Latest news with #MammaMia!
Time Out
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
‘Mamma Mia!' fans can enjoy a Mediterranean pre-theater dinner this summer
'Mamma Mia!' fans are eagerly awaiting its return to Broadway. When it arrives, they'll have the option of visiting a nearby restaurant for a Mediterranean pre-theater dinner. Coming back to thrill audiences this summer for a limited engagement, the popular play takes place on a made-up Greek island and centers on a woman named Sophie. It's the day before her wedding, and she has aspirations to have her father walk her down the aisle. There's a twist, though. She doesn't know who her dad is. Hilarity, heartfelt moments, and musical numbers ensue. First appearing on Broadway in 2001, this play has mesmerized and entertained countless people for more than two decades. It's returning (beginning with previews on August 2) with an opening night of August 14 at the Winter Garden Theatre. It will run until February 1, 2026. If you have tickets, instead of simply strolling into the theatre with a rumbly, empty stomach, you can stop by IRIS, Chef John Fraser's Greek concept in Midtown, for a curated, themed, pre-theater dinner. Located within a five-minute walk of the Winter Garden Theatre, IRIS will be offering a three-course pre-theater 'Mamma Mia!'-themed menu for $60 per person. Starters include a Greek wedge salad with baby iceberg lettuce, chickpeas, and a feta-dill dressing, spiced lamb flatbread with chili, sumac, and cilantro, or grilled octopus with antep chili-tomato spice, kumquat spoon sweet. Entrees include wild mushroom pastitsio, grilled branzino, or saffron-yogurt roasted chicken. Desserts designed to be shared with the whole table include pistachio baklava and Aegean sweets. This theater-themed menu features more than mouthwatering food. It also features a trio of tiny 'Mamma Mia'-themed martinis priced at $28 for all three, or $10 each. These include Donna's Martini, made with Perry's Tot Gin, Roots Mastic Vintage Strength, and olive bitters; Sophie's Martini, a Pistachio Lemon Drop; and Rosie and Tanya's Martini, a take on a strawberry rhubarb daiquiri. So, if you're planning to attend "Mamma Mia!" on Broadway this summer, make a reservation at IRIS for an epic Greek feast that will prepare you for the music and wonder to come. You'll be glad you did and so will your stomach.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Wanderlust, but make it cinematic: the global rise of set-jetting
If you're a true 'Mamma Mia!' fan, the Agios Ioannis Chapel in Greece will evoke a cherished memory. Image: Greeka Ever found yourself so swept away by the picturesque landscapes of a film or TV series that you added it to your bucket list of destinations? Of course, not everyone can immediately hop on a plane and explore the place that has captured their heart and imagination; such trips require planning and fiscal flexibility. For me, two films stoked my wanderlust. The first was 'Eat Pray Love' with Julia Roberts as the protagonist, rediscovering herself in Italy (Rome and Naples), India (Pataudi and Delhi) and Bali (Ubud and Padang Padang Beach). Everything about her food to cultural experiences gave viewers serious FOMO. Since the movie's release in 2010, many have flocked to these destinations to either have their own 'Eat Pray Love' moment or simply to bask in the joy of exploring them. The other movie was 'Under the Tuscan Sun', released in 2003, with Diane Lane. It was filmed in an off-the-beaten-path village. It was rustic, beautiful and heart-warming. More recently, my obsession with K-dramas has left me fascinated with fascinating Seoul. Just the culture, food and place itself have stolen my heart. My musings do have a point. It is that knock-on effect that film and TV shows have on tourism, with the rise of set-jetting. It started getting some traction with the release of 'Braveheart' (Scotland, 1995) and 'Notting Hill' (London, 1999), which piqued international curiosity. Then, from 2001 to 2003, 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy saw a rise in tourism in New Zealand. And this wave of fandom is sparking a surge in location visits and continues to gain momentum like it did with 'Game of Thrones', which sent fans exploring Croatia, Northern Ireland, Spain and Iceland. And, more recently, season three of 'The White Lotus', which was filmed in Thailand, garnered a similar reaction. For filmgoers looking for a real-life "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" experience, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in New Zealand has become the top destination. Image: Pexels/ Donovan Kelly Below are a few countries that have witnessed a surge spurred on by screen tourism: New Zealand When we think of iconic offerings, this is the place where fantasies are