Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast) Reviews

• The Original "Catalog" Musical

  
  By A2Z1DN5JF8AMHF on 2005-06-26
  Sure the musical merely ties a couple dozen ABBA songs together to form a loose story ...
  Sure the concept is a bit cheesey ...
  Sure the songs are best performed by ABBA themselves ...
  But it works! ... and it's fun!
  
  Broadway's first "catalog" musical (though the cd is actually the London cast despite the misleading cover) is fast, fun & worthy of repeat listenings.
  
  Best tracks:
  
  Mamma Mia
  Dancing Queen
  Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
  Voulez-Vous
  The Winner Takes It All
  
  Relive the 70s & 80s!
  
  

• 5 stars for the music, 4 for the performances

  
  By A3OMDSHIGTFY84 on 2002-04-08
  Last October, I was fortunate enough to attend a sold-out performance of "Mamma Mia" on Broadway, starring Louise Pitre. It was one of the most fun shows I've yet attended, a sing-along from start to finish, and the audience is literally dancing in the aisles by the show's finale. Unfortunately, the energy doesn't translate well to the Original Cast CD. I don't really think it's the fault of the cast; it's got to be difficult to re-create in the studio what you're used to performing in front of a (literally) screaming audience for eight shows a week, but for whatever reason, the CD is missing something. Part of the fault could be in the mixing; there's an almost "boxed in" feel to the instruments on the album, (seems to be hardly any reverb at all), and the synthesized orchestrations seem thin, something that did not come across as such in the theater. Another disappointment is that even though the CD does have all the featured songs from the show, it's still not really complete. The Overture has been drastically edited, which is really inexcusable in a cast album, but the most glaring omission is the 3 song "mini-concert" encore. At the end of the show, the entire cast takes the stage for an unbelievably high-energy run-through of "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia", and yes, "Waterloo", with exhaustive choreography going on the whole time. Why this was left off the CD is beyond me. Decca Records should also watch what they're doing with "truth in advertising". The cover of the CD proclaims that this is a "Decca Broadway Original Cast Album". Many casual buyers are going to interpret that to mean it's the Broadway Cast album. Guess again. This recording is the London Cast; there is no Broadway album as of yet. I knew this before I bought it, but many people will not. FYI for the unitiated; Decca Broadway is the name of the record label only, and doesn't always guarantee that you're getting the Broadway cast on the recording. This seems very misleading to me. Decca should have it printed CLEARLY on the cover that this is the London Cast. Those points aside, the show and it's songs are a LOT of fun, (It's ABBA, what else could it be?). I'm still holding out for a Broadway cast album, though.
  
  

• This musical is HOT!

  
  By on 2000-01-08
  Despite not being all that big of an ABBA fan, seeing this musical in London left me craving this CD. The cast is incredibly talented, and the energy level these actors bring to these songs add a really new dimension to these songs. On stage, Lisa Stokke, in the role as Sophie, makes a spectacular debut, and her talented voice comes clearly across on this CD. No recording can do the live show justice though. Right now this is one of the hardest shows to get tickets to in London, but if you plan to be there, I highly reccommend getting one. If not, then the CD will have to do.
  
  

• Abba-solutely Fabulous

  
  By on 2000-08-15
  I had been a big ABBA fan for a while now, and was skeptical at how well MAMMA MIA! would treat those uplifting, glorious pop tunes. But this recording has made me a fan of MAMMA MIA!.

  I was so taken by the new versions of those wonderful ABBA songs. I've been playing this CD over and over and over again on my CD players... I listen to it on my stereo, my discman, my car CD player... and the funny thing is, my family loves it as well. We've been fighting over it. In fact, one of my family members brought it to her office today, and I had to resort to playing ABBA Gold.

  What sets this recording apart from other cast recordings of musicals is that it really close to capturing the essence and the energy of the live performance. Although at the theatre, the music is played on a much louder soundsystem.

  I saw MAMMA MIA! at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre in May, and the cast there was brilliant. The voices are far superior to the ones heard here on the Original London Cast Recording. In fact, the producers of the show have noted that the entire North American Premiere Cast is far superior to both the Original London Cast and the Current London Cast.

