Abba Mania
Presented by: Crown Melbourne, Jon Nicholls and Handshake

Venue: The Palms at Crown

Date Reviewed: 18 February, 2009

Reviewer: Simon Parris

 

 

 

 

 

At my primary school you were nothing if you didn’t have the album Abba: Arrival - if not the LP then at the very least the cassette (nine year olds are a demanding group). Thirty or so years later the Mania for Abba is still going strong. After clever uses of their songs in movies, and of course the Mamma Mia! phenomenon, the cycle has come full circle with the songs now used in their original form again in this  globe-trotting tribute concert.

 

‘Live from London’s  West End’  (7 years later to be exact), Abba Mania is a perfect show to be staged at The Palms at Crown. Best enjoyed with some like-minded friends and a beverage or three, it is a nostalgic ride through all the greatest hits with some genuine talent on stage.

 

Not exactly a lavish production, especially in terms of lighting, the music was clearly the priority and they have certainly delivered in this regard. With 13 backing musicians, including eight strings, and two back-up singers, the songs are presented with faithful, stirring arrangements.

 

The musical effort was not matched in any way by the script, such as it was. Starting with some of the all time classic Abba hits pleased the crowd but the early banter fell flat, with little or no response from the audience. First half highlights nonetheless included talented keyboardist Benny (Phil Hawkes) playing the rarely heard Intermezzo No. 1, and the first glimpse at the real highlight of the show with Agnetha’s first solo I’ve Been Waiting For You.

 

After interval, the show really took off. With the chat at a minimum, the songs just spoke for themselves with hit after hit sounding wonderful. Agnetha shone again with The Winner Takes It All, and emerged as the most talented performer on stage. Carley Broom’s performance is probably one of the main reasons to see this show.

 

Seeing a show at Crown is a complete package with the ticket allowing 20% discount at many restaurants before the show and 20% off drinks at many bars afterwards.

 

Abba Mania runs until 1st March. Bookings are through Ticketek

 

http://premier.ticketek.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

Simon has appeared in more than 30 productions over the past twenty years. Recent roles include Uncle Henry/Guard of the Gate in The Wizard of Oz (Catchment) and Eugene Fodor in Crazy for You (Whitehorse). Other favourite roles include Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel, Max in The Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint Your Wagon, Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les Miserables.

He is also a keen audience member, having seen over 50 shows in five weeks on a recent trip to New York and London. Simon has choreographed Urinetown and Little Shop of Horrors for St Michael’s Grammar School. He is currently directing Hot Mikado for St Michael’s, to be staged at the Athenaeum Theatre in May. Simon has served on the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Committee for five years, and is currently Treasurer.

 

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