following a performing hiatus. Carmello has starred as "Donna Sheridan" on Broadway longer than any other actress.

Seen by over 40 million people around the world, MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating over 3,000 performances in its eighth smash hit year at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED!

Following last month's announcement of the Dynamos and Dads for the 10th Anniversary Australian Tour, auditions will be held later this month in Sydney and Melbourne for the roles of Sophie, Sky, Pepper and the rest of the Australian Company. Potential audition candidates should contact Casting Director, Lynne Ruthven: lrc.admin@bigpond.com

PHOTO FLASH: MAMMA MIA!’S MATTHEW FARVER RINGS NASDAQ BELL FOR SLOAN KETTERING

MAMMA MIA! Broadway cast member and cancer survivor Matthew Farver rang the NASDAQ opening bell in Times Square last week to commemorate the upcoming "Rock and Run" event on 7 June

To check out the photos click here

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center presented their 3rd Annual Rock & Run on the River, a 5K run/walk and outdoor celebration benefiting survivorship programs at MSKCC. http://www.rockandrunontheriver.org/

The third annual event, held on 7 June, raised funds for Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative, a comprehensive program of research, services, and post-treatment care designed to address the challenges faced by cancer survivors and their families

About the Cancer Survivorship Initiative Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative is a model program providing a full range of comprehensive medical services designed to provide continuity of care, from active treatment through follow-up. It employs a team approach that assures cancer survivors continued access to MSKCC's expertise. This expert care is combined with an array of services, including physical rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, and psychological support, all guided by MSKCC's pioneering clinical research. For more information, visit MSKCC's Living Beyond Cancer Web site.

AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ANNIVERSARY TOUR!

MAMMA MIA! is set to return to Australia for strictly limited seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

The 10th Anniversary Australian Tour reunites members of the Original Australian Tour cast reprising their critically-acclaimed performances. Anne Wood stars as Donna, Jennifer Vuletic as Tanya and Lara Mulcahy as Rosie, a role she played on London's West End following her time with MAMMA MIA! Australia.

Robert Grubb returns as Harry, Peter Hardy as Bill and joining for the 10th Anniversary Australian Tour is one of Australia's brightest stars of the world's stages, Michael Cormick as Sam.

Producer, Judy Craymer said, "I'm very excited that MAMMA MIA! is returning to Australia. The show was so embraced by Australian audiences when we opened in 2001, and now, following the popularity of the film and the 10th anniversary in London, we are thrilled to be returning with such a great cast and fresh production."

MAMMA MIA! had its Australian Premiere on 9 June 2001 and the production played for 4 years to over 2.2 million people in 8 cities across 4 countries. Record-breaking seasons were enjoyed in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. MAMMA MIA! then played to sell-out crowds in New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. MAMMA MIA! enjoyed return seasons in Brisbane and Melbourne and closed after 1527 performances as the show celebrated its 4th Anniversary.

To waitlist for tickets and for season dates and venues visit: http://www.mamma-mia.com.au/

BENEFIT CONCERT IN ITALY

In April Nick Grace, Associate Producer of the MAMMA MIA! International Tour was approached by Stefano Curti, the director of the theatre where the Tour were playing in Trieste, Italy, regarding a concert to raise funds for the L'Aquila Theatre, which has been severely damaged by the earthquake in central Italy. The benefit concert took place on Thursday 30 April 2009.

Following the event, Nick Grace said - "The midnight concert last night was a huge success - and the MAMMA MIA! cast were FANTASTIC. With only 2 weeks notice, the cast and band produced a fully staged choreographed hour of west-end show songs. The effort put in by the cast, musicians and crew was really inspiring. The theatre has never in its history organised a midnight concert - so were a little nervous - and are obviously over the moon that the final result was 1,500 (100%) seats sold which raised €26,580."

CAROLEE HAS BETTER TV CHAT!

Two-time Tony Award® nominated Broadway favourite, MAMMA MIA! star Carolee Carmello visited the daily lifestyle television show "Better" to chat with host Audra Lowe about starring as "Donna Sheridan" eight times a week at the Winter Garden Theatre and raising a family with her Broadway leading man husband, four-time Tony Award© nominee Gregg Edelman.

