Mamma Mia in Israel

February 22, 2007 at 9:32 am | In Art & Cinema |

When in New York or London, a visit to the theatre district, Broadway or West End, is a must-even if the tickets cost more than flight.

Now, although theater in Israel is very well established and flourishes with internationally acclaimed performances by the Cameri or the Habima, big and expensive productions have yet to find a place. Not for long. One of the most successful musicals of the last few years on both ends of the Atlantic, “Mama Mia”, based on the songs of ABBA, is hitting Tel Aviv in June. This is expected to be the biggest entertainment production of the year and perhaps the largest international musical Israel has ever played host.

According to the Jerusalem Post, tickets are already on sale for only fifteen performances starting June 12 at the Tel Aviv Nokia arena which will be transformed into a theater to accommodate the needs of the musical.

International production agent Mark Lieberberg, who is brining the smash hit to Israel said that “it is exactly the same show that is performed in London and in Broadway” stressing that this is the first time that a genuine first class production will be coming to Israel. He believes that it is will be welcomed in the same way it has been received in all the other cities with two words “Sold Out”.

So far 300 million people worldwide have seen the musical Mamma Mia! since it first premiered in London’s West End in 1999. It follows the story of a forty-something mother planning her daughter’s wedding. Incorporating 22 of the famous band’s songs, the show portrays the contrast of values between mother and daughter. Set in the present day on a tiny, mythical Greek island, it is a musical love story that crosses continents and generations. “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me” and, of course, “Dancing Queen” are all included.