‘Mamma Mia!’ Returns to Broadway: Behind the Scenes of ABBA’s Timeless Musical

Broadway is alive with sequins, jumpsuits, and nonstop ABBA hits as Mamma Mia! makes a triumphant return to the Winter Garden Theatre for the first time in a decade. With its infectious energy, beloved songs, and multigenerational appeal, the jukebox musical continues to captivate audiences, proving that the power of friendship, family, and great pop music is truly timeless.

A Return to the Stage

Mamma Mia! first opened on Broadway in 2001, mere weeks after the September 11 attacks, offering audiences a sun-soaked escape in a moment of national mourning. Despite mixed critical reception, the show struck a chord with theatergoers thanks to its universal themes: the complex yet heartwarming bond between mother and daughter, the loyalty of lifelong friends, and the timeless appeal of ABBA’s catalog.

Now back on Broadway for a limited engagement through February 1, 2026, the musical brings nearly two dozen ABBA songs to life, telling the story of Sophie (Amy Weaver), a young woman raised by her spirited single mother, Donna (Christine Sherrill), on a charming Greek island. As Sophie prepares to marry without knowing her father, she invites three of Donna’s former lovers — Sam (Victor Wallace), Bill (Jim Newman), and Harry (Rob Marnell) — to her wedding in hopes of discovering which man is her dad. As is expected in any great comedy, chaos ensues.

Life Behind the Glitter

While the audience sees dazzling dance numbers and perfect harmonies, the cast jokes that the onstage magic comes with a healthy dose of risk.

“Walking in those platforms at the end of the show,” says Jim Newman, “we make it look easy, but we’re all about to break our ankles at any moment.”

The rigorous choreography and high-energy performances demand athleticism, precision, and teamwork, and the cast embraces the challenge with humor and camaraderie.

A Multigenerational Appeal

One of the key reasons Mamma Mia! has remained so popular is its cross-generational charm. Longtime ABBA fans, many of whom grew up with the Swedish pop group in the 1970s, flock to the show, but younger audiences are increasingly discovering it through TikTok, the recent films starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, and pop culture references by artists like Sabrina Carpenter.

“It’s kind of crazy that the young ones know all this music,” notes Victor Wallace. “They know it because of the movies. But everyone can relate to this story. It’s a multigenerational show, which is why I think it sells so well.”

The story resonates across age groups because it celebrates universal themes: love, friendship, self-discovery, and the sometimes chaotic pursuit of happiness.

Touring Success and Broadway Anticipation

Before returning to New York, the current production toured the U.S. for nearly two years. With the show having traveled extensively over the last 25 years, the cast initially wondered if audiences would still embrace it. Their concerns were quickly put to rest as the Broadway run sold out nearly every performance, generating more than $1.6 million per week, according to the Broadway League.

“I was a little hesitant about how New York would receive us,” Wallace says. “New York can be a more sophisticated, critical audience, but they’re game for it. They want something familiar; they want something joyful. It’s healing.”

Newman added that even critics who were skeptical during the show’s first run have warmed to the production:

“I thought they were going to come after us with our tour set! I mean, they didn’t really like the show the first time around, honestly, but even they embraced it. I think they recognized that this show knows what it is and who its audience is.”

Connecting with Fans

For the actors portraying Sophie’s potential dads, one of the most rewarding aspects of performing has been meeting fans at the stage door.

“I actually met a woman whose mom was about to walk her down the aisle,” says Rob Marnell. “I was like, ‘It’s Sophie in real life!’”

The musical has also become a staple in high schools, giving young performers a chance to play their favorite roles. Newman recalls students reaching out for advice and encouragement:

“We’ll get kids who are like, ‘Can you call our cast and wish us a happy opening?’”

Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie

Time spent touring together has forged strong friendships among the cast. Weekly potlucks, shared dressing rooms, and group chats keep the energy alive offstage. Marnell calls the bond among the three dads a “brotherhood,” joking about minor mishaps like shaving Newman’s back in jest.

“We still like each other. We know everything about each other,” he says.
“Too much,” Newman quips.

This sense of community translates to the stage, where performers rely on each other for timing, chemistry, and emotional resonance.

A Show for Everyone

Mamma Mia! continues to be a joyful escape and a celebration of ABBA’s enduring music. With its return to Broadway, it offers theatergoers — whether longtime fans or first-timers — a chance to sing, dance, and laugh together in a shared experience. The combination of nostalgia, spectacle, and storytelling ensures the musical remains one of Broadway’s most beloved hits.

Catch the show at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) through February 1, 2026, and see why Mamma Mia! is truly bigger than ever.

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