Watch full segment online at Better.tv: http://tinyurl.com/cmdy7m

DANCING WITH THE MAMMA MIA! STARS

April 21 had New Zealanders singing and dancing in the streets as news spread that later this year the International Tour of MAMMA MIA! would be staged in the 3 main cities - Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington.

The announcement was a very special one, featuring an interview with Benny and Björn shot during their recent visit to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the stage show there. The interview was screened at prime time on New Zealand's top current affairs programme.

It didn't stop there though. Five cast members from the International Tour travelled to New Zealand to perform on the country's biggest television show, 'Dancing With the Stars'. Their appearance was watched by over a quarter of the nation as they tuned into the final of the series.

The cast followed up their appearance the next day with a performance on national television and interviews with radio and newspapers throughout the country.

Seasons will open in Christchurch on September 10, Auckland on September 23 followed by Wellington on October 22.

It's been five years since MAMMA MIA! was staged in New Zealand and its box office record remains one of the biggest to this day.

For more information on the New Zealand tour click here

MAMMA MIA! HITS HONOLULU!

The North American Tour of MAMMA MIA! will enjoy the sun, waves and sand during their 3 week engagement in Honolulu. Opening night, Tuesday, May 12 will also be the setting for a gala that will benefit the Women's Cancer Center at Kapiolani Medical Center.

Prior to the opening, on Saturday May 9 Kahala Mall will be hosting a MAMMA MIA! dance contest and MAMMA MIA! wedding expo. On Saturday, May 16 the cast will appear on Honolulu's KSSK Perry & Price Show LIVE from John Dominis performing "Dancing Queen," "Lay All Your Love" and "S.O.S."

SAM TAKES BROADWAY BACKSTAGE!

MAMMA MIA!'s Sean Allan Krill, who stars as "Sam Carmichael" in the New York production, takes Broadway World TV behind-the-scenes at the Winter Garden Theatre for the fourth and final installment of the "Spring Fling" video series and a bird's eye view of the company back stage.

Watch segment online: http://tinyurl.com/da7f35

MAMMA MIA! LONDON CELEBRATES 10 YEARS!

On Monday 6 April 2009, celebrations for the 10th birthday of MAMMA MIA! went off with a bang, when, at the end of the performance at London's Prince of Wales Theatre, the cast were joined on stage by producer Judy Craymer, writer Catherine Johnson and composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, along with confetti, streamers and pyrotechnics. The audience loved every minute of it. Judy Craymer thanked everyone who has been involved with the show over the ten years.

Unfortunately, director Phyllida Lloyd was unable to join the celebrations, as she had work commitments in the States, but many of the original creative team were in the audience on Monday evening. The London production was the first and original production of this worldwide hit musical and remains the touchstone to all the other productions around the world.

MAMMA MIA! TO PLAY THE METRO RADIO ARENA NEWCASTLE FROM 12 DEC 2009 - 10 JAN 2010

The International Tour of MAMMA MIA! will play at the Metro Radio Arena Newcastle for 4 weeks only from 12 December 2009 to 10 January 2010, with a gala press night on Tuesday 15 December. This will be the show's first visit to Newcastle and the International Tour's only UK date in 2009.

Colin Revel, Metro Radio Arena's Executive Director says, "We are delighted that many months of negotiation have come to fruition, representing a major coup for the North East, and we would like to thank all those who have been involved. This world renowned show will be performing in our region for the first time, and in an intimate 'Theatre Format', guaranteeing a superb experience for the 36 shows over the Christmas season".

Since going on general sale to the public on Monday 16 March, initial demand for the International Tour of MAMMA MIA! at Metro Radio Arena has exceeded all expectations; gross ticket sales have already soared well past the £1.5 million pound mark, making it by far the quickest selling event at the Arena since opening 13 years ago! The Arena will be transformed during the show period, featuring a 'Greek Themed' foyer along with many other changes to provide a true intimate Theatre experience.

Tickets, now on sale, are priced from £15.00-£35.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances and all matinee performances, and from £20.00-£39.50 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Tickets are available online www.ticketmaster.co.uk or through the Box Office on 0844 493 6666. For group bookings (10+) call 0191 260 6006 or email mmgroups@smgnewcastle.co.uk. Performances times are Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm. There will be extra matinees on Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Thursday 31 December, and no evening performance on Thursday 24 December.

