MAMMA MIA Comes To Metro Radio Arena Newcastle 12/12-1/10

The international tour of "MAMMA MIA!" will play at the Metro Radio Arena Newcastle for 4 weeks only from 12 December 2009 to 10 January 2010, with a gala press night on Tuesday 15 December. This will be the show's first visit to Newcastle and the International Tour's only UK date in 2009.
Producer Judy Craymer says, "2008 was a phenomenal year for "MAMMA MIA!", and I am thrilled that 2009 will end on another high with this exclusive UK engagement. Thanks to the support of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, I am really looking forward to bringing "MAMMA MIA!" to Newcastle."

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, says, "It's great to see NewcastleGateshead on this international touring circuit for "MAMMA MIA!" It's a great event for the cultural calendar and a compelling reason for visitors to choose NewcastleGateshead ahead of other destinations for a short break holiday".
Colin Revel, Metro Radio Arena's Executive Director says, "We are delighted that many months of negotiation have come to fruition, representing a major coup for the North East, and we would like to thank all those who have been involved. This world renowned show will be performing in our region for the first time, and in an intimate ‘Theatre Format', guaranteeing a superb experience for the 36 shows of the Christmas season"

Cllr Pauline Allen, Newcastle City Council's Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services, says, "This is an amazing coup for Newcastle and we are looking forward to welcoming the award-winning international cast of "MAMMA MIA!" to the city this Christmas time. "MAMMA MIA!" is the latest in a long line of critically acclaimed shows to come to the city and underlines our position as a major destination for some of the world's finest shows."

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...

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.

From West End smash to global phenomenon, "MAMMA MIA!" has already been seen by more than 32 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 original London production opened in 1999 and has been seen by over 5 million people, grossing over £185 million at the UK Box Office. 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.

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

Tickets are priced from £15.00-£35.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances and all matinee performances, and from £20.00-£39.50 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances. Tickets are available online www.ticketmaster.co.uk or through the Box Office on 08444 93 6666. For group bookings (10+) call 0191 260 6006 or email groupbookings@smgnewcastle.co.uk. Performances times are Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm. There will be extra matinees on Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Thursday 31 December, and no evening performance on Thursday 24 December. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday 16 March at 9.00am.
Visit the "MAMMA MIA!" website for more information at: www.mamma-mia.com

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!