  I saw the show in London this past July, and was unbelievably disappointed at the production there. The cast was inferior to the Toronto cast, and the audience was dead. This was not the same energetic, amazing show that I saw in Toronto. Audiences at the Royal Alexandra Theatre are blown away by the performance, while London audiences are walking away thinking it's an okay show.

  Good thing that the North American Premiere Cast is going on tour in the United States, allowing more people to discover MAMMA MIA! and see it as a wonderful, energetic show. Too bad for London audiences, who are seeing a mediocre production.

  So obviously, one of the things that bother me about this particular cast recording is that the voices are not that great, in comparison with the Toronto cast. Siobhan McCarthy, who plays Donna, does not have the powerhouse voice of Toronto's Louise Pitre. Her "Winner Takes It All" isn't sublime like Louise Pitre's, whose version of the song is considered the definitive take on the song, both by ABBA's Benny & Bjorn, and by ABBA fans. In comparison to Louise, her voice is thin and weak, although it sounds sweet.

  The male leads aren't that great either, including the three dads, as well as Sky. Lisa Stokke as Sophie was fine, and is probably the strongest singer in the entire recording.

  Another thing that bothers me with this cast recording is that it edits out some favourite parts heard live in the show. The Overture has been edited, and doesn't feature the lovely symphonic version of the title song. The song "Honey Honey" is not complete either, missing a couple of verses.

  I love this recording, however, and is a great introduction to the show, which is why I'm still giving it 5 stars. It made me fall in love with the show.

  But mind you, this cast is not as fantastic as the North American cast. Until a recording with Louise Pitre as Donna is released, then I'll have to settle for this one.

  Avoid seeing the show in London with the absolutely boring cast headed by Louise Plowright as Donna (not to be confused with Louise Pitre). You'll be gipped.

  The trip to Toronto to see MAMMA MIA! starring Louise Pitre would be more worthwhile.
  
  

• Sorry Brits, But Your Voices Are the Pits

  
  By on 2002-06-17
  I recently saw the Broadway performance of "Mamma Mia," and it was an incredible show. The songs are all recognizable ABBA, and the great encore tunes of "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "Waterloo" have everyone dancing, clapping and swaying in the aisles. Sadly, this CD is a recording of the London cast, and the voices are weak. The compilation lacks the incredible energy of the Broadway performance, and the CD's biggest void is the incredible voice of lead Broadway performer Louise Pitre (as Donna). The CD also does not offer the three encore tunes. If you have attended the Broadway performace, you'll probably be disappointed in this CD. I hope a record label soon will record the incredible, current Broadway cast. In the interim, this CD makes a great coaster!
  
  
• Captures the music - but not the excitement - of the show
  By A2QHM5HBSIXRL4 on 2001-01-08
  I saw Mamma Mia during the first weekend of its SF run....

  But Mamma Mia is not about the plot. It's about the music. The small thread of a storyline exists only as a vehicle to carry the music. And the music is glorious. Anyone who grew up in the 70s and says that don't like ABBA is either lying or going through one of those (strange) repressed memory things. The show - and this soundtrack - demonstrate the power of this quartet's music. The music sounds as fresh today as it did in the mid-seventies. They were an amazing hit machine in their heyday, and the 20+ tracks here contain one smash after another, each with simple hooks that were seared into your brain a long time ago.

  The only reasons I gave this four stars instead of five...

  1. The gold standard for soundtracks is 'Rent' - it totally captures the energy and emotion of the live show. The 'Mamma Mia' soundtrack is great listening, but it doesn't do justice to the experience of seeing the show live.

  2. The complete libretto is not here, only the songs. [The 'Rent' soundtrack gives you all but a couple of snippets of dialogue.]

  3. No 'Waterloo.' In the stage show, this is the send-off song of the encore. 'Waterloo' is the song that first brought ABBA to worldwide acclaim. It's not part of the play's storyline, but it sure would be nice to have it as a bonus track on this recording.
  
