'Mamma Mia!' Bounds into SF, Sept. 5-22

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the Orpheum Theatre (Hyde and Market at 8th Street) for a limited engagement beginning Wednesday, September 5 and running through Saturday, September 22. Mamma Mia! is a special engagement in association with the 2007-2008 Best of Broadway season, under the direction of Carole Shorenstein Hays and Scott E. Nederlander.

"Inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Songs including 'Dancing Queen,' 'The Winner Takes It All,' 'Money, Money, Money' and 'Take A Chance on Me' are all featured in this feel-good night of fun and laughter," state press notes.

With more productions playing simultaneously around the world than any other new musical, Mamma Mia! is now The World's #1 Show. There are currently 10 productions of Mamma Mia! running concurrently around the world (8 permanent productions and 2 tours). Mamma Mia! has a worldwide gross of over $2 billion dollars and audiences of more than 30 million people.

Mamma Mia! features music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! has a book by Catherine Johnson and direction by Phyllida Lloyd. Mamma Mia! has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical direction by Susan Draus, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

Mamma Mia! will play Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8PM, Saturdays at 2 & 8PM, and Sundays at 2 & 7:30PM; with added 2PM performances on September 6, 19 & 20.

Tickets ($35 - $99) are available at 415-512-7770, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, ticketmaster.com and at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office Groups of 20 or more may call Group Sales at 415-551-2020. For information about Mamma Mia! around the world, go to www.mamma-mia.com.