EXPLORE BACKSTAGE AT MAMMA MIA! BROADWAY!

MAMMA MIA! star Sean Allan Krill, who plays "Sam Carmichael" in the musical on Broadway, takes Broadway World behind the scenes at the Winter Garden Theatre for an exclusive four part video series, with a fresh installment debuting every Monday. Get a backstage bird's eye view as the cast begins to thaw out from a long winter in preparation for Spring.

Watch the first segment online at http://tinyurl.com/cxcfr4M.

MAMMA MIA! RETURNS TO SEOUL

The 8th Korean-language production will open at the National Theatre of Korea (NTOK) in Seoul on 21 June 2009 and run for a 5 week limited engagement. For more details keep checking the website.

BROADWAY CAST DEBUTS AT DINAPOLI

The Broadway cast of MAMMA MIA! was honoured with a "Broadway Wall of Fame" portrait at Tony's DiNapoli Restaurant in Times Square.

View photos here.

MAMMA MIA! OPENS IN OSLO THIS MONTH

The first Norwegian version of MAMMA MIA! is opening at the Folketeatret in Oslo this month to join the other productions currently running around the globe. After months of rehearsals and preparation, previews commence on 10 March 2009 with opening night set for the 19 March 2009.

To book your tickets, click here

COME AND JOIN US TO CELEBRATE MAMMA MIA! LONDON'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

As a fan of MAMMA MIA! we are exclusively inviting you to come and join us for the celebratory 10th anniversary performance at the Prince of Wales theatre, London.

MAMMA MIA! opened in the West End on 6 April 1999, 25 years to the day that ABBA had won the Eurovision song contest with 'Waterloo'. Since then it has opened in over 190 cities and been seen by over 32 million people. Now it is your time to experience it at an extra special performance in the city where it all began, 10 years ago to the day!

Tickets are available at regular prices on a first come, first served basis, so to book yours for this once in a lifetime event, click here or call 0844 482 5115

MAMMA MIA! AT THE LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS

The London company of MAMMA MIA! will be performing at the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards on Sunday 8 March 2009. The 33rd annual Laurence Olivier Awards, hosted by Mr James Nesbitt, will be held in the Great Room at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, attended by over 1000 actors, producers and other theatre industry professionals. MAMMA MIA! will have the honour of closing the award ceremony with the final performance of the night, a fantastic way to mark the show’s 10th anniversary in London.

SNOOPING WITH SOPHIE; STAR BRANDI BURKHARDT LOOKS FOR LOVE BACKSTAGE

“SNOOPING WITH SOPHIE - Star Brandi Burkhardt looks for love backstage”: This feature, filmed behind the scenes of the Broadway production, shows Brandi interviewing fellow cast members Sean Allan Krill, Andy Fenton, Chris Peluso and Judy McLane about their Valentines past and present, and their plans for the big day.

To view, click here

LISTEN TO THE BRADLEY WHITFIELD PODCAST

The North American tour will be in Bloomington playing at the IU Auditorium from 6 March to 8 March 2009 for 5 performances. Click here for an exclusive podcast interview with ensemble cast member, Bradley Whitfield.

To book tickets for the show in Bloomington, click here.

LET'S DANCE FOR COMIC RELIEF TO MAMMA MIA!

BBC1's Saturday night entertainment show 'Let's Dance for Comic Relief' are pleased to announce that the cast of London's MAMMA MIA! are performing on the show this Saturday 7th March. If you would like to come and watch the recording of MAMMA MIA!'s medley performance for FREE this Saturday morning please email nina.clement@whizzkid.tv ASAP to secure your place. We are looking for 50 fans to watch the performance only from 11am - 12noon at Ealing Studios.

