Latest news with #Craymer
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Mamma Mia!' returns to Broadway after a decade away
When the musical Mamma Mia! said goodbye to Broadway a decade ago, there were tears and hugs and loads of applause. In the audience of its last show, one woman wasn't entirely buying it. "I felt then that it wasn't goodbye forever. I felt we'd be back one day,' says producer Judy Craymer, who had conceived of the show in the 1980s. "I always hoped.' That one day has become as the Abba-fuelled, feel-good musical has returned to its first home on Broadway, the Winter Garden Theatre. It reopened on Thursday night. "It's like when you go to visit the old place where you went to high school,' says Victor Wallace, who made his Broadway debut in the show in 2012, stayed to the final curtain in 2015 and has returned. "There's so many backstage stories and people and I'm a little overwhelmed.' Fans have fuelled the return of Mamma Mia! to make it among the top earners on Broadway, last week grossing US$1.57mil (RM6.61mil) over seven previews, fourth behind only Wicked, The Lion King and Hamilton. Mamma Mia! endured plenty during its first Broadway life - wars, hurricanes, the 2008 financial meltdown, the move to a smaller theatre and critics, who never warmed to the show's high-energy sweetness. A hit in London - where it is still playing - Mamma Mia! opened in New York just a few weeks after the 2001 terror attacks when there was deep gloom and anxiety. Christine Sherrill, who recently toured as the show's mom and is now making her Broadway debut in the role, says audiences are responding to another time of stress. "We're kind of in a time of peril again, where communities are divided. So to be able to go into some of these cities and have 3,000 people - who would never find themselves enjoying the same thing outside of the theater - sitting there all enjoying this communal experience is really interesting.' The show, featuring more than 20 classic Abba hits, including "Dancing Queen' and " Waterloo, ' has been a smash in dozens of countries, including South Korea, Italy, Denmark, South Africa and Spain. Craymer sees the data about the new flock of theatregoers and notes this Mamma Mia! is popular with groups. "There were people that had seen it on Broadway - probably when they were younger - and now coming back in their 20s and 30s and then bringing their daughters or family.' Craymer decades ago approached members of Abba and made her pitch: Instead of doing a musical about the band, she insisted that their songs help tell an original story. Craymer teamed up with playwright Catherine Johnson, and a story set on a Greek island was born about a young woman who is about to be married and wants her father to give her away. But she's not sure who he is, so she invites her mom's three former lovers to her wedding. The musical prompted Craymer to produce a movie version starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, that became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. A sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, came out a decade later. Abba's music continues to be the backdrop for numerous popular TikTok trends. In some way mirroring the joy onstage, backstage at Mamma Mia! is a party backstage, too, with milestones celebrated, outings, door decorating contests and gatherings "Because of the nature of the show, I think it just bleeds into life backstage and that joy that you see on stage, it just overflows into our lives,' says Wallace. Wallace, who started in the musical's ensemble and grew to play the young leading man, Sky, and now is one of the three possible dads, says the show is about friendship, parenthood, hope and second chances. "It's always surprising how the show surprises you emotionally,' he says. "It's a great time. It's fun. But I think people identify with these themes and these characters and I think that people are caught off guard as to how the show captures their heart and moves them.' Sherrill looks at the story through a mother's eyes and realises she's a different person than she was before she had twins. She offers another theme. "It's a lot about finding your identity,' she says. "I think that appeals to people on all levels - all people, all levels. Everyone's trying to figure out who they are and what the best version of themselves is. So, I think, that's sort of a universal message that's really playing on people's heartstrings as well, at least mine.' - AP
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Mamma Mia!' returns to Broadway after a decade away, bringing the dance party back to New York
NEW YORK (AP) — When the musical 'Mamma Mia!' said goodbye to Broadway a decade ago, there were tears and hugs and tons of applause. In the audience of its last show, one woman wasn't entirely buying it. 'I felt then that it wasn't goodbye forever. I felt we'd be back one day,' says producer Judy Craymer, who had conceived of the show in the 1980s. 'I always hoped.' That one day has become today as the ABBA-fueled, feel-good musical returns to its first home on Broadway, the Winter Garden Theatre. It reopens Thursday night. 'It's like when you go to visit the old place where you went to high school,' says Victor Wallace, who made his Broadway debut in the show in 2012, stayed to the final curtain in 2015 and has returned. 'There's so many backstage stories and people and I'm a little overwhelmed.' Fans have fueled the return of 'Mamma Mia!' to make it among the top earners on Broadway, last week grossing $1.57 million over seven previews, fourth behind only 'Wicked,' 'The Lion King' and 'Hamilton.' 'A time of peril' 'Mamma Mia!' endured plenty during its first Broadway life — wars, hurricanes, the 2008 financial meltdown, the move to a smaller theater and critics, who never warmed to the show's high-energy sweetness. A hit in London — where it is still playing — 'Mamma Mia!' opened in New York just a few weeks after the 2001 terror attacks when there was deep gloom and anxiety. Christine Sherrill, who recently toured as the show's mom and is now making her Broadway debut in the role, says audiences are responding to another time of stress. 'We're kind of in a time of peril again, where communities are divided. So to be able to go into some of these cities and have 3,000 people — who would never find themselves enjoying the same thing outside of the theater — sitting there all enjoying this communal experience is really interesting.' The show, featuring more than 20 classic ABBA hits, including 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo,' has been a smash in dozens of countries, including South Korea, Italy, Denmark, South Africa and Spain. Craymer sees the data about the new flock of theatergoers and notes this 'Mamma Mia!' is popular with groups. 