DMT_Mamma Mia_AUG_17 DMT MOCKUP_D

appreciated the fact that his lyrics could be reinterpreted with a comic
twist, such as on “Take a Chance on Me”. ‘I remember Björn
watching an early workshop of “Honey Honey” and he fell off his chair
laughing, saying “I didn’t write this as funny!” It was a great tribute
to Björn and Benny that they trusted us to play with the songs in that
way.’ In other instances, the team unwittingly nailed a song’s original
intent. ‘Catherine wrote “Chiquitita” as a song shared by Donna,
Tanya and Rosie in the show and Björn said, “That’s so perfect
because I wrote it about women’s friendship,” so there was a kind of
synergy in that sense.’
Despite its idyllic setting, Judy, Catherine and Phyllida didn’t get to
visit a Greek island while they were putting the show together. ‘We
didn’t have any money for research back then,’ laughs Judy. But
when MAMMA MIA! was made into a film in 2008, the team finally
got to see the story in an authentic setting. The experience was a
career highlight for Judy. ‘Although I’d never produced a film of that
size, and Catherine and Phyllida had never written or directed for the
big screen, we felt a kind of confidence in being the original architects
of the show. And I think Meryl and Pierce and all the lovely cast
trusted us because they knew that MAMMA MIA! was in our DNA.’
When it came to producing the film, Judy insisted on using authentic
Greek locations. ‘It was a fantastic experience making the film in truly
idyllic Greek settings – such a contrast to our humble beginnings
developing the stage production.’
In fact, the film wasn’t the team’s first brush with Meryl Streep. After
the actress had seen the Broadway production, she had written a
letter to the Broadway cast, which was passed on to Judy. She wrote
that she had huge respect for the cast and confessed she had snuck
backstage because she wondered how exhilarating it must be to be
in the show. Little did she know that seven years later she would
create the lead role of Donna for the big screen. ‘She loved doing the
film,’ confides Judy. ‘I remember halfway through the shoot, she said
“I’ve nearly finished singing all my songs” and she was a little sad
about it coming to an end. The whole experience was quite magical
so when they asked me to say a few words at the film premiere,
besides thanking everybody I couldn’t think of what to say. So I told
the crowd: “Well I don’t know what you were doing last summer, but
I was on a Greek island with 007 and Darcy!”
Although the film holds a special place in her heart, Judy admits that
she finds every new opening equally exciting. ‘I’ve never been one to
count my chickens, so I always wonder at the start of every new
production whether or not it will work. Opening in London was huge,
but then the Broadway premiere was also phenomenal. I don’t think
I’ve ever really taken my foot off the pedal.’ The fact that the show
has now been translated into other languages is also a source of
pride. ‘We’re the first Western musical to be translated into Mandarin,’
enthuses Judy. ‘And going into Korea was amazing because they
didn’t have a huge history of musical theatre there.’
universal appeal
Judy is also proud of the fact that MAMMA MIA! has created such
empowering leading roles for women. ‘Of course Catherine, Phyllida and
I are all women of a certain age and so I think we understand those
characters – that joie de vivre and slight panic at one’s life being
turned upside down – which has been important in the whole process.
Before MAMMA MIA! there weren’t many contemporary musicals that
focused on women, and particularly older women. So it’s fantastic for
the industry and fantastic for us… Having said that, I don’t want to
make the show sound like some sort of Cocoon with music!’
So why has the show struck such a chord with audiences around
the world? Judy is philosophical. ‘I think people just relate to it and
recognise themselves in the characters. These are universal themes:
the family dynamics, the fact that we all have flaws and are
sometimes given second chances. Also, the music is irresistible
and it is fantastic to introduce ABBA’s wonderful music to
new generations.’
The dancing in the aisles every night certainly confirms the musical’s
ultimate feelgood factor. ‘I love the fact that the show brings
people together and that audiences feel like they have something
in common,’ says Judy. ‘It attracts a repeat audience in a way
that creates quite a community – a family. I’ve heard people ask
their neighbour “Is this your first time?” and that feels incredibly
rewarding. In a world where everyone’s completely battered by news,
it’s nice to feel we’re offering some escapism.’
So whether this is your first or 21st visit – welcome to the family,
and enjoy the show!
© Dewynters