Bask in nostalgia: be a ‘Souper Trouper’ at ‘Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA’
With the pantomime season behind us, it is time to kick off the year on an energetic note.
And what better way to do so than with the toe-tapping, finger-snapping “Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA” at the Joburg Theatre?
Of course, irrespective of how old you are, you would have come across the music of the Swedish pop group from the ‘70s.
Not only have they gone down in the music annals as one of the most popular and successful groups of all time, but they are also celebrated for being one of the best-selling music acts.
The memory of trying to sing "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" with friends comes to mind as I write this. I will say this much, we were God-damn awful with our tone-deaf attempts - and there were many over the years (after a bit of liquid courage) - but we had such a blast every single time.
Earlier this week, I caught up with Jessica Driver, who channels Agnetha Fältskog in the tribute show.
The other cast members in the Showtime Australia show, which has been successfully touring the world since 2022, are André Behnke as Benny Andersson, Jimmy James as Björn Ulvaeus and Giverny Allen as Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
Not long after graduating from the Stageworx School of Performing Arts in 2019, Driver made her professional debut as Sherrie in “Rock of Ages”.
The multi-hyphenate performer recalled: “It was such a nice introduction to the industry. It was an amazing contract and lots of fun. I was 21 at the time.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity because I learned from such incredible professionals doing the show and I take that into my career today.”
On the back of her big break, she bagged the role of Holly in “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”.
Just as her career was taking off, Covid-19 happened and the hard lockdowns meant the closure of public venues.
Looking back, Driver focused on the positive takeaways of that period. Aside from the supportive theatre fraternity, she began teaching online.
As the world gradually returned to some sense of normalcy, events and gatherings resumed.
For Driver, it meant a return to what she loves doing best - musical theatre.
As luck would have it, auditions rolled out for “Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA” and, after submitting a self-tape, she found herself embarking on a life-changing journey.
Driver recalled: “It’s a full circle moment as I started with this ABBA show in 2022. We toured Canada and went to Singapore. Travelling to these new places was daunting but also incredible. It really opened my eyes. This show is different; it’s fun, energetic and concert-like.”
Immersing herself in the world of his iconic pop group wasn’t difficult.
She laughed: “I mean we all grew up listening to ABBA across all generations. I delved into the world of ABBA and really just fell in love with the material.”
She commended the group's lyrics, melody, and harmonisation. She was equally praise-worthy of her co-stars as well as director Johnny Van Grinsven.
Another key component of the show is the costumes.
Driver shared: “The costumes are very retro. They are glam and glitzy, they suit the vibe and energy of the show. We have a few costume changes. We have those bell-bottom pants in the show as well.
“The boys are wearing the platform shoes. We have the white ABBA boots, we have to pay homage to that.”
“Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA” is only showing for a limited run.
As such, Driver urges theatregoers to not pass up on the opportunity to let their hair down and have a fun night out.
She added: “People can come through, dress up and have a great time. It’s an interactive, energetic show. You can enjoy it as a girl's night out, family night out or date night out.
“You will leave on such a high. It’s also very nostalgic. Everyone has their favourite song and they can get up and dance.”
On where to next for the show, Driver says it’s back to international tours but doesn’t discount the possibility of more national runs either.
“It will be updated on our social media platforms,” she added.
In the meantime, start familiarising yourselves with the lyrics to “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “The Winner Takes It All”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”
Where: Joburg Theatre.
When: Runs from January 31 to February 16, 8pm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R180 to R390 and can be purchased through Webtickets, Joburg Theatre Box Office or online at www.joburgtheatre.com.
“Gontse”
Dance lovers won’t want to miss this stunning performance that takes the audience through the journey of women who have survived gender-based violence.
A hotbed topic in South Africa, the show is directed by Disemelo Makhanda, who collaborates with jazz legend Tlale Makhene and internationally acclaimed choreographer-dancer, Thandiwe Mqokeli.
The 90-minute contemporary dance performance evokes powerful sentiments around resilience and triumph while raising awareness around the fight against this rife social issue.
Kindly note, the production carries an age restriction of 15.
Where: Gibson Kente Theatre at Soweto Theatre.
When: January 24 - 25, 7pm.
Cost: Tickets cost R100 and can be purchased through Webtickets.