The main cast and scenes from "Mamma Mia!." Photos courtesy of the show organizer
Now through July 21, audience members in Shenzhen have the opportunity to enjoy the smash hit musical "Mamma Mia!" from London's West End at the ACOrange Theater at the Nanshan Culture and Sports Center.
One of the longest-running theatrical productions in West End's history, the show made its debut in London in 1999 and has been performed there more than 9,000 times.
With a Broadway version smashing various records, a touring version attracting millions of viewers in 42 countries and regions, 50 versions in 16 different languages, and an overall box office revenue of more than US$4 billion, it is undoubtedly one of the most successful musicals of all time.
Set on a Greek island, "Mamma Mia!" revolves around Donna, a single mom who runs a taverna, and her 20-year-old bride-to-be daughter Sophie.
To make her upcoming wedding perfect, Sophie is determined to find her father, whom she knows little about and her mother Donna always refuses to talks about, and have him walk her down the aisle.
After finding out from Donna's diary that there are three men who could be her father, she sends each of them an invitation to the wedding in her mother's name, and thus leading to a story that is dramatic, chaotic yet heart-warming.
Seventeen years since its first and only tour in China, which only covered Shanghai and Beijing, the musical, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has added more Chinese cities on its latest round of international tour.
"The show is exactly the same as 17 years ago, with the only difference being this wonderful cast," said Adam Philpott, the musical's director, at a press conference Thursday, a day before the musical's debut in Shenzhen.
"You will hear the same music, and see the same choreography, the same lighting ... Everything will be the same. The only difference will be what these brilliant actors bring to their roles, and we encourage everybody to bring their own personality. "
A production capturing both viewers' eyes and ears, "Mamma Mia!" boasts a song list which even those unfamiliar with the musical may find familiar. From "Money Money Money," "Mamma Mia," to "Dancing Queen," the chart-topping hits of Swedish pop group ABBA exude a retro disco vibe that will have you swaying to the music.
Whatever your age or stage in life, this story of love, friendship, freedom and more will guarantee two and a half hours of joy and good feeling.
Dates: Through July 21 (except for July 15)
Time: 8 p.m. with additional performances at 2:30 p.m. on weekends
Tickets: 180-1,180 yuan (various discounts available)
Venue: ACOrange Theater, Nanshan Culture and Sports Center, Nanshan District
Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station, Exit B, and then walk around 800 meters