Mamma Mia! Question

[wickedfan11]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 6:55pm

I was wondering how the West End and Broadway productions of Mamma Mia! are different.
Thanks.

[dg22894]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 6:58pm

They are both horrible.


The one on the west end though uses Andrew Loyd Weber songs and the Broadway one uses Abba songs

[TimeSquare3]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 7:01pm

In the London production, the Villa is moved manually. It's automated on Broadway. The Villa also doesn't go off stage in London.

[cooki krisp]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 7:09pm

dg22894 that was really funny!

[TimeSquare3]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 7:18pm

Also, Bill is Swedish in London & Australian on Broadway.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:46pm

I know two things they have in common: They're both unoriginal and cheesy.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:47pm

In the American version, everyone has American accents instead of Greek.
In the British version, everyone has British accents instead of Greek.

[TimeSquare3]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:51pm

What's with all the Mamma Mia hate?

[dg22894]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:55pm

Mamma Mia is just bad with really bad songs which do not relate to the story.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:57pm

Because it's mostly for people who are too tourist to know better.

[Here_I_Go_Again]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 8:58pm

I think and always have its a great show.... its light heart fun!!!
No one ever said it was going to move you like Les Mis or anything, its like cotton candy, Its light fun (a little gay) and tasty.
I think a few of the jokes are changes as well, nothing major though

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 11:21am

Mamma Mia is just bad with really bad songs which do not relate to the story.

Awww...how cute. Except that it's not, it doesn't and they do. Mamma Mia is effervescent ebullient fun, which does not translate to "bad". The songs have been legendary international hits for over 30 years. And most of them have successfully found their way into the book directly relating to the plot.

Because it's mostly for people who are too tourist to know better.

Then how do you explain the millions of locals in every country it plays enjoying the show as well?

I always think it's funny how the musical theatre "fans" (snobs) come out and pretend that any show written and designed as popular entertainment and overwhelmingly successful is automatically dismissed and considered somehow unworthy of Broadway. I guess it is supposed to look very intellectual, impressive and way kewl. But if you actually look to Broadway's roots, you will see that the likes of Mamma Mia are actually closer to the original spirit of Broadway than most of the faux-elitist picks. There is plenty of room for both.

[snowskittle]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 12:33pm

Go Matt!! I agree.

[nealb1]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 3:27pm

Both shows, along with all the other touring companies across the world are keeping actors, musicians, costumers, crew, ushers, producers and box office personnel employed.

And, millions of people are spending money and going to the theatre and having a good time.

[danceallnight]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 5:08pm

I agree that Mamma Mia is great fun. Shows don't always have to be deep or profound. I resisted seeing this show for years but when I finally did, I had a great time. So much so that I am sponsoring a party there in a few weeks. But I overbought the number of tickets I needed. I'll probably post this separately, but I have a few very good orchestra tix available for Sunday matinee, March 1 which I will sell below the discounted price I paid for them. If anyone is interested in the particulars, please PM me. Thanks.

[turquoisefish]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 5:28pm

I haven't seen Mamma Mia on Broadway or in the West End and probably never will but they deserve their places there. The shows are fun, popular and keep actors and musicians (as well as support staff) employed.