ABBA Transcends Time In Every Format

(CBS)  In the true spirit of ABBA, the cast of "Mamma Mia" has proved that they can dance and sing.

ABBA members and "Mamma Mia" executive producers Benny Andersson (composer) and Björn Ulvaeus (lyricist) are having the time of their lives with the film adaptation of the hugely successful musical "Mamma Mia."

Ulvaeus and Andersson shared their thoughts about the film on The Early Show.

Astounded by the cast's performances, Ulvaeus and Andersson were especially hooked on Oscar award-winning Meryl Streep, when they heard her sing a country western song in the film "Postcards from the Edge"(1990).

"Meryl Streep is a goddess," said Ulvaeus. "And she will astound the world yet again, I think, with her singing. She's such a wonderful singer as well."

Extremely humbled by their record-breaking fame and selling more than 370 million records, Ulvaeus and Andersson never imagined that their music would truly be timeless.

They do, however, acknowledge the effort that it took to get to where they are today.

"It was a great time in the '70S," Ulvaeus said. "We worked really hard. We would record one song after the other."

The Swedish pop music group, who topped charts worldwide from the mid-70s to the early 80s, is considered by many the 3rd largest selling recording artist in music history (behind Elvis and The Beatles).

Although initially reluctant to allow their songs to be turned into a musical, the quartet gave in, which proved to be an instant success.

"Mamma Mia" started as a smash hit stage musical opening in 1999 in London and today there are more productions of "Mamma Mia" playing around the world than any other musical.

Ulvaeus and Andersson, who wrote the music and lyrics for the film, collaborated with executive producers Rita Wilson ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding," upcoming "My Life in Ruins"), Tom Hanks ("Charlie Wilson's War," "Band of Brothers") and Mark Huffam ("The Hours," "Johnny English").

For Ulvaeus and Andersson, seeing their hit songs transcend the test if time, illuminate Broadway and to be revived yet again on film is a dream come true.

"We're extremely happy," Andersson said. "I think it's become a wonderful film."

"To hear her (Streep's) delivering the songs with all the emotion we put in the lyrics is more than we could have dreamed of," Ulvaeus said.

[chewysdad-2009]

We saw it yesterday. We''re going again today. When it comes to the budget theater in several weeks we''ll see it several more times and then we''ll buy it. To the critics who pan this movie: It''s called entertainment, and this movie is the best entertainment we''ve had at the movie theater in a long time. As for the less than polished choreography, it fits the folksy look of the supporting cast wonderfully. We loved it and loved hearing the young mother and her very young daughters behind us singing along with every song, talk about ABBA fans! Nice voices too. For a very good time, go see it! Take the time to look around the theater at the enjoyment being experienced by the audience. If you can''t enjoy this movie you have some serious issues you need to deal with.

[sandhomes]

I saw the movie in my local theatre and unlike your commentary the audience and myself thought it was amazing. We were actually applauding in our seats. This is a campy, light hearted, feel good movie that made the audience that I was in laugh, sing and clap our hands. My 21 year old son was even laughing and enjoying the show. It was not about the voices of Meryl Streep or Pierce Bronsnan, it was about how it all made you feel, and in today''s world we need more of the feel good kind of movies to get our minds off of the burdens of today.

[marcsy-2009]

I knew this was a chick flick when I walked into the movie theater and was the only male (or should I say non-middle aged woman) in the place. I expected to be put to sleep by the movie. But... Meryl Streep gave what I thought was an emmy winning performance. The emotional turmoil and the musical performance fit like a glove. I highly recommend that for any mother who has raised a teenage daughter needs to see this movie. Pierce Broslin shouldn''t give up his day job for a singing career but somehow his straining chords seemed to fit. In the end it was good fun and a great emotional release. The exact reason for going to a movie. I couldn''t disagree with CBS''s critic David E. more. Go see it and enjoy.

[keithle1]

Chick flick alert. I like ABBA but I won''t be seeing this film or the stage musical. I like to hear ABBA sing ABBA songs. Not Meryl Streep (the best American actress of the last 30 years). Same reason why I would never see "Tommy."