lived out. If you are a die-hard fan of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' franchise, you are going to have to brace yourself for some serious goosebump moments. Places that draw the attention of travellers include Matamata in Waikato. This is the home of the preserved movie set for the aforementioned movies. You can explore Bilbo's Bag End, Green Dragon Inn and The Party Tree and Hobbit Holes. It doesn't get any more immersive than this with guided tours, food and even themed festivals. Other captivating places include Tongariro National Park in the North Island, which has one of the best day hiking trails; Glenorchy (near Queenstown), which is the go-to filming spot for battle scenes; Mount Sunday, Canterbury Region, a desolate hilltop in a glacial valley, which offers panoramic mountain views; and, last but not least, Putangirua Pinnacles in Wairarapa, which is an Instagrammer's dream for capturing eerie and iconic weathered rock formations. Fans of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' will need to make their way to Cathedral Cove, which boasts a dreamy archway to a stunning beach surrounded by white sand. This screams postcard-perfect location. For James Bond aficionados, 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) features prominent action scenes filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora. Image: On the Go Tours Greece Phew, where does one start? There are so many offerings that fuelled the desire to travel here. One of the obvious offerings is 'Mamma Mia!'(2008). It has become the sought-after destination for romantic escapes as well as - no surprises here - ABBA-themed island tours. These are your key stopovers if you want to relive scenes from the movie: Agios Ioannis Chapel (Skopelos): The dramatic hilltop church where the wedding scene was filmed. Kastani Beach (Skopelos): 'Lay All Your Love on Me' scene. Skiathos Port: Departure scenes and ferry shots. Other popular attractions include Athens, which charmed fans of 'Before Midnight' (2013), visiting the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district and the Temple of Poseidon, Sounion. And if you are a James Bond aficionado, some of the prominent action scenes in 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) were filmed on the monastery-top cliffs of Meteora. Interestingly, it is one of Greece's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fans of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' (2023) and 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) have also flocked here to get a taste of what the place has to offer, beyond the lens of the film-makers camera. Times Square, a must-experience destination, has been prominently featured in films such as 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky', and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'. Image: Pexels/ Vladealex9 New York City When you think of pop culture TV shows and films, this is their birthplace. Central Park has been such a key filming location for so many offerings, from 'Home Alone 2' and 'Enchanted' to 'When Harry Met Sally'. Also shot here were the 'King Kong (1933 and 2005), 'Sleepless in Seattle and 'An Affair to Remember' were shot. The bustling Times Square as seen in 'Spider-Man', 'Vanilla Sky' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is a must experience. I have been fortunate to visit this city twice, and the energy that you feel walking through it is something else. Also, I can't get over those Shake Shack burgers, fries and milkshakes. If you are ever in town, try them. The NYSE Building, Charging Bull and Fearless Girl bronze statues, as well as Federal Hall, are renowned in offerings like 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'American Psycho' and 'Inside Man'. 'Sex and the City' and its spinoff 'And Just Like That…' as well as 'Gossip Girl', incentivised the hype around the Big Apple. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, located at 221B Baker Street, has consistently attracted a large number of detective fiction enthusiasts. Image: Pexels/ Anna Kozlova London 'Harry Potter' fans find themselves spellbound in the city. King's Cross Station is popular for that infamous platform departure to Hogwarts. Other landmark places include the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral. Of course, you would be remiss if you didn't visit Buckingham Palace, which is a normal drawcard but, now more so, after 'The Crown', 'The King's Speech' and 'Paddington'. Fans of the whodunnit 'Sherlock Holmes' often stop by the Sherlock Holmes Museum, at 221B Baker Street, as well as the nearby Sherlock Holmes pub, which is bedecked with memorabilia. Hands up if you are a 'Bridget Jones Diary' fan. Well, the Borough Market is worth checking out. Open six days a week, it prides itself on its fresh produce and street food amid a very atmospheric space that tempts the taste buds to no end. Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village has been on the radar for fans of 'Shaka Zulu' and 'The Woman King', offering an authentic historical experience. Image: Tripadvisor South Africa Mzansi isn't without a few key spots that have attracted travellers, too. In the Mother City, places like Camps Bay, Clifton beaches, the University of Cape Town, as well as Cape Town High School, have sparked interest after the release of 'Blood & Water' and 'The Kissing Booth'. The Cape Winelands and Karoo towns have been attracting slow-travellers and foodies, especially after 'Recipes for Love and Murder'. Travellers are drawn to the scenic countryside, too. In Johannesburg, the Oscar-nominated 'District 9' got fans curious about the city's urban charm, which lent itself to the gritty sci-fi landscapes in the film. Thanks to offerings like 'Sarafina!' and 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', which harked back to South Africa's resilient history during apartheid, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Constitution Hill have become popular spots. Not to be outdone, KwaZulu-Natal, where the bulk of 'The Women King' scenes were filmed, has helped put the city on the global map. That's not forgetting 'Shaka Zulu' and the various documentaries and series since the compelling historical series in 1986. Places like Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village, Ulundi and the Valley of a Thousand Hills have become popular tourist haunts.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
From ‘Mamma Mia' to ‘Singin' in the Rain,' here are the best movies to see around Boston this week
The Big Lebowski (1998) Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) finds his days of bowling and getting high upended when two henchmen break into his home, mistaking him for a millionaire with the same name. The millionaire then hires Lebowski to track down his kidnapped wife, sending 'The Dude' and his bowling buddies (John Goodman, Steve Buscemi) on a whirlwind journey of seedy and silly encounters that get in the way of their upcoming bowling tournament. July 29, 7 p.m. $12.50. Landmark Kendall Square Cinema, 355 Binney St., Cambridge. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Jeff Bridges, Steve Buschemi, and John Goodman in "The Big Lebowski." handout Advertisement Happy Gilmore (1996) Revisit a '90s Adam Sandler classic with a free screening of 'Happy Gilmore' to celebrate the July 30, 9 p.m. Free. The Anchor, 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown. Mamma Mia! double feature (2008, 2018) At her Greek island wedding, bride Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) goes against her mother Donna's (Meryl Streep) wishes and invites three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård) with the suspicion that one of them is her father. If that isn't juicy enough, it's also a screen-adapted, Broadway musical comprising solely of Swedish band ABBA's hits. Why? Why not! July 31, 7 p.m. $19.75. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Will Ferrell in a publicity still from "Elf." REUTERS Elf (2003) For Christmas lovers who can't wait another five months to celebrate, you're in luck. Fenway Park will screen the holiday classic family comedy 'Elf,' which follows Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who travels to New York to find his human father, Walter (James Caan). Walter is a book publisher who hates his job, and Buddy's elvish need to spread joy clashes with his father's cynical outlook as someone who pumps out children's content — hijinks ensue and hearts are warmed. July 31, 7:30 p.m. $12, $7 for children. Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St. Advertisement Singin' in the Rain (1952) A movie about silent film stars forced to grapple with the introduction of synchronized sound in Hollywood may seem like a comically dated conflict in 2025. But, it's also an ironic one, because the classic musical numbers in 'Singin' in the Rain' some of the best evidence for why combining image and sound was such a good idea. Whether it's Gene Kelly whirling around a lamppost or Donald O'Connor performing stunts with a mannequin, see why this musical withstands the changing tides seven decades later. Aug. 2-3, 12:30 p.m. $14.50. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. Ryan Yau can be reached at
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Bluey, ABBA, and Romans: Things to do in Gwent this weekend
