Bringing ABBA hits to the stage in "MAMMA MIA!"

Small-town Greece comes to South Bend in the American Theatre Guild’s national tour of “MAMMA MIA!” bringing along the hits of worldwide sensation ABBA like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Lay All Your Love on Me.” 

“MAMMA MIA!” will be at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend from May 30-June 2. 

Nico DiPrimio, ensemble member and understudy for Eddie in the national tour, said the best part of being on tour and performing the show is that everyone knows ABBA, “MAMMA MIA!” or both, being able to see everyone from the stage enjoying the songs they know and love. 

“Seeing the smiles and hearing the audience sing along never gets old,” DiPrimio said in an email interview. 

DiPrimio said the audience should be familiar with all the parts of the show because the story in the movies is not too different from what audience members can see live on the stage. 

With the live aspect, DiPrimio said the audience gets to feel like they are in the story along with the characters every step of the way. 

“It’s more immersive and feels real,” DiPrimio said. 

DiPrimio said his favorite part of the show is the finale mega mix, feeling most connected to the audience in the grand finale. 

“It’s filled with so much joy and energy and the audience is up dancing and singing along with us,” DiPrimio said. 

DiPrimio said everyone can take something away from the show no matter who you are because the story has everything: love, family, friendship and even women empowerment. 

He said he wants the audience to walk away feeling not only entertained, but also empowered. 

“This show is filled with so much joy that hopefully people can leave their day at the door and come enjoy a story with such heart and fun, and maybe even leave having the music stuck in their heads,” DiPrimio said.