MAMMA MIA! PERFORMS AT WHATSONSTAGE.COM WINNERS CONCERT

The London company of MAMMA MIA! will be performing at the Winners Concert for this year's Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards on Sunday 15th February. The concert, hosted by James Corden and Sheridan Smith, will take place at the Prince of Wales Theatre, home of the London production of MAMMA MIA!, and the cast have been asked to appear. The awards have now been running for 9 years but this is only the second time Whatsonstage.com has held a public event to celebrate the announcement of the winners. MAMMA MIA! are proud to be part of the Winners Concert, a highlight in the theatrical calendar, and performing at such a high profile industry event is a perfect way to start the London production's 10th Anniversary year.

US TOUR WELCOMES NEW CAST

The US National Tour of MAMMA MIA!, continuing to play record breaking houses all across North America, will feature several new cast members from 27 February. The production welcomes current Tour cast member MICHELLE DAWSON to the role of Donna Sheridan. Dawson will be joined onstage by LIANA HUNT as Sophie Sheridan, ADAM JACOBS as Sky, MICHAEL ROBERTS MCKEE as Eddie and JENNIFER NOTH to the Ensemble.

REHEARSALS BEGIN FOR OSLO PRODUCTION

2009 began with a song and a dance for the company of the Oslo production of MAMMA MIA!, as rehearsals started on Monday 5 January for the show. The 32 strong company met at the Folketeateret building in the city, the future Norwegian home of MAMMA MIA!, for a guided tour of the theatre and information about their rehearsal schedule.

The first day of work for the new team started with them learning the words for the Norwegian version of Voulez Vous. After a month and a half, and with only 5 weeks to go until opening night, reports are that the company sound fantastic. To book tickets for the Norwegian production, click here.

MAMMA MIA! BROADWAY INTRODUCES BRANDI BURKHARDT

MAMMA MIA! welcomed Brandi Burkhardt to the Broadway cast as bride-to-be "Sophie Sheridan" this month. Read Playbill's "Diva Talk" feature to learn more about the actress. The Broadway production also had its 3,000th performance at the Winter Garden Theatre this month. MAMMA MIA! has surpassed the record-breaking Broadway runs of such legendary musicals as Hello, Dolly!, Annie, My Fair Lady and Oklahoma!.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED!

And finally.for those that have not yet noticed, the MAMMA MIA! website has had a makeover! Mamma-mia.com launched its new site in January, and it is now packed with even more content for the first time user or hardcore fan. Purchase tickets rapidly by going straight to the tickets page, or check out your favourite performers in the latest videos. Have a browse in the online shops or track MAMMA MIA!'s progress over the last 10 years in our timeline. Whatever you want to achieve from visiting mamma-mia.com, enjoy it!

MAMMA MIA! WINS AT THE RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH FILM AWARDS

The Richard Attenborough Film awards are voted for by regional film critics across the UK, with critics voting online over six weeks. This year, homegrown films took the lion's share of awards. However, it was the public that voted MAMMA MIA! as their pick of the year's British films, while The Dark Knight picked up the two remaining People's Choice awards for film of the year and film score. "These ..awards, spread across six remarkable films, bear witness to the world-class standing of British actors and film-makers," said awards host Liz Fuller.

MAMMA MIA! OVERTAKES PIRATES TO BECOME THE BIGGEST DVD OF ALL TIME IN THE UK!

MAMMA MIA! - The Movie has become the biggest selling DVD of all-time in the UK, the Official Charts Company announced earlier this month.

The release, which was issued in mid-November, racked up enough sales during the Christmas break to become the first disc to sell more than 5m DVDs - and overtake Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl as the biggest-selling DVD of all time in the UK.

MAMMA MIA! - The Movie was by far the biggest selling DVD of 2008, selling 5.005m copies, ahead of The Dark Knight's 1.514m. In total, nine DVDs sold 1m units or more in 2008.

On the all-time list - which covers all sales from the launch of the DVD format in spring 1998 right through to the end of 2008 - the ABBA -themed movie disc also overtakes The Curse Of The Black Pearl release's 4.7m units, to become the biggest ever. The two movies are the only two DVDs to have sold more than 4m units in their lifetime, with The Lord Of the Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring in third on the all-time list with 3.9m.

