Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! is a musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of the 1970's super group ABBA. Music is composed by former members of the band Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.Although the title of the musical is taken from the group's 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia", the plot is not biographical.

Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, who composed the original music for ABBA, were involved in the development of the show from the beginning. Anni-Frid Lyngstad has been involved financially in the production and she has also been present at many of the premieres around the world. The musical includes such hits as "Super Trouper", "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Take A Chance On Me", "Thank You for the Music", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", "Voulez Vous" and "SOS".

Momma Mia!  made its US debut in San Francisco, California at the Orpheum Theatre from 17 November 2000 to 17 February 2001,moving next to Los Angeles, California at the Shubert Theatre from 26 February 2001 to 12 May 2001, and finally to Chicago, Illinois at the Cadillac Palace from 13 May 2001 to 12 August 2001.The Broadway opening was at the Winter Garden Theatre on 18 October 2001 and is currently running, as of September 14, 2011. The director is Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony Van Laast.

Over 42 million people have now seen Mamma Mia! which has grossed $2 billion dollars worldwide. A film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters was released in July 2008.