Every night since January 24 of this year, every time I would step out of my veranda buckets of drool would come out of my mouth. This is because from my veranda I could see the Cultural Center of the Philippines lighted up in its full glory welcoming the excited spectators of the fun and global smash hit musical Mama Mia.
But tonight, I stopped drooling because just this afternoon during its matinee run, I, Nengkoy, my elder sister Gaying and nephew Luis had the awesome opportunity to see and watch the spectacular show. Performed no less by the international touring U.K. cast and production.
The show features more than 20 songs of ABBA that is intricately lined-up and positioned together to create a cohesive musical storyline. ABBA is a popular Swedish pop group which I and my siblings grew up listening to during the ‘70s. Because of this, I was literally singing along in every song in the repertoire. “Take A Chance On Me”, “The Winner Takes It All”, “SOS”, “Money, Money, Money”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, “Super Trouper” and “I Have A Dream” to name a few.
thanks Ate for the treat : )
When ABBA smashed global hits in the ‘70s Nengkoy was basically of the same age I am now. Thus, Nengkoy no doubt was also enjoying the pure fun musical. For me, that’s what mattered most, me and Nengkoy enjoying the musical together. Nengkoy was literally dancing on her seat when ala-concert style performance was done on the last 3 songs of the show – “Mama Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, and “Waterloo”.
Add to the popular music are the marvelous ‘70s inspired costumes, excellent stage lighting as well as the impressive revolving stage which makes the musical even more incredibly amazing.
I was swept away at the finale when the female lead character shouted “Thank You Manila!” and asked the audience in Tagalog, “Gusto nyo pa?!!” (You want more?!) in thick British accent. The audience certainly shouted, “Yeah!” in heavy Tagalog accent. She then shouted “Bongga!!!” – a ‘70s Filipino slang meaning fab, groovy and marvelous – and started singing and gyrating along with the rest of the cast to the tune of “Waterloo”.
Mama Mia is no doubt a fun-perfect musical! I love it.
Bongga!!!
When watching a well anticipated movie, people would usually bring either a bag of popcorn or chips with a super-sized tumbler of soda. Some would make sure to bring a hankie especially when they expect to cry over a tragic story. While others would bring or don themselves with costumes of their favorite cartoon character or action hero of the movie they are to watch.
Nengkoy 