Successful musicals are often measured by three indicators: over 10 years of performances, more than 1 million attendees, and over 1,000 shows. This is known in the industry as the 'Triple Crown.' In Korea, seven musicals, including "The Phantom of the Opera," "Jekyll & Hyde," and "Mamma Mia!," have achieved this feat. The commonality among these Triple Crown musicals is the presence of iconic songs that capture both musical fans and the general public alike. Songs like "Phantom of the Opera" from "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Dancing Queen" from "Mamma Mia!" are well-known even to those who haven’t seen the musicals. 

* Korean musicals that have achieved the Triple Crown: "Mamma Mia!," "Cats," "Empress Myeongseong," "Chicago," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Grease," and "Jekyll & Hyde."

Chapter 1

The Harmonious Origins of Mamma Mia! 

Among the seven Triple Crown musicals, "Mamma Mia!" (Mamma Mia!) is perhaps the most famous for its music. It is a pioneering example of a 'jukebox musical'* created from popular music. The musical, which reimagines the music of ABBA, a Swedish pop band that dominated the 1970s and 1980s UK Music Charts, was brought to life by musical producer Judy Craymer.

*Jukebox Musical: A musical that revives popular music as its main subject.

"Mamma Mia!" features 22 numbers*, all of which are ABBA's hits. Among these, "Dancing Queen" is especially beloved. In the musical, the song is performed by the protagonist Donna and her friends reminiscing about their glamorous past as the band 'Donna and the Dynamos.' Originally a track from ABBA's 1977 album 'Arrival,' "Dancing Queen" topped the charts in 17 countries, including the UK. It was also selected as 'ABBA's best song' by Billboard and Rolling Stone, and ranks as the 'Number 1 favorite POP song among Koreans.'

*Number: A track from a musical.

Another iconic number from "Mamma Mia!" is the titular song "Mamma Mia." It's about rekindling the fluttering feelings of a past romance. In the musical, it is sung by Donna, who is flustered upon unexpectedly encountering her past lovers ahead of her daughter's wedding. This track, released in 1975 as part of the album 'ABBA,' topped the UK charts, surpassing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." It stayed at number one for nine consecutive weeks and remained on the charts for two years, cementing its status as one of ABBA's signature songs.

Chapter 2 

Continuing Adaptation and Success 

ABBA's revival didn't end with the musical. In 2008, "Mamma Mia!" was adapted into a film. Upon its release, it broke box office records in the UK previously held by "The Lord of the Rings" series and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), becoming the second highest-grossing film in UK box office history at the time. The film grossed approximately 700 million dollars (about 916 billion Korean won) worldwide. This is a remarkable achievement, especially compared to the musical film "The Phantom of the Opera" (2004), which earned 150 million dollars (about 196 billion Korean won). 

 

The success of "Mamma Mia!" lies in its solid combination of music and story. Catherine Johnson, who wrote the screenplay for both the musical and the film, didn't just showcase ABBA's songs but also crafted a cohesive narrative that cleverly integrated them into the plot. "Mamma Mia!" revolves around Sophie, who invites three men mentioned in her mother Donna's old diaries, presuming one of them to be her father, to her wedding. It's a light-hearted family comedy that skillfully incorporates ABBA's songs.

 

Chapter 3 

Journey from a Remote Island 

Contrasting with the massive success of ABBA and "Mamma Mia!", ABBA's famous songs originated on Viggso, a small island in the Stockholm archipelago, Sweden. Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the songwriters of ABBA, enjoyed composing in a modest cabin on the island. The cabin was small enough to only fit a piano, guitars, and a few chairs, but its peaceful and serene environment was ideal for their creativity. In this place, now known as 'ABBA's cabin,' many hit songs, including "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," were born.

In Stockholm, there's a place where one can explore the entire journey of ABBA, from the humble cabin to the grand success of "Mamma Mia!" It's the 'ABBA The Museum' located in Djurgården, Stockholm. The museum offers a glimpse into ABBA's history, from a recreation of 'ABBA's cabin' to the instruments they used, stage costumes, albums, and trophies. Since its opening in 2013, the museum has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors by its 10th anniversary in 2023, becoming a must-see attraction in Stockholm.

 

Now, you don't have to travel all the way to Stockholm to experience ABBA and "Mamma Mia!" A special musical exhibition titled 'RaRa's Dream Theater' is opening from January 12th at the Eworld 83 Tower in Daegu, Korea. The exhibition features items like a signed Broadway "Mamma Mia!" poster and the piano ABBA used for composing. It's a great opportunity for fans of "Mamma Mia!" and ABBA's timeless songs to experience this special exhibit with family.