'There were people that had seen it on Broadway — probably when they were younger — and now coming back in their 20s and 30s and then bringing their daughters or family.' A Greek story is born Craymer decades ago approached members of ABBA and made her pitch: Instead of doing a musical about the band, she insisted that their songs help tell an original story. Craymer teamed up with playwright Catherine Johnson, and a story set on a Greek island was born about a young woman who is about to be married and wants her father to give her away. But she's not sure who he is, so she invites her mom's three former lovers to her wedding. The musical prompted Craymer to produce a movie version starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, that became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. A sequel, 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,' came out a decade later. ABBA's music continues to be the backdrop for numerous popular TikTok trends. In some way mirroring the joy onstage, backstage at 'Mamma Mia!' is a party backstage, too, with milestones celebrated, outings, door decorating contests and gatherings 'Because of the nature of the show, I think it just bleeds into life backstage and that joy that you see on stage, it just overflows into our lives,' says Wallace. Themes of the 'Mamma' Wallace, who started in the musical's ensemble and grew to play the young leading man, Sky, and now is one of the three possible dads, says the show is about friendship, parenthood, hope and second chances. 'It's always surprising how the show surprises you emotionally,' he says. 'It's a great time. It's fun. But I think people identify with these themes and these characters and I think that people are caught off guard as to how the show captures their heart and moves them.' Sherrill looks at the story through a mother's eyes and realizes she's a different person than she was before she had twins. She offers another theme. 'It's a lot about finding your identity,' she says. 'I think that appeals to people on all levels — all people, all levels. Everyone's trying to figure out who they are and what the best version of themselves is. So, I think, that's sort of a universal message that's really playing on people's heartstrings as well, at least mine.'
4 days ago
- Entertainment
'Mamma Mia!' returns to Broadway after a decade away, bringing the dance party back to New York
NEW YORK -- When the musical 'Mamma Mia!' said goodbye to Broadway a decade ago, there were tears and hugs and tons of applause. In the audience of its last show, one woman wasn't entirely buying it. 'I felt then that it wasn't goodbye forever. I felt we'd be back one day,' says producer Judy Craymer, who had conceived of the show in the 1980s. 'I always hoped.' That one day has become today as the ABBA-fueled, feel-good musical returns to its first home on Broadway, the Winter Garden Theatre. It reopens Thursday night. 'It's like when you go to visit the old place where you went to high school,' says Victor Wallace, who made his Broadway debut in the show in 2012, stayed to the final curtain in 2015 and has returned. 'There's so many backstage stories and people and I'm a little overwhelmed.' Fans have fueled the return of 'Mamma Mia!' to make it among the top earners on Broadway, last week grossing $1.57 million over seven previews, fourth behind only 'Wicked,' 'The Lion King' and 'Hamilton.' 'Mamma Mia!' endured plenty during its first Broadway life — wars, hurricanes, the 2008 financial meltdown, the move to a smaller theater and critics, who never warmed to the show's high-energy sweetness. A hit in London — where it is still playing — 'Mamma Mia!' opened in New York just a few weeks after the 2001 terror attacks when there was deep gloom and anxiety. Christine Sherrill, who recently toured as the show's mom and is now making her Broadway debut in the role, says audiences are responding to another time of stress. 'We're kind of in a time of peril again, where communities are divided. So to be able to go into some of these cities and have 3,000 people — who would never find themselves enjoying the same thing outside of the theater — sitting there all enjoying this communal experience is really interesting.' The show, featuring more than 20 classic ABBA hits, including 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo,' has been a smash in dozens of countries, including South Korea, Italy, Denmark, South Africa and Spain. Craymer sees the data about the new flock of theatergoers and notes this 'Mamma Mia!' is popular with groups. 'There were people that had seen it on Broadway — probably when they were younger — and now coming back in their 20s and 30s and then bringing their daughters or family.' Craymer decades ago approached members of ABBA and made her pitch: Instead of doing a musical about the band, she insisted that their songs help tell an original story. Craymer teamed up with playwright Catherine Johnson, and a story set on a Greek island was born about a young woman who is about to be married and wants her father to give her away. But she's not sure who he is, so she invites her mom's three former lovers to her wedding. The musical prompted Craymer to produce a movie version starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, that became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. A sequel, 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,' came out a decade later. ABBA's music continues to be the backdrop for numerous popular TikTok trends. In some way mirroring the joy onstage, backstage at 'Mamma Mia!' is a party backstage, too, with milestones celebrated, outings, door decorating contests and gatherings 'Because of the nature of the show, I think it just bleeds into life backstage and that joy that you see on stage, it just overflows into our lives,' says Wallace. Wallace, who started in the musical's ensemble and grew to play the young leading man, Sky, and now is one of the three possible dads, says the show is about friendship, parenthood, hope and second chances. 'It's always surprising how the show surprises you emotionally,' he says. 'It's a great time. It's fun. But I think people identify with these themes and these characters and I think that people are caught off guard as to how the show captures their heart and moves them.' Sherrill looks at the story through a mother's eyes and realizes she's a different person than she was before she had twins. She offers another theme. 'It's a lot about finding your identity,' she says. 'I think that appeals to people on all levels — all people, all levels. Everyone's trying to figure out who they are and what the best version of themselves is. So, I think, that's sort of a universal message that's really playing on people's heartstrings as well, at least mine.'