  

• MAMMA MIA! -CD REVIEW
  By A1I551STG2OVZP on 2000-02-07
  IF YOU'RE AN ABBA FAN, MAMMA MIA IS A MUST! THE RECENT LONDON STAGE HIT CONSISTS OF SONGS COMPOSED BY THE GROUP ABBA. FAMILIAR FAVORITES AND SOME NOT SOME NOT SO WELL KNOW, BUT, EQUALLY LIKEABLE.

  THE SHOW INCORPORATES THE SONGS WITH A STORY ABOUT A YOUNG GIRL ABOUT TO BE MARRIED, BUT WITH ONE WISH TO HAVE HER FATHER GIVE HER AWAY. THE CATCH, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHO HER FATHER IS, ONLY THAT 3 MEN FROM HER MOTHER'S PAST, MUST BE ONE OF THEM......

  NOT IN THE STATES YET, BUT, OPENS IN TORONTO, CANADA IN MAY....
  
  

• REAL Broadway Cast Recording PLEASE !
  By A2RRUCFJ08JV8W on 2004-05-23
  I just saw this marvelous and upbeat show on Broadway - Dee Hoty(Donna)..Jenny Fellner(Sophie-just adorable)..Harriet Foy(Rosie)..Tamara Bernier(Tanya). I purchased the CD at the theater -- very ambiguously labeled "Broadway Cast Recording" and then ORIGINAL LONDON CAST. Whatever the reason for such labeling what a huge mistake to label it as 'Broadway'. I agree with previous critiques that the British recording is bland, underplayed. I must add absolutely BORING compared to what I saw and heard last week. On the British recording each song was rendered the same as another...same beats...no great belt voices (could have used AT LEAST Elaine Paige as Donna)...Donna and Sophie sound identical. All those little, young voices the British seem to favor. We in the U.S.A. like voices with MEAT. This is BROADWAY -- like no other venue on earth -- and deserves it's own cast recording, especially when the performance I saw was 100% more melodious, energetic, harmonious (some of the arrangements seemed quite different) and theatrical. AFTER the last song (I HAVE A DREAM) is when the fun began! The performance involving Curtain Calls and mini concert was the best thing and an absolute surprise. The whole theater was up and rockin'. So WHAT'S THE SCOOP? Cast Recordings of every horrible Broadway show are released -- why not this phenomenon? Dee Hoty has just the right maturity and huskiness to her voice. Tanya and Rosie were marvelous -- comic foils to each other with belts to win stars. The CD version of DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW made me cry -- from sheer frustration -- after the rendition I heard by Ms. Bernier! The three "dads" (John Hillner, Adam Lefevre, Michael Winther) seemed more human in (sight and) their sound and the voices were markedly different and easy to distinguish one from another, unlike the British recording where you sometimes cannot tell the women from the men!

  PLEASE, SOMEONE WHO CARES! Issue a true Broadway Cast Recording and cut us a break! The wonderful ABBA score deserves better than the vocalizations on this CD. How did it become such a hit sung like this? Not much talent there.
  
  

• Mamma Mia Groupies
  By on 2001-11-09
  "Mamma Mia" is an experience to behold. If this show does not lift your spirit and leave a big smile on your face, nothing will. We have the previledge of seeing "Mamma Mia" twice during its recent Chicago run. We will be seeing it again in Toronto in a couple of months. We are becoming regular "Mamma Mia" groupies!

  The CD does not quite capture the energy and exhilaration that one experiences during the live show, but it will remind you the great time that you had. We now prefer this CD over the original ABBA version of the songs because it tells a funny and poignant story. The singers on this CD are all just fine. Our 2-year old loves this CD and requests it whenever he just wants to goof around the house.

  Some of the outstanding players that we saw in Chicago, namely Louise Pitre and Tina Madigan, are now playing in the Broadway edition of "Mamma Mia." We hope that a CD version of the Broadway Cast will be forthcoming, and please include the unforgettable final curtain call encore that is missing on this CD. Those of you who have seen the show know just how that encore brings the house down everytime.
  