The success of the MAMMA MIA! DVD in 2008 follows an extraordinary year for the franchise. Besides the DVD landmark, the movie has also become the highest grossing movie in UK history, turning over more than £69m. [Universal Pictures announcement, December 2008]

In turn, the movie soundtrack has been confirmed as the the biggest selling compilation of 2008 (selling 1.0m units), while MAMMA MIA! mania also saw three other ABBA -linked albums selling more than 100,000 copies - ABBA Gold (the 19th biggest album of 2008, with sales of 410,000), the London stage recording (85th, 182,000) and ABBA 18 Hits (120th, 134,000).

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot says, "Right from its release, MAMMA MIA! has been a record breaker - when it was issued on DVD, it became the fastest seller of all time."

"This latest landmark further underlines the popularity of the movie, which is now 'officially' the British public's favourite DVD of all time - with one-in-four British households owning a copy." [Based on 21.66m households, according to the 2001 Census (c National Statistics)].

"THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC..."

On 26 January, MAMMA MIA! has its last show in Berlin and also in Germany. MAMMA MIA! opened its first foreign language production in German at the Operettenhaus in Hamburg in 2002, followed by Stuttgart in 2004, Essen in May 2007, and then Berlin in October 2007. Now, having been seen by over 5 million people in more than 6 successful years in the country, we say goodbye MAMMA MIA! and thank everybody who worked for the show, and for their great support and passion during the past years.

BROADWAY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

Click the link below to view a photo call of MAMMA MIA! Broadway's secret weapon getting festive and shutter happy at the Winter Garden Theatre!

Seasonal Snapshots: Backstage at Mamma Mia! with Carolee Carmello

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE - 3 BAFTA NOMINATIONS!

On 15 January, the BAFTAs shortlist was announced, with MAMMA MIA! picking up 3 nominations for OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM (HUNGER, IN BRUGES, MAMMA MIA!, MAN ON WIRE and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE), MUSIC (THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, MAMMA MIA!, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, WALL-E, THE DARK KNIGHT) and Producer Judy Craymer was nominated for THE CARL FOREMAN AWARD (for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer for their First Feature Film) along with SIMON CHINN (Producer) - Man On Wire, GARTH JENNINGS (Writer) - Son of Rambow, STEVE McQUEEN (Director/Writer) - Hunger, SOLON PAPADOPOULOS, ROY BOULTER (Producers) - Of Time And The City.

Winners are announced on Sunday 8 February, so stay tuned.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC LAS VEGAS

After nearly six years on The Strip, MAMMA MIA! concluded its record-breaking engagement at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on 4 January. With more than 2,200 performances and two million guests, the curtain fell on the most successful Broadway production ever to play the Las Vegas Strip. It took 700 yards of spandex, more than 70,000 sequins and 3,700 light bulbs to keep MAMMA MIA! shining bright in Las Vegas during its run. Cast, crew and friends of the show joined together for a final celebration; a celebration of memories, friendship and the music they will be singing for years to come.

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE - NOMINATED FOR 2 GOLDEN GLOBES!

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE has been nominated for 2 Golden Globes - both Best musical or comedy: MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE and Best actress for musical or comedy: MERYL STREEP /MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE.

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE premiered in London on 30 June and consequently stormed the cinema box office in the UK and around the world. The DVD (& Blu-ray) is now on sale in the UK (click here to purchase) and will be released in the US on 16 December - click here to join the MAMMA MIA! conga line!

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE SOUNDTRACK NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY!

The soundtrack for MAMMA MIA! - The Movie has been nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media'. The soundtrack features 17 songs sung by Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski and the rest of the cast. The Grammy awards take place on the 8 February 2009 at the Staples centre in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to see if we pick up the gong!

MAMMA MIA! HOW CAN I RESIST YOU? GOES TO NUMBER 6 IN THE PAPERBACK CHART

The paperback of MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? has climbed to number 6 in the Sunday Times bestseller list. After entering the charts last week at number 10, it has since clambered up the 'paperback non-fiction list' by another 4 places. MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? represents an opening of the backstage door, offering a fresh glimpse into the original creative process, which will trigger a flood of fond memories. For MAMMA MIA! audiences the book is not only a memento of the show but a chance - especially for those who weren't alive to dance to ABBA's music the first time around - to learn more about the songs behind the show and about the people behind the songs. This paperback edition ends the story with insights into MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE and features fascinating interviews with those involved, plus loads of great photos from the set.

