By: Karlos Tse ‘27
If you’ve clicked on this article, you’ve probably watched Mamma Mia, so there’s no point in summarizing this wonderful play. However, whether you were performing or tapping your toes in the audience, did you ever wonder, why ABBA?
Background
Mamma Mia was created in the early 1990s by Judy Craymer, the producer. She was intrigued by ABBA’s music and worked alongside 2 of ABBA’s members, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus to create the play. Unlike most plays where the music comes from the story, Craymer created a world surrounded by the powerful storytelling and emotional themes of ABBA’s melodies and created her own musical world. This type of play is called Jukebox Plays.
In addition to their already incredible lyrics, Craymer chose ABBA’s music because by the 1990s, ABBA’s music was popular yet had become nostalgic enough.
If you’ve seen other plays, you’ll notice that Mamma Mia isn’t quite like the others. This play isn’t a huge drama or tragedy. This is because Craymer desired a feel-good musical for audiences to enjoy. Because of this innovative and unorthodox writing, the public responded with toe-tapping and standing ovations. Mamma Mia quickly grew in popularity and was made into a movie in 2008.
Personal Review
Though I am no critic , I must say, I’m a fan of ABBA and of Mamma Mia. Over the summer break, I traveled to London where I saw Mamma Mia in the Novello Theatre. This year’s cast and crew did not disappoint. The vocals and live music gave off an authentic and immersive atmosphere while the choreography utilised all 3 dimensions of the theatre with the detailed set including stairs and a balcony that both the actors and musical crew fully exploited. The additional detail of money falling from the sky literally went above and beyond. No doubt, this play and all its contributors deserved the standing ovation and the rating of High Extending.
What Now?
With the 2026 WPGA theatre production coming to a close, Mamma Mia hasn’t had its last tune. Mamma Mia is currently touring in North America with dates for Vancouver confirmed for May 26-31 at 7:00PM (matinee on the 30th and 31st). They will be performing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. So if you enjoyed the school production, these tickets are exactly what you need for that feel-good sensation. Spend a night with friends or family and see if the professionals can live up to the exceptional performance of our school. Link to buy these tickets is here: https://vancouvercivictheatres.com/events/broadway-across-canada-mamma-mia-may-26-31-2026/
Mamma Mia 3?
It seems Mamma Mia is on a resurgence, as in addition to our school play, Mamma Mia is back on Netflix! It was removed in January, however, it was restored in February.
This doesn’t seem to be the last for the Mamma Mia franchise either! Mamma Mia 3 is now confirmed and is currently in the early stages of production. Despite Meryl Streep’s character, Donna, dying sometime between the first and second movie (yes there is a second Mamma Mia), producers are keen on bringing her back. NBCUniversal states, “If Meryl Streep would like to come back, we’ll find a way to bring her back.”
What’s Next?
Next year, WPGA’s esteemed theatre company will put on another show called Come From Away. This musical follows the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers who were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, during the 9/11 attacks. In this play, you can look forward to the graduating year of 2027 leading these roles.