Mamma Mia High Kick!

From right: Jenni Dale (Rosie), Sarah Poyzer (Donna) and Kate Graham (Tanya). Photo was taken during the press preview for Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

In these photos Sarah Poyzer (Donna) executes an almost impossible high kick. The outstanding music and vocals are a given from Mamma Mia! the musical. What surprised me the most was the very elaborate dance choreography. Sarah plays the role of Donna the mother, the same as Meryl Streep. The musical definitely has a lot of surprises in store for audiences. Her husband in real life is Richard Standing who plays Sam Carmichael.

Sarah Poyzer (Donna) executes an impossibly difficult high kick during the press preview for Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

There were so many hunks and women in bikinis perhaps the most in any musical. There’s nothing like a live musical performance to move audiences. So far performances have been fully packed. If you have any plans of watching call for reservations or buy tickets now before they run out.

Fans were readily shooting pictures at the CCP lobby with the Mamma Mia streamers and presenters like Infinity by SMART and Citibank. I included a link here to the gallery. Watch out for my full review. The streamers also reveal that Phantom of the Opera will be the next big musical coming to Manila.

ANC Franchise TV Host Issa Litton at the dress rehearsal for Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Spot.ph EIC Myrza Sison and husband / restaurateur Andrej Wisniewski was there at the first showing of Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

According to producer James Cundall, CEO Lunchbox Theater Prod., sponsors played an even more important role in this production, “Because we’ve had to fly in the sets and lighting I literally had to call a jumbo jet and bring them in that way. So thank you to all of them it’s a long list. We couldn’t do what we do we do without them.” He also goes on to say, “We want people to know they are getting the best in the world. But the main thing is we want them to leave with a smile and gladdened hearts.”

Mamma Mia! is presented by Infinity powered by SMART and Citibank and is brought to you by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi Definition Radio and Concertus Manila.

from right: Ivy Liza Mendoza with cousin Cathy.

from left: GMA Ent. Reporter Nelson Canlas and Charles Daish (Bill Austin) Photo was taken after the press preview for Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Special thanks to Mamma Mia! major sponsors San Miguel Premium All Malt Beer, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Ayala Malls, Ayala Cinemas, Cebu Pacific Air, Dusit Thani Manila and OOCL. Media partners include Radio High 105.9 FM, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover 105.1 FM, YES FM 101.1, 90.7 Love Radio, 96.3 Easy Rock, 2^nd Avenue, ETC, Jack TV, Rustans, Philippine Star, Business World, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS CBN, MCA Music and clickthecity.com

From left: Bambi Verzo Managing Dir. Concertus, James Cundall CEO Lunchbox Theater Prod., Bob Sewell Head of Ticketworld and Francis Lumen Chairman of Radio High. Photo was taken after the press preview for Mamma Mia at the CCP main theater. The smash hit musical is running from Jan. 24- Feb 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista