In high school, I watched “Mamma Mia!“for the first time. I recognized the songs as ABBA’s and reflected, “How did this musical and ABBA collaborate in the first place?”

From Donna’s dazzling girl group to Sophie’s iconic rendition of “Lay All Your Love On Me,” every part of “Mamma Mia!” is iconic in every way. Audiences across movie and musical theaters have been captivated by the young girl Sophie and her quest to find her father.

The Theater Meets ABBA

Before the existence of “Mamma Mia!: The Movie” there was “ABBA: Mamma Mia! — The Musical.”

Judy Craymer was the producer who originally brainstormed taking ABBA’s discography to the stage. In 1983, Craymer met with the writers behind ABBA, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, to propose her idea.

With the blessing of Ulvaeus and Andersson, Craymer carried on with her vision and hired Catherine Johnson, a writer and playwright.

In 2000, the musical debuted at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. In the United States, the musical made stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. It wasn’t long before it made its way to Broadway in 2001. 

The Movie We Know and Love

After the musical’s success, Hollywood approached Craymer to create the movie. However, it was on their terms and with their people. Craymer was not going to let someone take over her project; She ditched offers from directors, such as Steven Spielberg and stuck with her original team. Soon with the support of Tom Hanks’ production company, Playtone, Mamma Mia! began production.

The film was truly star studded with actors such as Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan. Scenes were filmed on the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, as well as Shepperton Studios and Pinewood Studios in London.

The vibrancy and romantic landscapes of the film capture the feeling of summer we all strive for. The performances of ABBA’s smash-hits, “The Winner Takes It All,” “Dancing Queen” and “Lay All Your Love On Me” are not only iconic but bring so much comfort and joy.

Sequels and Rumors

With two golden globes under the movie’s belt, the story continued to unravel with the sequel of, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”The sequel tells the story of Donna’s past, and Sophie’s unexpected present.

Many fans agree that this is the favorite of the two films. Something about young Donna’s fearlessness, the summer romance and more of ABBA’s hits make it the perfect feel-good movie.

Does the story end there? Fans hope not, and apparently, Craymer agrees.

“There has to be another one, because people want it,” she said.

Would the story pick up with Sophie’s life? Will the mysteries of Donna’s past be revealed? There are endless possibilities for a third movie; we’ll just have to wait and see!

A Legacy That Will Continue On

“Mamma Mia!” is not just a story of a girl who doesn’t know her dad, but of exploration, romance and lots of dance breaks! Twenty-four years after the musical’s debut, and it’s clear that “Mamma Mia!” is an instant classic for the generations.

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@haileyedmonds8