  

• Buy for the music, not for the performances
  By A20QHLA4PS6VU9 on 2002-03-15
  I had the pleasure of seeing "Mamma Mia" during its run in Los Angeles. One word could describe that show: thrilling.

  Unfortunately, that word cannot be used to describe this cast recording. The performances lack any sort of energy or excitement. My biggest gripe with this recording is that Sophie (Lisa Stokke) and Donna's (Siobhan McCarthy) voices are nearly identical! They both have that tiny, sweet, and overly cloying "little-girl" voice, which is fine for the innocent Sophie, but wholly inappropriate for the older, worldly and weathered Donna. I often have difficulty determining which character is singing which song without looking at the song list!

  The music, however, is beyond reproach. Andersson's and Ulvaeus' catchy melodies would make up most of this recording's worth.

  I do hope that there is a new cast recording in the works with Louise Pitre as Donna. Her rendition "The Winner Takes It All" is simply sublime. I do hope more people get to hear the show as it was meant to be performed.
  
  

• A great CD
  By A1CDZM5YMB61PD on 2006-01-02
  Momma Mia! is a unique musical, because it was written backwards. That's right, taking ABBA's hit songs as a basis, the writers of this musical (including Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson from ABBA) recast them to form the basis of a musical story.
  
  The musical tells the story of Sophie, who wants her father to walk her down the aisle during her forthcoming wedding. However, her mother doesn't really know who her father is. And so, armed with the names of her mother's three lovers of twenty years ago, Sophie is off to find her dad!
  
  First and foremost, I must say that the musical is fantastic, and you really should see it live. It's a great experience. But, second best is this great CD. Taking the original stage cast's recordings, it has a very nice sound, and it is very nice to hear the old ABBA classics redefined by such excellent talent. I think that this is a great CD, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
  
  
  
• It felt like I was at an ABBA concert!
  By A2TUHTLJ8B529I on 2000-12-27
  As a Christmas treat, we went to see "Mamma Mia!" in San Francisco. And what a treat it was! The entire audience was really into the musical, and hardly anyone was sitting by the end of the third encore. So I got this CD, but the performances on this CD by the London cast pales in comparison with the live show. Still, it's a very good memento of one of the best musicals I've seen, and I've seen my fair share. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a re-release of the soundtrack with the Toronto cast, which performed at the Orpheum. And if they include "Waterloo", which was the third encore, I'll be in heaven! ("Mamma mia!" and "Dancing Queen" were the other two). So head on down to the Bay Area and see this show! If you can't, then this CD will some consolation.
  
  
• Whoa Mamma!
  By on 2001-08-26
  After seeing the Boston premiere of MAMMA MIA last night at the Colonial Theatre, I now have a new favorite show. Who'd of thunk that ABBA could put their songs together in a COHEARENT musical that actually had a plot?! MAMMA MIA was fantastic. The 6 leads were fantastic, and this CD captures the essence of the show (although there are different performers). All of the songs fit beautifully into the show, and there are show stopping renditions of Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Winner Takes it All, S.O.S. and Voulez-Vous. These new orchestrations really enhance the music, and I think that there is a new icon of musical theatre. Look out Broadway, a monster hit is on its way. If you have a chance (even if you don't love ABBA or aren't familiar with them...I'm 18 and ABBA was before my time) go see MAMMA MIA (or at least buy this CD) and I promise you wont be disapointed in this feel-good musical. To Benny and Bjorn...THANKS FOR THE MUSICAL!!
  
  
• A belated appreciation of Abba
  By A912C7977MO6O on 2002-06-23
  I went to see "Mamma Mia" under pressure from my relatives. I have never been an Abba fan. Euro-wimps. Music with the character and texture of a Swedish meatball. Forced to sit and listen for two hours, to my surprise I rather liked the music. There's a beat and some decent lyrics hidden under all all the oozy, cream sauce instrumentation spooned over Abba songs. So, I bought "Mamma Mia" and I enjoy listening to it -- although I can't hear "Chiquitita" without thinking of a Latin woman in a peasant blouse with a banana on her head. And why was "Waterloo" omitted from the CD? They sang it as an encore when I attended the play.
  
