MAMMA MIA! Review: The Hit Musical Has Arrived In Singapore This October & November

MAMMA MIA! needs no introduction. The hit musical was made into a film in 2008, propelling it into mainstream stardom. Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM and presented in Singapore by Base Entertainment Asia, the MAMMA MIA! musical has made its way to Singapore this October and November at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.

The musical features Swedish music group ABBA's timeless hits including "Dancing Queen", "The Winner Takes It All", and, of course, "Mamma Mia". These catchy songs are weaved into the plot, much like the TV show Glee, that tells a tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island.

Photo from Littlestar, Universal and NGM

Most of us are already well-acquainted with this musical through the film, so is it worth seeing live on stage? Well, it will be for most!

Unlike film-watching, or even traditional stage musicals, the MAMMA MIA! musical has an element of interaction where, for a moment, you can feel like you're part of an idyllic 70s world of sparkly outfits, fabulous hair and spontaneous singing. On opening night, the encore had the whole theatre on their feet, singing and dancing along with the cast. Other songs had the audience clapping along and bobbing their heads to the infectious music. It's something that can’t compare to a one-way viewing experience.

Photo from Littlestar, Universal and NGM

Although the musical shined most during the musical numbers, the story also had its moments. There was something deeply relatable about the bond between Sophie and her mother, Donna, which was beautifully portrayed by Jess Michelmore and Sara Poyzer respectively. Heartfelt moments were balanced by humorous scenes including some surprisingly raunchy jokes that drew plenty of laughs.

The cast was fantastic and everyone had great chemistry. Donna and her friends Rosie and Tanya, the latter two played by Nicky Swift and Sarah Earnshaw, were the standouts of the show. I'd say this charismatic trio alone made the tickets worth it! They had incredible stage presence and delivered the best vocal performances of the night.

Photo from Littlestar, Universal and NGM

Besides the music, the production's entertainment value was also bolstered by the happenings on stage, namely the creative and rather humorous choreography, and supporting actors with high, unlimited "battery".

Speaking of the stage, that's where the flaws come in. The set was made up of two moving wall-like structures that were creatively arranged to create different locations. Decorating this was a single suspended "tree", some very forgettable furniture, and two wavy frames around the stage. It was far too minimalist for my liking, especially when compared to musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, and failed to capture the beauty of Greece. Still, MAMMA MIA! scores high on aesthetic on the whole as the costume team came through with flamboyant 70s fashion.

Despite some of its shortcomings, MAMMA MIA! is guaranteed to be a feel-good time that'll leave you with a lasting dopamine boost.

MAMMA MIA!
Performance Season: 19 October to 5 November 2023
Venue: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
Times: Tuesdays to Thursdays; 8pm Fridays; 8pm and Saturdays; 2pm & 8pm Sundays; 1pm & 6.30pm
Duration: 150 minutes including 20 minutes intermission
Ticket prices: from $68
Book tickets: sistic.com.sg & marinabaysands.com

MAMMA MIA! might be the highlight of the year for musical fans, but there's even more to look forward to next year. Matilda The Musical and HAMILTON will be making a stop in Singapore in 2024.