“MAMMA MIA!” is coming to New Zealand

  
 
 
Press release, Tuesday, April 21, 2009
THE GLOBAL SMASH HIT 
 COMES TO NEW ZEALAND
CHRISTCHURCH, AUCKLAND & WELLINGTON
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

The world’s biggest show “MAMMA MIA!” is coming to New Zealand this September, October & November 2009.

This theatrical extravaganza -- that continues to smash box office records around the world -- will open in Christchurch on September 10, Auckland on September 23 followed by Wellington on October 22. All seasons are strictly limited.

Featuring 22 of ABBA’s hits including CHIQUITITA, DANCING QUEEN, I HAVE A DREAM, KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU, THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL, SUPER TROUPER, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME and VOULEZ-VOUS, MAMMA MIA! is a global phenomenon.

Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island paradise.  On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago… 

Tickets on sale to general public this Friday.

Booking details below

Bryan Pearson, chief executive of Christchurch’s Westpac Arena, says it’s exciting to be hosting such a hugely popular, world-class show. 

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is equally thrilled: "We're delighted that Christchurch has been chosen for the opening of the international tour of MAMMA MIA! We will celebrate this event in true Christchurch style and roll out the red carpet for a show that has captivated audiences worldwide. The opening of this show in our city demonstrates yet again that Christchurch is a major destination for world0-class events. It is very exciting."

Greg Innes, chief executive of Auckland’s THE EDGE® says, “I’m delighted that MAMMA MIA! is returning to The Civic five years after a spectacular season which saw nearly 200,000 tickets sold. The show and the music of ABBA remain as popular as ever and I’m sure that fans will be thrilled that MAMMA MIA is coming back to Auckland.”

Auckland Mayor John Banks QSO says he is looking forward to welcoming this incredibly popular musical back to Auckland city. “The show was a major hit when it came to Auckland in 2004. The mayor says, "I  am sure that the citizens of, and visitors to Auckland, will once again embrace the opportunity to experience what over 30 million people worldwide have seen on stage."

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast says: "It's fantastic to see MAMMA MIA! come to Wellington.  I loved the movie and anticipate the stage production to be even more exciting - I'm sure you'll be singing in the aisles before the night is over!"

Neville Brown, general manager of the Wellington Convention Centre says he is “delighted that the production team is bringing this show to Wellington. It will provide yet another reason to visit this city famous for its diverse range of events and we look forward to working with the cast and crew to create a fantastic entertainment experience.”

Producer Judy Craymer was first inspired to create a musical using the music of ABBA to tell an original story in 1987. On April 6, 2009, the production celebrated 10 fabulous years on the West End, having been seen by over 5 million people, grossing over £185 million at the UK Box Office.

From West End smash hit to global phenomenon, “MAMMA MIA!” has already been seen by more than 40 million people in over 190 cities across North America, Australia, Europe and Asia.  It has already grossed over $2 billion at the box office worldwide. 

The International Tour is in its fifth year of touring, having been seen by over 3 million people in cities as diverse as Cape Town, Zurich, Dublin, Beijing, Taipei, Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, Pretoria, Dubai, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv, Riga, Shanghai, Helsinki, Bratislava, Prague, Glasgow and Budapest.

Judy Craymer anticipates the show’s success in New Zealand:  "It’s fantastic that the MAMMA MIA! International Tour is coming to Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. These are vibrant, modern cities, well known for their love of arts and culture. We hope that New Zealand takes MAMMA MIA! to its hearts as has happened all over the world.”

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, “MAMMA MIA!” is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM.

Booking details:

CHRISTCHURCH

September 10-19, 2009

WESTPAC ARENA

Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch

Bookings: Ticketek

AUCKLAND

September 23-October 18, 2009

THE CIVIC, THE EDGE

corner of Queen Street and Wellesley Street, Auckland

Bookings: The Edge ticketing

www.buytickets.co.nz
0800 BUY TICKETS (0800 289842) or (09) 357-3355

WELLINGTON

October 22-November 1, 2009

TSB ARENA

Jervois Quay
Wellington

Bookings: Ticketek
CO.NZ.
IMAGES AT WWW.SKIP.CO.NZ

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