Catherine Johnson News

MAMMA MIA! officially ended it's farewell tour this past weekend, and it was interesting to see the audience reaction to a show I've seen at least six times. But, I'm a critic. The appeal is obvious really, it's a simple story (book by Catherine Johnson) that allows you to enjoy the undeniably catchy Swedish pop of ABBA (music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson). With the length of time that it's been touring, nationally and internationally, there's no doubt that generations will grow up knowing and loving this music, which, at the time, seemed like a passing fad back in the 1970's and 80's, although I'm not ashamed to admit I own their greatest hits vol. 1 and 2, most of which shows up in the score. The touring show that graced the stage of the Fox Theatre this past weekend (July 28-30) put on a splendid production, as engaging and charming as we've come to expect, and brimming with enough good humor to please everyone.

What matters more, the storyteller or the story?

The Gateway's latest offering is an absolutely thrilling production of the worldwide blockbuster hit Mamma Mia!. Running through August 5th at the Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts, this incarnation is excellently directed by Larry Raben. Indeed, this uplifting show, set to the fun music of ABBA, will leave you smiling and humming the score for days.

For two nights only, the 'Farewell Tour' of MAMMA MIA brings the beloved jukebox musical back to Richmond. The Altria Theater is the second to last stop on the 10-month 'final' American tour for this crowd-pleasing production.

SOS! Get in quick as tickets go on sale this week for the Sydney season of the global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! The general public can purchase tickets from Thursday 27th July at mammamiathemusical.com.au

If you are in need of a pick-me-up or a fun night out, pack a picnic and head to Wolf Trap for a trip down the aisle you'll never forget.

Final casting has been announced for the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of Mamma Mia!, Friday, July 28, at 8 PM, Saturday, July 29, at 8 PM and Sunday, July 30, at 7:30 PM. The new cast members are Tisha Campbell-Martin as Tanya, Hamish Linklater as Harry and Steven Weber as Bill.

On Friday, June 30, more than 23,000 people of all ages kicked off the 4th of July weekend with an evening of opera at AT&T Park with Opera at the Ballpark, a free live simulcast from the stage of the War Memorial Opera House to the 103-foot wide scoreboard at the home of the San Francisco Giants.

James Graham's critically acclaimed and prescient political drama THIS HOUSE which played to sold-out houses at the National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End will begin its first ever national tour at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds.

Combining ABBA's greatest hits, including 'Dancing Queen,' 'S.O.S' 'Super Trouper,' 'Take a Chance on Me' and 'The Winner Takes It All,' with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship Catherine Johnson has crafted a plot to expertly string together these more than 20 songs (written by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Andersson) in a show that is in the top ten longest running Broadway shows list. This production serves up both the bouncy electronic music that is familiar, with mother-vs. -daughter story about contrasting views of what constitutes a family.

Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the State Theatre  on July 12th and 13th as a part of its final farewell tour.

Single (non-subscription) tickets for San Francisco Opera's 2017 Fall Season at the War Memorial Opera House go on sale Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased online at sfopera.com; in-person at the San Francisco Opera Box Office, located at 301 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco and open Mondays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and by phone at (415) 864-3330 during Box Office hours. Full and Half Series subscription packages are also available. Tickets for the three cycles of Wagner's Ring during the summer of 2018 are available as complete, four-opera cycles only.

For its 38th Summer Season in 2018, Moonlight Stage Productions will produce four shows that are new to its stage at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.

PCPA plans a 54th season of world-rocking plays and musicals from November 2017 through September 2018.

Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, plays the Thrasher-Horne Center on June 20th, 2017 as a part of its final farewell tour. This performance will be the hugely successful musical's last Florida date, as well as the tenth to last engagement before the casts takes its final bows. After closing a 14-year run on Broadway in September 2015, this will be the American public's last chance to see this electrifying musical in its original tour.

Get in quick as tickets go on sale today for the Brisbane season of the global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA!   

Beginning Thursday, June 1st at 10am, single tickets for Riverside Theatre's exciting 2017-2018 Season of shows go on sale. Building on the success and support the theatre has received over the last few years, Riverside is proud to present another ambitious season of music, comedy, and drama.

From West End to global phenomenon, 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.

The global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA!, will commence its new national tour at the Canberra Theatre Centre on November 24th 2017 followed by a season from December 26th 2017 QPAC's Lyric Theatre in Brisbane.

Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, Teen Choice nominee, Imagen Award winner and Broadway actor Jaime Camil, of CW's Jane the Virgin, has been announced for the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of Mamma Mia!, the 2001 international phenomenon which will be this summer's annual staged musical at the Bowl. Camil will play the role of Sam Carmichael.