The summer of 2018 release of the movie, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” — a sequel to the popular movie adaptation of the stage musical “Mamma Mia!” — may have left some folks burnt out on ABBA, considering the Swedish pop group’s tunes color most of the story’s arc.
Kelly Gregersen, who has worked as Washougal High’s director and drama teacher for the past 15 years, has experienced the opposite effect while directing the school’s version of the musical, “Mamma Mia!”
“I’ve gotta admit, I’m becoming much more of an ABBA fan because it’s on 24/7,” Gregersen said. “I’m realizing just how incredible these are for little pop songs. They stand the test of time really nicely.”
The catchy songs will infuse the high school theater group’s “Mamma Mia!” production, which opens this week.
Gregersen said he wasn’t a big fan of the film adaptations of the musical, and wasn’t able to finish either movie, the first of which starred award-winning actress Meryl Streep. For his students however, the movies have provided a reference point during rehearsal.