Musical celebrates music of Abba
The new look production of Mamma Mia! with an all-South African cast will be staged at the Artscape Opera House from Wednesday March 6 to Sunday April 7.
The show features the timeless ABBA songs composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including Knowing Me, Knowing You; Dancing Queen; I Have a Dream; and Voulez Vous.
Written by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is a tale of family and friendship that unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the evening of her wedding, daughter and bride-to-be Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past back to the island they visited 20 years ago in the hope of discovering which one is her father.
Reprising their roles of Donna and the Dynamos from the 2010/11 Mamma Mia! SA production are multi award-winning actresses Gina Shmukler as the vulnerable mother-of-the-bride, Donna Sheridan; Kate Normington as the flirtatious Tanya; and Ilse Klink as the free-spirited, feisty Rosie.
“We are delighted to bring Gina, Kate and Ilse back to the stage in roles that they are born to play,” says Showtime’s Hazel Feldman. “We expect new audiences will easily fall in love with their colourful characters and returning audiences will re-connect with the sparkling chemistry these three wonderful actresses bring to Mamma Mia!”
Joining the Dynamo’s on stage are Kiruna-Lind Devar as the bride-to-be, Sophie Sheridan and Gianluca Gironi as Sophie's fiancée, Sky.
Actor, businessman and conservationist, Emmanuel Castis will delight audiences in the role of the charismatic Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie's three possible fathers. “Dad number two” candidate is Matt Newman and Tiaan Rautenbach who recently captivated audiences locally and abroad as Buddy in We Will Rock You, is Bill Austin, another possible father of the bride.
Sophie's friends Ali and Lisa are played by Ntshikeng Matooane and Sunny Yoon with Chad Baai and Bradley Smith as Sky's friends, Pepper and Eddie.
The female ensemble includes Jackie Lulu, Tannah Levick, Ashleigh Butcher, Nicolette Fernandes, Chantal Stanfield, Carmen Pretorius and Alexandra Girard who is also the dance captain. The male ensemble features Stuart Brown, Austin Tshikosi, Justin Swartz, Michael Fullard, Gareth Meijsen, Ryan Flynn and Dirk Joubert.
Featuring a full South African cast, crew, and band the creative team is led by the award-winning director, Janice Honeyman working with choreographer, Duane Alexander; musical director, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder; resident/associate director, Timothy Le Roux; scenic and lighting design by Denis Hutchinson; sound design by Mark Malherbe and costume design by Susan Daniels. Alistair Kilbee of Gearhouse Splitbeam is the technical director and Peter Taylor is the company manager.
Tickets cost from R200. Book through www.showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster. There are discounts on Tuesdays; for groups of more than 20; and for school student groups via sales@showtime.co.za or call Jill Somers during office hours from 9am to 5pm, on 079 218 1658.