ABBA Docu Super Troupers Rebroadcast on PBS, Aug. 11
By: BWW News Desk Aug. 10, 2005
Super Troupers will air on Channel 13 in New York (Time Warner Cable) on Thursday, August 11th at 10:30p as well as on PBS affiliates throughout the tri-state area. The documentary can also be seen on PBS affiliates nationwide throughout the month of August (Check your local listings).
Super Troupers (Polydor/Polar/UMe) "captures the excitement of the entire ABBA phenomenon from 'Waterloo' to Mamma Mia!," states a press article. Narrated by songwriter, producer, U.K. dance music fixture Pete Waterman, Super Troupers "presents the fascinating history of a band that has sold 350 million albums and whose music is reaching a massive new global audience through the smash hit musical Mamma Mia!, which this year surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office receipts."
Super Troupers includes a 90-minute documentary plus 30 minutes of extras. Exclusive, in-depth interviews will feature all four members (shot in Sweden and London). Digitally re-mastered archival footage reaches back to the pre-ABBA '60s, with highlights of ABBA on tour and on stage, and the music of 24 of the group's hit records. Super Troupers also features exclusive footage from both rehearsals and performances of Mamma Mia!, highlighted by the London 5th Anniversary Gala Special Finale, a medley that includes "Mamma Mia," "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo."
Mamma Mia!, which opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) on October 18th, 2001, has played over 820 performances in New York and continues to play to full houses. Mamma Mia! takes place on a tiny Greek Island, as a mother and daughter try to settle the girl's paternity before her wedding. The show is set to the songs of ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, with hits including "Dancing Queen," "Money, Money, Money" and "The Winner Takes It All."
Mamma Mia!'s book is by Catherine Johnson, with direction by Phyllida Lloyd and choreography by Anthony Van Laast. Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, the musical features production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.
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