News18
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sabrina Carpenter To Star In Mamma Mia 3 As Amanda Seyfried's Daughter? Know Here
Last Updated: While makers are interested in casting the singer, an official announcement is awaited. Sabrina Carpenter is being lined up to star in Mamma Mia! 3. The 'Espresso' hitmaker is wanted by producer Judy Craymer to star in the third movie based on the ABBA musical of the same name in a role connected to the late Donna Sheridan–Carmichael (Meryl Streep). Craymer told Deadline, 'She'd be a goddess or some relation who would look very much like Meryl Streep." Sabrina, 26, is known to be a huge fan of ABBA and has performed some of the legendary Swedish group's hits on her Short n' Sweet tour. The producer came up with the idea for the Mamma Mia! musical, which launched in London's West End back in 1999, and explained that she has a script ready to go for the third flick. Craymer said, 'Well, we know what we want to do with the movie, and it will happen. And I mean, we brought together this amazing group of movie stars that were all connected through it, and huge friendships evolved." The original Mamma Mia! film was released in 2008 and featured an all-star cast including Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried. It was followed by the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in 2018. Seyfried has previously championed the idea of Sabrina appearing in the third flick as her character Sophie's daughter, should the movie come to fruition. Quizzed about the prospect despite the singer only being 13 years her junior, the 39-year-old actress told ABC News last year, 'You know what? Old age makeup for me. That's what it will be. … I'm an actor. I'll do it. If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I'll make it happen. It's fine. She's … I'm a big fan." Amanda revealed at the time that she hadn't seen a screenplay for the third Mamma Mia! instalment but underlined that 'everybody says it's gonna happen". She said: 'Mamma Mia! 3, let's go baby. Everybody says it's gonna happen. But I mean, I haven't seen a script." Fellow cast member Christine Baranski previously revealed that Craymer was working on getting a third entry in the franchise to the big screen. She told The Hollywood Reporter, 'I was in London with Judy Craymer at our favourite watering hole, she is planning Mamma Mia! 3. She gave me the narrative plotline of how it's going to happen. That's all I can say! But, it's not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Craymer makes things happen." Baranski is convinced that the producer has the pulling power to get such a starry cast back together for a third film. The 73-year-old actress said, '[Craymer] made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn't put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together." First Published:
Perth Now
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sabrina Carpenter eyed for role in Mamma Mia! 3
Sabrina Carpenter is being lined up to star in 'Mamma Mia! 3'. The 'Espresso' hitmaker is wanted by producer Judy Craymer to star in the third movie based on the ABBA musical of the same name in a role connected to the late Donna Sheridan–Carmichael (Meryl Streep). Craymer told Deadline: "She'd be a goddess or some relation who would look very much like Meryl Streep." Sabrina, 26, is known to be a huge fan of ABBA and has performed some of the legendary Swedish group's hits on her Short n' Sweet tour. The producer came up with the idea for the 'Mamma Mia!' musical, which launched in London's West End back in 1999, and explained that she has a script ready to go for the third flick. Craymer said: "Well, we know what we want to do with the movie, and it will happen. "And I mean, we brought together this amazing group of movie stars that were all connected through it, and huge friendships evolved." The original 'Mamma Mia!' film was released in 2008 and featured an all-star cast including Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried. It was followed by the sequel 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' in 2018. Seyfried has previously championed the idea of Sabrina appearing in the third flick as her character Sophie's daughter should the movie come to fruition. Quizzed about the prospect despite the singer only being 13 years her junior, the 39-year-old actress told ABC News last year: "You know what? Old age makeup for me. That's what it will be. … I'm an actor. I'll do it. "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I'll make it happen. It's fine. She's … I'm a big fan." Amanda revealed at the time that she hadn't seen a screenplay for the third 'Mamma Mia!' installment but underlined that "everybody says it's gonna happen". She said: "'Mamma Mia! 3', let's go baby. "Everybody says it's gonna happen. But I mean, I haven't seen a script." Fellow cast member Christine Baranski previously revealed that Craymer was working on getting a third entry in the franchise to the big screen. She told The Hollywood Reporter: "I was in London with Judy Craymer at our favourite watering hole, she is planning 'Mamma Mia! 3'. She gave me the narrative plotline of how it's going to happen. That's all I can say! "But, it's not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Craymer makes things happen." Baranski is convinced that the producer has the pulling power to get such a starry cast back together for a third film. The 73-year-old actress said: "[Craymer] made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn't put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together."