  
• Great show, poor CD representation!!!
  By AZ2F7JDTWK3 on 2003-03-14
  As said before by many of the other reviewers MAMA MIA! is awesome, I would recommend it to anyone. High spirited, high energy, AAAAAA++++ I saw it in NYC, the cast was amazing. As for this CD though, I would advise waiting until a new version comes out. I was disappointed. The music loses 75% of the feeling. The energy of the songs and the humor is lost with this record. The words seem less meaningful and many songs are missing. The overture is cut and the finale is not here. If you truely want to see MAMA MIA! go to NYC the company is wonderful. Perfectly cast. You will dance in your seat. This CD was a major disappointment. Wait for a new version.
  
  
• Its like seeing the show live!
  By on 2001-05-18
  When I was fortunate enough to see the original production at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in the summer of 1999 I knew I was witness to something great. I had not had that much fun in a theatre ever. But sometimes a great show does not a great recording make. This however is not the case here.

  What the brilliant cast has done is transport the listener perfectly to the world they create every night on stage. This album has been produced to induce the uphoria the live show creates. There is a perfect blend of dialouge and and music thats allows the listener to be able to grasp just enough of the plot and get the full enjoyment of the classic ABBA score.

  For me personally the show is filled with very good performances. The British Musical Theatre as a whole, in my opinon, contains far fewer "legit" voices than contemporary Broadway and that is evident here. But there are wonderful exceptions. As Donna "I am woman here me roar" Sheridan, Siobhan McCarthy is incredible. She has made a career of understudying and replaceing Elaine Paige. But here she makes it her own. Listening to her you hear the similarities between her and Ms. Paige and I wonder if Ms. Paige wasn't offered this first. But the grity and true vocal performance she gives will be hard pressed to ever duplicate.

  This is a prized recording in my collection and I recomend it highly to lovers of the musical theatre and lovers of entertaining music.
  
  

• Good ... not quite great
  By A1WG7Y54GQN946 on 2003-07-02
  Well, how do you review a cast album of a show based on pop tunes? As someone who loves Abba, the show context, the new singers (male and female), and the pit band orchestrations do provide a nice new interpretation of familiar music. I particularly liked "Name of the game" and "Our Last Summer" for example. Some of the songs don't make the transition well -- "Winner Takes It All" is just flat in this interpration -- very ponderous, almost boring. (It's the "sweet and sour" of the orginal -- upbeat tempo with bleak lyrics -- that makes it so great, and they took out the upbeat tempo.) "Gimme, gimme, gimme" could have been a killer in the new orchestration but is broken up in its position providing exposition in the plot.

  Overall, add it for some variety in interpretation to your Abba collection. My daughter loves singing along to this (and loved the show). However, if you're new to Abba, better start with Super Trouper or Abba Gold.

  By the way -- the show may be fluff, but it is a very, very enjoyable way to spend three hours!
  
  

• Thank You for the Music
  By A9MHKPS7CDABF on 2000-04-29
  When my wife and I went to see "Mamma Mia" in London last November, we weren't sure what to expect. We both like ABBA, but we never thought we'd enjoy a musical as much as we did this one. This two and a half-hour show leaves you with such a great feeling! It's not much of a story, but it's amusing, and the music more than makes up for it. The cast is great and sometimes you'd swear ABBA was performing. We'll see it many times again when it arrives in the U.S.A. In fact, a trip to Toronto is not out of the question.
  
  
• NOW IT'S IN LOS ANGELES....
  By A2D1KCA7XP45Q1 on 2001-02-23
  Do not go into "Mamma Mia" expecting Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," that's for sure. But I can't think of a show I've seen that was this much sheer fun. The thought of building an entire musical around 20 ABBA songs sounds insane, but the entire show works, and works very well. I can see why it is such a success in London. This CD captures the flavor of the show very nicely, and will make you pine to pull out all those old ABBA albums and dance around the house late at night. I do wonder if the makers are planning on releasing a US-Broadway version of the cast album....
  
