Centrestage brings Abba mania back to the Guild Theatre this week as they pay tribute to the pop sensation with their brand new and revived show Abba: Here We Go Again.
Recreating the complex vocal arrangements of the Abba sound live on stage, the Centrestage team, consisting of ten talented musicians, pride themselves on authentically portraying the super Swedes.
“I love that we are one of the few production companies that have challenged ourselves to do everything live. There are no pre-recorded harmonies or tracks – we live on the edge. Just watching the audience recognise each song as it starts, dress up for the show and audibly respond to costume changes makes it so rewarding, ” said front vocalist Tara-Jane Stern, who is looking forward to performing in East London again.
Recently selling out 3,500 tickets in Port Elizabeth, the show offers an explosion of nostalgia more than 30 years since Abba hung up their dazzling jumpsuits and platforms.
“This show is not only for an older generation to remember songs from years gone by, but now a younger generation is also able to experience a sense of nostalgia,” said fellow front vocalist Caron Strydom, who attributes part of the band’s massive afterlife to the hit Mamma Mia films.
Strydom remembers an inspiring youngster tackling Abba tunes in a 1994 tribute when she was just four years old.
“I remember comparing the music to the music of my time, the late 90s, and realising the uniqueness of the sound. No two songs are the same. Abba was always my go-to when it came to singing at school, and all my primary school friends still comment on how the music never died,” said Strydom.
“It’s really so special seeing the generational gap being narrowed through this music.”
The singer belting out Abba favourites that Strydom idolised all those years ago was none other than Stern, who Strydom now sings alongside.
The two are accompanied by a cast of eight, including Centrestage loyalists Andre Strydom on bass and Wayne Kallis on acoustics and newbies Heidie Jansen, Kerry-lee Jeffrey and keyboard maestro James Smith. So dust off those bell bottoms and white knee-high boots.
The show runs at the Guild Theatre from Thursday to Saturday with evening performances starting at 7.30pm and a 2pm matinee show on Saturday. Tickets are R160 at Computicket...