When a producer approached them about turning their songs into a stage musical, ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson were reportedly not keen. But you’d think their enthusiasm would have grown since Mamma Mia! premiered in 1999. More than 65 million people have seen the show, it has grossed $4 billion worldwide, and versions have been performed in London, Taiwan, and on international waters aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Now people who can’t help but hum “Dancing Queen” in the shower have a public outlet for their fandom.

The Vine Cinema & Alehouse is hosting a morning screening of the 2008 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan on Sunday. Set on a charming Greek island, the film is about a daughter’s quest to find her biological father before her wedding day. Although Roger Ebert described the plot as “a clothesline to hang the songs on,” it is precisely those songs.

So grab a lozenge and get ready to belt out your favorite songs with the entire theater joining in, from “The Winner Takes It All” to “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and, of course, “Mamma Mia.”

Details: August 25, 7 p.m.; Vine Cinema & Alehouse, Livermore; adult tickets are $16.21; vinecinema.com.

Originally published: August 21, 2024 at 2:37 pm