ABBA Transcends Time In Every Format

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.