Recently I saw a civic theater production of " Mama Mia" It also has been quite some time since I reviewed a show and compared a filmed version of a show to the staged version, So today I decided
to talk about the " ABBA" inspired jukebox hit " Mama Mia" Now I mean the first film being compared to the staged version, as there is no sequel to the staged version, unlike the movie. As confusing as that is. Time for an updated take on, " Stage V.s Screen" That is slightly more compact and to the point, by also reviewing the show, killing two birds with one stone here we go.
Before we get into the review and comparison there is a question or two to be asked. Do you like the music of " ABBA" ? If yes then you will definitely enjoy the show, If not then it is probably a good idea to try listening to another show you are interested in , if you enjoy their works but you don't want a story, you are better off buying cd or watching music videos. If you are still interested then let me help you decide what version you may like more.
set on a resort island in Greece the story follows a girl named Sophie, right before her wedding as she tries to invite the three men, one whom she believes to be her father to walk her down the isl, without telling her mother about her three ex boy friends arrival, comedy and antics ensue in this very tongue and cheek, lighthearted show.
The writing is very quick and witty, and if a joke doesn't land, another one is not very far behind, if you need an upbeat show that you can just show up, and have fun, this would not be a bad pick, seeing it live, I found myself laughing more than I thought I would, but the show has a simple plot so it can be more crazy with the humor, and on plenty of occasions it works. Some parts are the story are basic and predictable, and sometimes the dialogue is a giveaway to what song they are going to use, but it is fun, so this complaint is minor.
When it comes to the music, the soundtracks are equals, unlike some movie adaptations, all the songs are kept in, which then leaves the comparison to the performances. In my case I preferred the stage version, yes the movie is easier to watch, but seeing it live felt more energetic feeling then just watching the movie, when the singing is lived and the actors are right in front of you, yes the movie had tons of work put into the choreography and singing as well, but I personally enjoyed it more live. Some of the actors in the film seems chosen more for their status as actors rather than their ability to sing. In my opinion if you option to see it live then that is the version I recommend, or listening to the album of your choosing if you are unsure,for version that stands out to you more. If you are unsure, renting the film may be a safer bet then paying for a theater ticket, but as stated earlier, it all comes down to whether you want a musical using " ABBA" music in it. For some recommendations on tracks if you just want to listen to the album, here are my favorite songs
Mama Mia
Thank You For The Music
Dancing Queen
Under Attack
Voules Vouex
Take A Chance On Me
There are my thoughts, thank you for reading and I hope your day is a showstopper.
Sources
Mama Mia Movie Poster ( Google Search)
Mama Mia Broadway Poster ( Google Search)
Mama Mia Movie
Mama Mia Original Broadway Cast Album
set on a resort island in Greece the story follows a girl named Sophie, right before her wedding as she tries to invite the three men, one whom she believes to be her father to walk her down the isl, without telling her mother about her three ex boy friends arrival, comedy and antics ensue in this very tongue and cheek, lighthearted show.
The writing is very quick and witty, and if a joke doesn't land, another one is not very far behind, if you need an upbeat show that you can just show up, and have fun, this would not be a bad pick, seeing it live, I found myself laughing more than I thought I would, but the show has a simple plot so it can be more crazy with the humor, and on plenty of occasions it works. Some parts are the story are basic and predictable, and sometimes the dialogue is a giveaway to what song they are going to use, but it is fun, so this complaint is minor.
When it comes to the music, the soundtracks are equals, unlike some movie adaptations, all the songs are kept in, which then leaves the comparison to the performances. In my case I preferred the stage version, yes the movie is easier to watch, but seeing it live felt more energetic feeling then just watching the movie, when the singing is lived and the actors are right in front of you, yes the movie had tons of work put into the choreography and singing as well, but I personally enjoyed it more live. Some of the actors in the film seems chosen more for their status as actors rather than their ability to sing. In my opinion if you option to see it live then that is the version I recommend, or listening to the album of your choosing if you are unsure,for version that stands out to you more. If you are unsure, renting the film may be a safer bet then paying for a theater ticket, but as stated earlier, it all comes down to whether you want a musical using " ABBA" music in it. For some recommendations on tracks if you just want to listen to the album, here are my favorite songs
Mama Mia
Thank You For The Music
Dancing Queen
Under Attack
Voules Vouex
Take A Chance On Me
There are my thoughts, thank you for reading and I hope your day is a showstopper.
Sources
Mama Mia Movie Poster ( Google Search)
Mama Mia Broadway Poster ( Google Search)
Mama Mia Movie
Mama Mia Original Broadway Cast Album
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