  
• Excellent, sing along with an era.
  By on 2001-07-15
  I had the privilege of seeing "Mamma Mia" on the London stage. It was incredible! The audience was treated to a variety of ABBA hits, talented singers and dancers and an imaginative plot conceived to highlight the ABBA songs. It wasn't the strongest plot, but no one who saw the production seemed to care. It was about the music, only the music. Campiness sometimes prevailed when a song was being introduced by an elaborate and quite conspicuous manner. Still, no one cared. We laughed and sang along until we were standing up in our seats and clapping to the beat. This CD helps me to relive that wonderful evening in London when I was in a belated concert arena with other fans. Mamma Mia--what a wonderful time!
  
  
• Wonderful play!
  By on 2003-02-06
  I recently saw the play, and it was absolutely outstanding. Unfortunately, this CD is of the London cast, which is not nearly as good. The New York singers are much better, especially Loise Pitre, who plays Donna. I'm hoping that the recording companies will come to their senses and make a CD of the current cast.
  
  
• Don't miss this one
  By A19CFY5EVD16AS on 2000-11-14
  I am the last person you would expect to like this CD. Spent the summer, 2000 in London and finally saw the show during my last month. It is the most enjoyable thing you can do in London. Immediately got the CD and have listened to it for 6 solid months. Once it was released in US, got it for all of the family. If you have been to London, are planning to go to London, or may go there someday, do not miss this CD. The show is awesome, the music unforgettable, the energy alone is worth the price. All songs are true to ABBA, yet stand on their own. HINT: If you want to see this show, go to Prince Edward Theatre on Monday mornings; tickets are released then and you can get one. Doesn't matter where you sit, just get a ticket! Oh yeah, buy this CD too. Can't wait for it to come to New York next October.
  
  
• Ok CD, Incredible Live Show! No Comparison!
  By A2AT423TZAN00Y on 2003-03-08
  I saw the show in Los Angeles, and it was incredibly entertaining. Weaving this simple plot line with SO MANY songs was an amazing feat that didn't feel forced. I can honestly say the CD doesn't do the live show justice. If I had heard the CD first, I probably would not have gone to see the show. The cast in L.A. was phenomenal. And from what I here from friends in N.Y., the N.Y. cast was also better than the London cast. I would recommend the show before the CD. However, if you want to buy the CD, I would say going to the show afterward would be very exhilarating. You'll spend the whole show in anticipation waiting to find out when, where and how the next song fits into the story. Quite amazing. I can't think of too many artists that have enough material, let along make sense to have it all together. Go See The Show!
  
  
• abbunch of junk
  By A534XGQTHB23Z on 2003-09-03
  Mamma Mia: The Musical
  Based on the Songs of Abba
  Polydor
  *
  Culled from Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' romantic stage play, Mamma Mia does the impossible - it makes a whole bunch of Abba songs sound worse than the originals. Imagine a cheesy Greasesque Broadway play, a musical torture chamber where old hits like Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen and Super Trouper are shackled in intolerable states of high-pitched femme squealing ala Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee and blustery Jimmy Durante Broadway burlesque absurdity. As a desecration of Abba history, it's applaudable. As anything else, it's an affront.
  
  
• Great cast recording, worth it just for Lisa Stokke vocals
  By A2SFF51WBH3VBY on 2004-11-17
  I have seen the Broadway and Las Vegas production. Honestly, the Vegas production was much better than the Broadway cast, in terms of individual talent/casting, overall ensemble and energy. The broadway cast lacked the energy of the Vegas cast, and I thought most of the vocals were thin and weaker by comparison. That being said, Broadway's original cast was still very good. But I'd rank Vegas #1, the London cast recording #2 and Broadway 3rd.
  
  I think the London recording captures most of the energy of the stage production, and it continues to grow on me every time I listen to it. I also think lead Lisa Stokke has a gorgeous voice, and definitely the best of the 3 productions I've heard. Her voice is clear, powerful and she acts the part wonderfully. I think her voice is ideal for the part of Sophie, despite having heard her version last (after seeing B'way then Vegas).
  
