Mamma Mia!

4 January 2009 - After watching the movie version, I have wanted to watch the stage version. When it was announced that the musical will come ashore, I was trying to get the ticket. But due to 'unforeseen circumstances', I missed out. Then they announced that it will be extended for another 3 days. This time, I made no mistake and went to get the ticket the following day after the announcement. With WK's Enrich Card, we got a 10% discount for the ticket. Priced at RM303, we pay RM273. This is supposed to be the final show of their tour here in Malaysia before moving to Sweden.


The seat is on the second floor. And it is only 5 rows behind the VIP seats. And this guy was just right in-front of me.

(Picture taken from the The Star Online)

It was my first time in Istana Budaya. The only other musical theater that I have visited is the one Vienna (cant remember the name though). Istana Budaya has big entrance hall, the stairs leading to the second floor make it looks a bit grand. But that's it. All others are nothing compared to the one in Vienna. But probably I should not compare.



But I got to compare this - the movie and stage version of this hit musical Mamma Mia!.

Thanks to the publicity, I had big expectations (if not huge) of the stage version. I always had the impression that huge hit musicals like this would need a huge stage to support its huge props. But I was all wrong. There are only two fake bricked walls, which they turned back and front umpteen time and at different angles to suit the scene. And of course, some chairs, tables and beds. And that's it.

Singing and Acting - Surprisingly, the voice and acting skills of some the key performers are not really what I expect from a hit musical. While I can excuse the acting, but at least the voice should be great. Save for the lead roles of Donna and Sophie, the rest struggled through a solo performance. I am not a music expert or critic, but those are not exactly great singing to me, as far as my ears are concerned.

However, nothing could beat listening to a live rendition of ABBA hits. Watching these performers live and humming live together with them are probably the only reasons rendered worthwhile forking out 300-bucks from the pocket.

Will I catch another hit musical? Yes.

And You are Welcome!!