MAMMA MIA! Cast Has Star-Studded Premiere TOnight

The sensational feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! will have its star-studded gala premiere at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts tonight, 17 January 2019. The Gala Night audience will include invited VIPs, show sponsors and a host of local celebrities such as Stephen Chan, Cissy Wang, Ankie Beilke, Cecil Chao, Bianca Wu, Snowy Choi, Icy Wong, Janet Ma and Sabrina Leung.

Earlier this afternoon, members of the media were invited to a special preview, with the all-new UK cast performing a selection of ABBA's greatest hits from the smash hit musical including 'Mamma Mia' and 'Dancing Queen'.

Producer James Cundall, Chief Executive Officer of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, said, "I am really thrilled that this wonderfully upbeat show has received such a warm welcome back to Hong Kong. The outstanding cast was greeted with a standing ovation and endless applause at the preview performance last night. So whether you've seen the movie and want to experience the excitement of the show live on stage, or whether you have seen this spectacular show before and want to recapture the magic, here's your chance!"

MAMMA MIA! will continue to captivate Hong Kong audiences until 27 January, 2019. Limited tickets are available online at www.hkticketing.com , or by phone 31-288-288. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Described as 'the sunniest of all musicals' (Sunday Express, UK) and 'ABBA-solutely fabulous' (Bristol Post, UK), MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer's ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding 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 romantic past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

"We are absolutely delighted to be bringing MAMMA MIA! back to Hong Kong. With its sunny, feel-good story and the irresistible music of ABBA, it's the perfect winter warmer for all the family. We look forward to welcoming Hong Kong audiences to the show; we can't wait to share the fun with you!" said Creator/Producer Judy Craymer.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 60 million people in 50 productions in 16 different languages. In 2011 it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People's Republic of China. MAMMA MIA! became the 8th longest running show in Broadway history where it played for a record-breaking 14 years. MAMMA MIA! continues to thrill audiences in London's West End at the Novello Theatre where it will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on 6 April 2019.

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

The hugely successful International Tour, since premiering in Dublin in September 2004, has visited 85 cities across 38 countries and sold over 5 million tickets. The show was last performed in Hong Kong in 2014 and following its huge success, now makes a welcome return to the city.

The narrative power of more than 22 of ABBA's greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Take A Chance On Me, The Winner Takes It All, Does Your Mother Know and of course Mamma Mia, propels this charming story of love, laughter and friendship.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, 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 MAMMA MIA! International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM, and is presented in Hong Kong by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.

The Official Hotel of MAMMA MIA! Hong Kong season is Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong and Official Ocean Carrier is OOCL.