  The only negative in this cast might be Siobhan McCarthy, who plays the role of Sophie's mother. At times, her voice is flat and wavers a bit. But what bothers me most is her singing in 'The Winner Takes It All'. It's all great until she get to the word 'All'....which sounds like 'Ool' in her heavy british accent.
  
  Of course, the best part of the CD is the music, especially the great orchestrations! As an ABBA fan, I love how the show music stays true to the original versions, but with added power and energy due to the layers a full pit orchestration can bring.
  
  I agree with some people that this is not a 'great' play. But as a vehicle for showcasing the brilliant music of ABBA, it works great. This show will run for years...it is timeless, and will appeal to all audiences. I strongly reccomend this cast recording!
  
  
• A Musical Based on the Songs of Abba? Say Yes!
  By A3FDBBQ0NK2SSO on 2005-05-31
  Even though I've been a closet Abba fan since the Seventies,I was skeptical when my husband told me that there was a musical in London based on the songs of Abba. Now that we've seen the show three times in London and once in Toronto, I am no longer skeptical, and am no longer a closet fan. Long live Abba!
  
  The songs, unchanged from the originals, are woven together to make a clever story that comes to a satisfying conclusion. I always dance to Super Trouper, and get teary-eyed during Slipping Through My Fingers. Our Last Summer always takes me back to my first trip to Europe as a teenage backpacker. The original London cast is terrific, although Sam's voice could be a bit stronger. And deeper, maybe.
  
  See the show! Buy the CD!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• So much fun!!!
  By A2DPHH7L0BZW1Q on 2005-10-25
  I recently saw the Broadway production and just fell in love with it. I am obsessed with this soundtrack like I have never, ever been before! I love singing along with each song, but my favorites are "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!," "The Name of the Game," "Mamma Mia," and "Take a Chance on Me." (I love "Take a Chance on Me" b/c I thought the actor who played Bill Austin on Broadway when I saw it was SOOOO CUTE!). This musical is about the singing and dancing, not the story! The soundtrack is absolutely addictive. I was in awe that these actors were able to sing, dance and act all at the same time. Go see the play and get the soundtrack. It was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I have ever had on Broadway! I am already looking forward to going again!
  
  
• The Musical and the CD are absolutely wonderful.
  By A237PO6QX30X8W on 2001-05-03
  I saw the play in Toronto. It was really really great. The CD captures it perfectly. Hearing ABBA songs with the emotion of the story in the play adds quite a bit to them. And the Broadway/West End-style orchestra is clearer sounding than the original ABBA electronic imitation instruments.

  We are probably going to see it again when it gets to NYC.
  
  

• Where is the Toronto OST?
  By A39CCE5M7180R5 on 2001-05-25
  Great show, saw it in Chicago last weekend! Louise Pitre is INCREDIBLE!!! She commands the stage. Her performances of ABBA songs are incredible and her "Slipping Through My Fingers" brought tears to my eyes. I love this soundtrack but I have to agree with the other reviewers and state that the current touring production is far superior to what is currently on the soundtrack. A must for all those ABBA fans and those who have seen the music. The curtain call alone is worth the trip to see it! Great show and I expect to see Louise win a Tony for her Donna Sheridan next year! Thank you for the music Louise!!! :-)
  
  
• Thank you for the music ABBA!!!!
  By A15DTMMZPXG925 on 2001-06-17
  I love this cd, and i didn't even know who Abba was up until i bought it. These songs are truly classics and will never go out of style. The best songs are: Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Under Attack, and Take a Chance on Me. The sound quality is far superior to Abba's origonal covers of these songs, and the orchestrations are brighter and more updated. I have not seen the show, but is sounds as if abba's songs work suprisingly well to tell a story. If you love ABBA, you should definately buy this cd. If you don't know who ABBA is, buy it. And if you hate ABBA, you probably shouldn't even be reading this review. Enjoy!!!
  
  

• ABBA - Gold: Greatest Hits
• Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
• Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording)
• Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
• The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)