Click here to purchase the book

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH MAMMA MIA! BERLIN

		During Christmastime the ensemble of MAMMA MIA! Berlin loves to help charity. For the "Künstler gegen AIDS Gala" in November the cast collected money from the audience after every MAMMA MIA! show. The cheque was given to the "Berliner AIDS Hilfe" during the gala event in the Theater am Potsdamer Platz.
In December MAMMA MIA! and the Christmas market "WeihnachtsZauber" at the Gendarmenmarkt will support various projects with the motto "Mein Berlin, meine Stadt" (my Berlin, my city). The cheque will be delivered on the 14th December on the stage of the white Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt. The Dynamos will also perform a medley of Christmas songs there.

MAMMA MIA! NORWAY NOW ON SALE

In 2009 there will be three new foreign language Premieres of MAMMA MIA! The first will open in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian language production of MAMMA MIA! will open at the newly restored Folketeateret on 19th March. Tickets are already selling fast, but there's still room to be one of the first to see the latest international production. Simply call the box office now on +47 815 11 500 or click here.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE MAMMA MIA! LAS VEGAS

With only one month left before closing, take advantage of your last chance to see MAMMA MIA! and stay at Mandalay Bay with the following great offer! Stay one night and get the second night FREE at Mandalay Bay with rates from $99.99 OR stay one night for $69.99. Visit www.mandalaybay.com/friendsandfamily to book online now or call Mandalay Bay Reservations at 877.632.7800 and ask for offer PFRIEND. *Offer is valid December 1 - 24, 2008.

MAMMA MIA! SAYS GOODBYE TO ITS PUBLIC IN CATALUNA THIS CHRISTMAS

MAMMA MIA!, the most successful musical show in Barcelona, leaves the Catalan stages in its second season. The last show will be on 11 January after having a fantastic run - MAMMA MIA! achieved a national record in sales before the opening night on 29 November 2007. Various highlights from the run in Barcelona included 'Women's Day', when female celebrities of culture, sports, and TV, were invited to see the show, and also when Barcelona cast members met the old Madrid company on stage this November to celebrate 5 years of MAMMA MIA! in Spain. To book your tickets click here

MAMMA MIA! ON CHILDREN IN NEED

BBC's Children in Need is on course to beat the £37m raised last year after a seven-hour entertainment extravaganza. Its host Terry Wogan described it as the "greatest" show to date. Stars from the worlds of music, sport, television and theatre took part and, when the show ended at 0200 GMT, the total raised had reached £20,991,216. One of the highlights of the show on 14 November was when the BBC news readers performed a medley from the stage production of MAMMA MIA!.

Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth, Susanna Reid, Ben Brown, Nicholas Owen and Chris Hollins were joined by former London cast members in a medley of Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen and they brought the house down.

To see the performance again, go to - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7728182.stm

CALL TOLL-FREE TO GET YOUR MAMMA MIA! RINGTONES!

Take a little MAMMA MIA! with you everywhere you go by downloading your favorite ringtones from the movie soundtrack!

Call 877-60-MAMMA (877-606-2662) today from your mobile phone to get hits like "Dancing Queen", "MAMMA MIA!" and more for only $2.49! [The above offer is for US customers only].

*Standard rates and other charges may apply. Available for AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile carriers and not compatible on all mobile phones. Ringtones cost $2.49 each and charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. This is not a subscription. Standard messaging charges apply. Available in the US on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile wireless carriers. Not available for all mobile phones. For help, go to http://www.getmusic.com/help. To opt-out text STOP to 30303.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC BERLIN

On the 26th of January the last show of MAMMA MIA! in Germany will be performed at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. To buy your tickets, click here.

MAMMA MIA! - THE MOVIE BECOMES FASTEST SELLING DVD IN THE UK

MAMMA MIA! - The Movie has become the fastest selling DVD of all time in the UK after its Day 1 sales totalled 1.669 million units. The previous Day 1 sales record was held for 10 years by James Cameron's 1998 epic Titanic which sold 1.1 million units on the first day of release in UK. MAMMA MIA! - The Movie's Day 1 sales have eclipsed Titanic's record by almost 50%. The British feel good sensation stormed the UK box office, making it the biggest grossing British movie of all time in the UK.

