International Smash Hit MAMMA MIA! Set To Sparkle At The Maltz Jupiter Theatre

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is kicking off the New Year with a rare four-week run of the sunny and funny musical that took Broadway by storm: Mamma Mia!

A feel-good musical that will have you dancing in your seat to ABBA's greatest hits, Mamma Mia! will dazzle audiences January 15 - February 10.

With music and lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! follows the story of Sophie, a young woman desperate to find her biological father as her wedding day approaches. After reading her mother's diary from a wild summer 20 years ago, Sophie learns that her dad could be one of three men. She invites the men to her wedding without telling her mother, who is unprepared by the surprise reunion with her three ex-lovers. What ensues is one unforgettable trip down the aisle!

Nominated for five Tony Awards and based on the songs of ABBA - one of the most popular pop groups of all time - Mamma Mia! includes such hits as "Super Trouper," "Lay All Your Love on Me," "Dancing Queen" "Knowing Me, Knowing You" "Take a Chance on Me" and more.

Since its West End debut in 1999, the musical has grossed $2 billion worldwide and enchanted over 60 million audience members. It is the seventh longest-running show in West End history, and its 14-year Broadway run made it the ninth longest-running show in Broadway history. A film adaptation starring Meryl Streep was released in 2008, with a popular sequel that hit theaters in July.

Led by powerhouse duo Mark Martino (director and choreographer) and Elise Kinnon (associate director, co-choreographer and dance captain), the Theatre's production will star Mary Mossberg as Donna (whose work includes the national tours of Mamma Mia! and Kinky Boots) and Becca Andrews as Sophie (last seen as Val in the Theatre's critically-acclaimed production of A Chorus Line). The cast of 26 triple-threat performers also includes popular South Florida actors Jim Ballard (the Theatre's productions of Doubt: A Parable, Dial M for Murder, and Frost/Nixon), Margot Moreland (Madame Thénardier in the Theatre's award-winning Les Misérables), Taylor Jackson (the Theatre's productions of Steel Magnolias and Hairspray), and Alex Jorth (the Theatre's productions of The Producers, Billy Elliot The Musical, Fiddler on the Roof and Annie), among others.

"Beyond its sweet story of the search for family and amazing ABBA score, I feel that there is a one more reason audiences flock to Mamma Mia!: joy," Martino said. "Mamma Mia! opened on Broadway on October 18, 2001, barely a month after the tragic events of September 11. Many thought there was no way that a shell-shocked city would want to go to the theatre at all, much less to a show that sees the world through pop songs and disco dancing. Yet it was embraced instantly as exactly the tonic a battered city needed. With its unabashed and unapologetic sentimentality, an absolute belief in romance and a clear understanding that everything turns out better with a pair of platform shoes and some energetic dancing, Mamma Mia! was an instant hit. Just like one of those ABBA songs you can't get out of your head, joy is infectious and irresistible."

Martino, a Carbonell award-winning director and choreographer who works at some of the nation's best regional theaters, is well known locally for his work on the Theatre's past productions, including the recent hit The Producers, Les Misérables, Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and others. A multitalented artist, Kinnon has been seen onstage in five of the Theatre's productions and previously collaborated locally with Martino as associate director and associate choreographer for The Producers. She has quickly earned a reputation nationally for her innovative, razor-sharp work as a director and choreographer, with credits that include An American In Paris, Hello, Dolly! and others.

"Mamma Mia! is a unique musical because everyone knows and loves its popular ABBA songs, but at its heart, it's a poignant and uplifting story about a young woman in search of family," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive. "I cannot think of a better team to bring this musical to life on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage than Mark Martino and Elise Kinnon. Our audiences are going to love it."

The production will also feature the work of an all-star creative team, including scenic designer Paul Tate DePoo III (whose award-winning work includes the Theatre's productions of South Pacific, Me and My Girl, The Producers, The Wiz, Les Misérables, The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue, Annie, The Music Man, and Hello, Dolly!); lighting designer Zach Blane (whose work Off-Broadway includes Too Much, Too Much, Too Many, Suicide Incorporated and Would You Still Love Me If); projection designer Kevan Loney (whose recent designs include The Wizard of Oz and All Shook Up); costume designer Andrea Hood (whose Off-Broadway credits include Twelfth Night, As You Like It and Love and Information); music director Eric Alsford (whose work includes the Theatre's productions of A Chorus Line, The Wiz, Les Misérables and South Pacific); wig designer Gerard Kelly (who has designed for Hair on Broadway and on London's West End) and the Theatre's Carbonell Award-winning resident sound designer Marty Mets (currently in his eighth season at the Theatre).

Looking for a spectacular evening out in the New Year? Let the Theatre entertain you with the magic of live theatre! An exquisite treat for your office staff, family, neighbor, friend or sweetheart, this smash hit is a sumptuous Greek island adventure you won't want to miss.

To compliment your evening out, consider one of the Theatre's many preferred restaurants and hotel packages. Also, share the gift of theatre with a gift certificate, available at the box office.

"The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's season productions are an incomparable activity for groups, and Mamma Mia! is the perfect show for everyone," said Dana Munson, the Theatre's marketing director. "Bring your group and celebrate the New Year! Discounted group rates are available, with excellent availability in the musical's third and fourth weeks."

Patrons may purchase tickets for club level premium seats in the Theatre's premium space, The Green Room, and enjoy the stylish lounge and amenities throughout the season. Amenities include spacious 23" seats, a lounge with a private bar and restrooms, one free drink of choice with ticket purchase (evening performances only for season shows), panoramic views of the stage and a private entrance and elevator. Groups who purchase all 62 Club Level seats to a performance receive full access to The Green Room Club Level Lounge at no additional charge to host a private event, such as a catered dinner or cocktail party.

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Mamma Mia! is sponsored by John McDonald Company, Kathy and Joe Savarese Homecare America, Isanne and Sandy Fisher and Jana and Ken Kahn, LRP Publications; single tickets start at $60. For tickets and showtimes, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For more information on bringing your group to the Theatre, contact community relationships ambassador Cheryl McDermott at (561) 972-6117.

The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 8,560 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

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