August 9, 2016
Kiersten Frumkin is “Sophie” and Ryan McBride is “Sky” in Paramount’s Mamma Mia!, and I’m sitting here in The Copley as maestro Tom Vendafreddo music directs their scene “Lay All Your Love on Me!” We’ve just begun, and they are rockin’ the room here on Day 2 of vocal rehearsal! They’ve got a great chemistry already and are a great match musically as well.
Next up, the ensemble tackles the background vocals of which there are more than any show I’ve certainly ever done. Whether onstage or off, the singing is non-stop because this is what ABBA is all about: the fullest compliment of harmonies, a surprisingly intricate pop music wall of sound that never quits. Listening to “Honey, Honey” going into “Thank You for the Music,” I’m taken with what a perfect time it is for our audience to enjoy the music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus in this international mega-hit!
We all need this happy show right now! It’s like a dream come true to have everyone finally here under one roof singing like angels! There is more here than meets the eye (and ear), as so many of us are so familiar with these songs. The musicianship is extraordinary, and the story in its writing is so deeply felt it is startling and surprising to discover! You will relive and rediscover it with us this fall!
Love & thanks,
Jim