The weekend fun kicks off for families on Saturday, July 26, as M Cwmbran's store hosts a meet and greet event with the popular character, Bluey. (Image: Supplied) Running from 9am to 5.30pm, visitors can play chef with the Bluey mascot, and participate in various other family-friendly activities at the store. The fun continues at Caldicot Castle with the Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema ExtrABBAganza event. (Image: Supplied) Fans of the hit musical and the Swedish pop group ABBA can sing along to the films Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, which will be screened outdoors. Aside from the films, there will be an ABBA disco, street food, and a bar on site. Visitors are encouraged to dress up and bring along picnics, although alcohol must be purchased on site. The gates open at 5pm and the films start at 6.30pm. Over at Usk, Cardiff's board game enthusiasts, Rules of Play, will be bringing their pop-up shop and games night to the Lines Taproom. (Image: Supplied) A multitude of games will be available for purchase, and visitors can book tables to play games. The event is set to be a fun evening of learning and playing new games. The Landmark Trust is opening the historic Grade-I listed house, Llwyn Celyn, in the Black Mountains, for the July public open days from Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27. The site is free to visit, allowing visitors to explore the historic site and learn about its history and the work of the Landmark Trust. Canines are welcome at Llwyn Celyn and there are two events taking place on the Saturday: poetry and creative writing with Clare E Potter, and writing for wellbeing. To register your interest, email engagement@ The weekend also has a historical highlight, with the 'Meet the Romans' event at Caerwent Roman Town. (Image: Supplied) Running on both Saturday and Sunday, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, visitors can meet Roman centurion Tiberius Claudius Paulinus and his lady, who will be conducting guided tours of the Roman town at 11.30am and 2.30pm. There will be a Silurian wise woman on site, who will be talking about Celtic-Romano herbs at her plant stall. This free event also includes craft activities for children and refreshments.
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Keeley Hawes is a perimenopausal James Bond in The Assassin
The Assassin (Netflix) is Mamma Mia! with a sniper rifle, and it's a treat. Keeley Hawes is in the Meryl Streep role, wearing dungarees on a picturesque Greek island. Her son comes to visit, wanting to know the truth about his father. But they don't get very far into that conversation, because she's a retired hit-woman and things are about to get very bloody. How bloody? Well, the credits include a 'blood specialist'. But there's nothing too grim here. It's a tongue-in-cheek action caper. The tone is reminiscent of Black Doves, the Netflix hit starring Keira Knightley as a gun-toting spy, although a key aspect of Black Doves was the unlikeliness of Knightley as an assassin; by contrast, middle-aged women everywhere will quickly buy into the idea of Hawes capably dispatching victims in between taking her HRT tablets and getting exasperated with her lily-livered son. 'Is that why you only eat mushrooms now? Are you in Extinction Rebellion?' she snorts, when Edward (former child star Freddie Highmore) expresses concern for the environment. Her character, Julie, is referred to in the script as a 'perimenopausal James Bond'. At one point, she murders somebody with a cheese fork. While Julie is forced to flee the island and go on the run with Edward and a handsome village shopkeeper (Gerald Kyd), there are various subplots going on. Billionaire's children Kayla and Ezra (Shalom Brune-Franklin and Devon Terrell) are holidaying on the family super-yacht off the Greek coast and get drawn into the action. In a Libyan prison, a terrified IT specialist (David Dencik) is wondering how he's going to survive in a cell full of homicidal heavies. The series is written by brothers Harry and Jack Williams, who can do serious (Baptiste, The Missing) and silly (The Widow, in which Kate Beckinsale battled through the Congolese jungle for several weeks while her vest remained Persil-white). They also made The Tourist, and The Assassin has the same deadpan humour and sense of the absurd. Highmore is great as the nervy Edward, coming to terms with the bombshell news that when his mum used to tell him she was a 'headhunter', she didn't mean in recruitment. Terrell is also very funny as the dumb billionaire offspring. Summer is usually a dead time for TV, so The Assassin is very welcome. Admittedly, the pace slackens after the first two episodes and it becomes a little less satisfying as the novelty wears off. There are also a couple of logical inconsistencies: why would a professional hitman waste dozens of bullets cutting down bystanders instead of concentrating on their target? Don't think too hard about it. Just enjoy the ride. And beware an angry woman with a cheese fork.
