MAMMA MIA! MUSICAL STARS WELCOME MAMMA MIA MOVIE
If the stars of our Mamma Mia! musical at Mandalay Bay were movie critics like Siskel & Ebert they’d give the new Mamma Mia, the movie, “two thumbs up.” Our local cast and crew got a sneak preview of the movie, which stars Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski and Colin Firth. Mamma Mia opens tomorrow (FRI) in theaters nationwide.
At the special preview in the Town Square movie complex, current and former cast members of the Mandalay Bay show were joined by Jersey Boys and Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular cast members from The Palazzo and The Venetian. Carol Linnea Johnson, Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, Victor Wallace and Tina Walsh represented Mamma Mia! and Jeremy Kushnier (Tommy DeVito) and Eric Bergen (Bob Gaudio) from Jersey Boys were there with Kristi Holden (Christine) from Phantom.
“I’m going to steal a lot of the stuff that Meryl did in the movie that hadn’t occurred to me for the same role on stage,” said musical lead Carol Linnea Johnson. “I absolutely loved the movie. It’s gorgeous from start to finish.” Victor Wallace who plays the role of Sam Carmichael here added, “It’s one of those films that will be a cult classic. This is the perfect feel good summer movie.” And Vegas actor Marshall Kennedy Carolan who plays the role of Sky summed it up, “Just fantastic. Everybody will love it as much as the live show.”
Mandalay Bay executives believe their production, which celebrated its 5th anniversary this past February will get a box-office boost from the hit movie, and they’re ready to extend it past next January if increased ticket sales warrant yet again. They’d extended it past Aug. 31 when it reached the 2,300 performance mark. Worldwide the ABBA musical has been seen by over 30 million people with 10 productions playing around the world in five different languages, and three companies here in North America.