:For the song from which the musical got its name, see Mamma Mia (song). Mamma Mia! is a musical with a book by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA, composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. It is an example of a jukebox musical, and is notable for popularising the genre.

Although the title of the musical is taken from the group's 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia", the musical's plot has nothing to do with the story of the group itself.

Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, who composed the original music for ABBA, have been involved in the development of the show from the beginning. Anni-Frid Lyngstad has been involved financially in the production, while Agnetha Fältskog has not, though she was present at the Swedish premiere and final show.

The musical includes such hits as "Super Trouper", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Thank You for the Music", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", "Voulez Vous", "I Have A Dream" and "SOS". It had been seen by over ten million people worldwide as of July 2003. Estimates of 2007, is that 30 million have now seen Mamma Mia!. Since its opening in 1999, the production has grossed US$2.0 billion in earnings.

A film version of Mamma Mia!, starring Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep began filming in June 2007 and is scheduled for a Summer 2008 release.

Mamma Mia! is an upcoming film adaptation of the West End musical of the same name based on the songs of pop group ABBA. The title of the film is taken from the group's 1975 chart-topper "Mamma Mia". It will be produced by Universal Pictures in partnership with Playtone and Littlestar. It is slated for a release date of July 11, 2008 in Sweden and the United Kingdom, July 18, 2008 in the United States. blank">Mamma Mia! (2008) - Release dates

_Oscar winner Meryl Streep will head the cast of the film, playing the role of single mother Donna Sheridan. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård will play the three potential fathers to Donna's daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried).

According to Variety the play's original producer and writer, "were broke when they first tried to put the show together and were even snubbed by the Swedish pop group whose music formed the basis for the show. They are now two of the wealthiest women in England."

Based on the hit ABBA single of the same name. Mamma Mia! first opened in London on April, 6th, 1999 at the Prince Edward theater. It opened in New York on October 18th, 2001 at the Winter Garden theater, the former home of Cats. It now has toured in over 140 cities across America. As of April 2007, Mamma Mia has open run productions in: New York, London, Las Vegas, Madrid, Moscow, Stuttgart, Fukuoka (opens May 19th 07) Gothenburg (opening May 9th 07) Essen, also has an US tour and an International tour traveling to cities all over the globe. Mamma Mia! has also played in Melburne, Australia, Toronto, Canada and Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Phyllida Lloyd also directed the original ‘Mamma Mia!’ Broadway Play.

Mandy Moore (I), Amanda Bynes, Rachel McAdams, and Emmy Rossum were all considered for the part of Sophie.