Mamma Mia! in Aurora

Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical based on the Music of ABBA, a tremendously popular 70s Swedish pop/dance group. The musical was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, choreographed by Anthony Van Laast and composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, former members of the band. The musical’s title is from the group's song “Mamma Mia,” which reached the top of the charts in 1975.

This funny tale is set on a Greek island paradise, where 20-year-old Sophie is preparing for her wedding. She has never met her father but wants him to be present for her special day. Her quest to find him brings three different men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island. ABBA’s music beautifully complements this story of love, laughter and friendship.

In July 2008, a film adaptation was released. It starred Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, Stellan Skarsgard and Julie Walters.

Mamma Mia! Music and Awards

The musical’s original producer, Judy Craymer, realized the theatrical potential of ABBA’s pop songs after hearing "The Winner Takes It All." She met with ABBA songwriters Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1983 and, while they were not initially enthusiastic about the idea of a musical, they were not completely opposed to it.

The musical features many hit songs, such as "Lay All Your Love on Me," "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me," "Money, Money, Money," "The Winner Takes It All," "SOS" and the title track.

The original Broadway production of Mamma Mia! was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Musical, as well as three Drama Desk Awards.

Aurora Tickets

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora was named one of the Top Ten Theatres in Chicago by the League of Chicago Theatres. It provides world-class entertainment that includes its popular Broadway musical series, dance, music and comedy, in addition to children’s programming and free community events.

Get your tickets to see Mamma Mia! in Aurora through StubHub.

Mamma Mia! Trivia

Mamma Mia! is one of the few smash-hit musicals where the major behind-the-scenes collaborative roles were undertaken by women, including lead producer Judy Craymer, book writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Law.

The two ABBA members who composed the musical make fleeting cameos in the film. In the “Dancing Queen” scene, Benny Andersson appears as a piano player. In the closing sequence, Bjorn Ulvaeus can be momentarily seen as a Greek god.