Mamma Mia!

MANILA, Philippines — Finally, “Mamma Mia!” invades Manila with classic songs of ABBA at the CCP Main Theater starting on Jan. 24.

Presented in Manila by Infinity, powered by Smart and Citibank “Mamma Mia” is about real life and backed by a timeless soundtrack appealing to all ages and crossing boundaries. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. ABBA’s original music composers, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, helped in the development of “Mamma Mia!” from the very beginning using the band’s unforgettable chart-topping hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance On Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All” in the musical.

“Mamma Mia!” tells about a tale that unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The International Tour of “Mamma Mia!” has been enthralling audiences around the world since its debut in 2004. It has been seen by over four million people in countries as diverse as China, Lithuania, Greece, Taiwan, Hungary, New Zealand and more recently Serbia and Austria.

The original production opened in 1999 and later transferred to the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End to continue its record-breaking run. Since opening in London, “Mamma Mia!” has been translated into 14 languages and has become the first ever global musical to open in Chinese. The show opened in Shanghai in July and was a landmark production, beginning a new era of musical theatre in China. The Broadway production of “Mamma Mia!” celebrates its 10th anniversary this October.

With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, “Mamma Mia!” is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.

The International Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, Stage Entertainment and NGM.

Incidentally, Citibank has an exclusive offer to all its clients who wish to see “Mamma Mia!” Buy three tickets and get the fourth ticket for free for purchases made until Jan. 8, 2012.

To avail of the promotion, use any Citibank credit card to buy tickets to “Mamma Mia!” through TicketWorld. For banking clients, simply present your Citibank ATM card when completing the purchase. Citibank cardholders can also purchase their tickets using PayLite and choose between three- and six-month payment terms.

“Mamma Mia!” will run at the CCP till Feb. 12, 2012.

For more information on Citibank’s exclusive offer to watch “Mamma Mia!,” log on to www.citibank.com.ph.

‘Praybeyt Benjamin’ now available on video

“Praybeyt Benjamin,” the first ever Filipino film to surpass the P300-million mark at the box-office, is now available on video.

Benjie (Vice Ganda) comes from a clan of brave soldiers who fought in historic battles. His grandfather, Benjamin Santos VIII (Eddie Garcia), is now a high ranking general in the military. Benjie is also brave. Problem is, he is gay, which makes him unacceptable to his grandfather.

Directed by Wenn Deramas, “Praybeyt Benjamin” is co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films. It also stars Derek Ramsay, Jimmy Santos, Kean Cipriano, Dennis Padilla, Carlos Agassi, DJ Durano, Vandolph, and Nikki Valdez.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 6, go to megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, Marissa Delgado, Star Villareal, Cesar Gaupo, Chito Puato, Nanette de Rivera, Zar Baisas, Adele Marie M. Almontero and Emy Nerveza of London, Imelda Santos, Melchor Bonoan Jr., Melchor Dee, Lorna Bunagan, Melvin Alvior, Angelica A. Tolentino, Mrs. Vilma Abaya-Dimacuha, New York-based Shelly Guillermo, MB’s Angela Garchitorena and Bathazar Valenzuela… Happy wedding anniversary to Jojo and Nina Baterna…