Pictured above: The ABBA cover band performed classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” at the Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 13.
Story and photos by Decker Lavely
From platform boots to disco dance moves and the memorable hits of ABBA — the 1970s were back, if just for one night.
On the Mahaffey Theater stage Feb. 13, the Swedish pop band’s song “Waterloo” welcomed audience members to the tribute show “ABBA MANIA.”
In homage to the group’s legacy, “ABBA MANIA” began in 2000 on London’s West End. It now tours around the world and premiered in the U.S. for the first time seven years ago.
In typical ABBA fashion, the cast sported bold ‘70s style clothing with plenty of sequins. The members recreated the band’s final performances before they broke up in 1982, giving audiences a taste of an ABBA concert experience.
The U.S. tour comprises four performers singing and acting as the original group members: Kirbi Jo Long as Agnetha Fältskog; James Allen as Björn Ulvaeus; Jeff Pike as Benny Andersson and Amy Edwards as Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
The audience broke out in cheers and dance during Thursday’s performance as the familiar first notes from “Mamma Mia” filled the theater. The iconic love song united longtime ABBA fans and those who learned the band’s greatest hits from the films “Mamma Mia!” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”
“Something I love about the show is that we have audience members who are 5 years old singing every single word, and you have people who are 90 years old singing every word,” Edwards said.
Edwards joined the tribute tour three years ago. She’s been a part of other productions on London’s West End, like “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and has toured with Disney’s “The Lion King.” Her parents shared their love for ABBA with Edwards growing up, turning her into a devoted fan.
“ABBA has such a way of telling stories,” she said. “Every single song is a story and I just think that connects with so many people.”
Fluorescent stage lights behind the band changed from a bright red to a mood-setting blue.
Long and Edwards sat on stools near Pike’s white Yamaha piano and encouraged fans to join them in singing “Fernando.”
Arms flew up across the theater and swayed back and forth, reflecting the performers’ moves and spirit. “Fernando,” one of ABBA’s best selling singles and chart-topping songs, centers on two reminiscing war veterans.
“There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando,” voices sang.
“Take a Chance on Me,” “Super Trouper” and “Lay All Your Love On Me” were other upbeat favorites on the ABBA MANIA setlist. Long’s powerful solo performance of “The Winner Takes it All” captivated listeners and earned a booming applause.
Allen walked slowly down the stage steps while playfully singing “Does Your Mother Know” and cozying up on the laps of laughing audience members.
ABBA MANIA closed the show with “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” with fans still standing from their seats as the stage went dark.
One song had not yet been performed.
As the stage lights returned and each member reappeared, the famous piano glissando played, signaling the start of ABBA’s utmost anticipated anthem, “Dancing Queen.”
“Everyone wants to be a dancing queen when they hear it,” Edwards said.
This story was updated on Feb. 17, 2020, to correct the name of the actress portraying Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Her name is Amy Edwards.
