The popular musical Mamma Mia! will return to South Africa in September, featuring Broadway veteran Amra-Faye Wright in the lead role of Donna Sheridan.
The production, by Showtime Management, will run at Artscape from 3 September to 11 October before moving to Montecasino in Johannesburg from 16 October through November.
International star returns home
Wright, who was born in South Africa, brings extensive international experience to the role. She performed as Velma Kelly in Chicago The Musical on Broadway for 23 years, making her the longest-running actress in that role. Her career spans 30 years across multiple continents, including performances in London’s West End, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Beyond Chicago, Wright’s credits include Follies, A Chorus Line, Grease, Footloose and Peter Pan. She recently completed a Master of Fine Arts in painting at the New York Academy of Art. While based in New York, Wright maintains a home in McGregor, Western Cape.
Star-studded supporting cast
The cast includes several established South African musical-theatre performers. Samantha Peo returns as Tanya, reuniting with Wright after their previous collaboration in the local production of Chicago in 2005. Lindy Abromowitz plays Rosie, completing the trio that forms the 1970s band “Donna & the Dynamos.”
Paul du Toit, known for his nine-season run on Binnelanders, takes on the role of Sam Carmichael. Tiaan Rautenbach reprises his role as Bill Austin from previous productions. Matt Newman, who has appeared in international series including The Crown and Outlander, returns as Harry Bright. Leah Mari, recently seen in Pretty Woman: The Musical, plays Sophie Sheridan.
Family entertainment with ABBA hits
The ABBA-based musical follows a young woman’s quest to discover her father’s identity on a Greek island, incorporating the Swedish pop group’s hit songs into the storyline.
Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management described the show as family-friendly entertainment with broad appeal across age groups.
Booking information
Early bird ticket discounts of 20% are available until 30 April for the opening performances (on 3 and 4 September) at Artscape (t & c’s apply). Regular discounts apply on Tuesdays, with group rates available for bookings of 20 or more tickets.
Tickets are available at Showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za.
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