Meryl Steep leads the all star cast in the feature film adaptation of the beloved musical which stars Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Stellan Skarsgard and Dominic Cooper.

To purchase the DVD in the UK click here

To purchase the DVD in the US click here

MAMMA MIA! THE MOVIE OUT ON DVD!

Following the phenomenal UK and global success of MAMMA MIA! - The Movie in cinemas this summer, you can now own the feel good film of the year with added extras, and turn your living room alive with magical tunes and irrepressible fun. Featuring exclusive content, MAMMA MIA! - The Movie on DVD and Blu-ray DVD includes never seen before deleted scenes, fun out-takes, the 'making of' and music videos.

MAMMA MIA! - The Movie, coming to DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def on 24 November in the UK, and on 16 December in the US.

To preorder in the UK, click here

To preorder in the US, click here

MAMMA MIA! LONDON CELEBRATES 4000 PERFORMANCES!

The cast and crew of the London show celebrated 4000 performances last week with cake and champagne backstage on Saturday 1 November. The London production first opened on 6 April 1999 at the Prince Edward theatre, before it moved to the Prince of Wales theatre on 3 June 2004.

MAMMA MIA! HOW CAN I RESIST YOU? OUT NOW IN PAPERBACK

		MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? The inside story of MAMMA MIA! and the songs of ABBA Benny Andersson Björn Ulvaeus Judy Craymer Published in paperback in the UK by Orion (£9.99) on 13 November 2008 Through first person recollections from ABBA founding members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and MAMMA MIA! global producer and creator Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? is the first book to explore officially the fascinating inside story of ABBA's songs and the worldwide number 1 smash hit musical and film those songs inspired.
From 1974 to 1982 the Swedish super group known as ABBA - Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad - reinvented the world's perception of pop music, with hits such as Dancing Queen reaching number 1 in 13 countries around the world. With 350 million records sold, the group remains the world's second bestselling band of all time, surpassed only by The Beatles. MAMMA MIA!, the show based around their hits, has become an entertainment industry legend in its own right. Since its opening in London in 1999, the musical has been shown in over 180 cities around the world and has been seen by over 32 million people. This paperback edition ends the story with insights into MAMMA MIA! the movie and features fascinating interviews with those involved, plus loads of great photos from the set. Through the stories, recollections and reflections of ABBA, intertwined with the commentary and observations of the MAMMA MIA! team and the inside look at the film, this book is one for all ABBA and MAMMA MIA! fans.

MAMMA MIA! LAS VEGAS TAKES FINAL CAST PHOTO

MAMMA MIA! Las Vegas took its final cast photo this month. After nearly six years on The Strip, MAMMA MIA! prepares to end its record-breaking engagement at the Mandalay Bay Theatre after celebrating more than 2,100 performances and two million guests to date.

The show's last performance will be on Sunday 4 January 2009.

AIDS GALA AT THE THEATER AM POTSDAMER PLATZ

For the first time the gala for the charity 'Berliner AIDS-Hilfe e.V. - "Künstler gegen AIDS", (artists against AIDS) took place at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz. On 4 November 2008, Berlin's famous actress Judy Winter invited and welcomed 1,800 guests into the theatre. After a 2.5 hour variety show (which included a MAMMA MIA! medley), the charity invited the audience along for a party in the theatre's foyer.

MAMMA MIA! Berlin also supported this charity event by raising and collecting money before the Gala. The cheque was handed out to the Berliner AIDS-Hilfe e.V. during the event.

CAROLEE CARMELLO ON "THE TODAY SHOW"

Check out photos of MAMMA MIA! Broadway star Carolee Carmello's recent performance on NBC's "The Today Show" at Broadway.com.

TICKETS FOR MAMMA MIA! LAS VEGAS FINAL PERFORMANCES ON SALE

MAMMA MIA! will play its final performance at Mandalay Bay Theatre in Las Vegas on Sunday 4 January 2009. Tickets for the final performances went on sale at the end of September. After a long and successful run at Mandalay Bay Theatre, MAMMA MIA! will celebrate more than 2,100 performances and 2 million guests to date. It is the longest-running full length Broadway musical ever to play The Strip.