Mamma Mia! Enters Top 50 as It Approaches Performance 1,500

By Andrew Gans
14 Apr 2005

The international hit musical Mamma Mia! has joined the list of the 50 longest-running productions in Broadway history.

On April 9, the ABBA musical at the Winter Garden Theatre surpassed Arsenic and Old Lace — which played 1,444 performances from 1941-44 — to become the 50th longest-running Broadway show. And, on Sunday, May 15 the crowd-pleasing musical will play its 1,500th performance.

Mamma Mia! productions around the world continue to break records as well. The Las Vegas production at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino recently welcomed its one millionth guest, and the London version marked two milestones earlier this month: the production at the Prince of Wales Theatre played its 2,500th performance April 11 and entered its seventh year April 6.

Mamma Mia! features music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, a book by Catherine Johnson, direction by Phyllida Lloyd and choreography by Anthony Van Laast. Over 20 million people have seen the musical, which has more productions playing around the world than any other current Broadway musical.

Mamma Mia! plays the Winter Garden Theatre, which is located in New York City at 1634 Broadway. The current New York company stars Carolee Carmello, Judy McLane and Liz McCartney. For tickets, call (212) 239-6262. The musical offers performances Wednesday through Saturdays at 8 PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 2 and 7 PM.