Yes, it’s true. After nearly six years of dancing in the aisles at Mandalay Bay, one of Vegas’ longest running shows is going to be silenced when Mamma Mia! calls it quits on January 4, 2009.
Based on the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA, the show debuted on the Strip on February 13, 2003, and since then has performed to thousands of guests. But despite numerous contract extensions, including a recent one to ensure it was open to capitalize on the 2008 movie version of the original Broadway show, producers have decided to call it quits in Vegas.
“I am so grateful to the audiences who have supported Mamma Mia! in Las Vegas over six record-breaking years,” said global producer Judy Craymer, in a press release issued by MGM Mirage. “I am proud that the popularity of the production in Las Vegas has opened the doors for other musicals to play on The Strip. This has been an extraordinary year for Mamma Mia!, with the worldwide history-making success of the movie, as well as a glorious finish to a triumphant run at Mandalay Bay. We are leaving on such a high.”
By the time the show has its final curtain call, it will have logged over 2,100 performances at Mandalay Bay. If you’d like to be a part of the final shows, tickets are now on sale for the remaining dates at the resort’s box office, via Ticketmaster, or by calling 800.632.7400. They are priced at $49.50, $82.50 and $110.
For the remainder of the show dates, performances will be Sunday through Thursday at 7:30pm and Saturdays at both 6pm and 10pm. The show will be dark on Fridays.
So the next question is what will take Mamma Mia!’s place? Original rumors were for another Cirque du Soleil show, but with Believe opening next door at the Luxor and a rumored Elvis-themed Cirque production planned for City Center’s Aria, it seems unlikely one would be put in at Mandalay.
Mike Weatherford at the Review-Journal speculates Disney’s The Lion King may make the move from Broadway to the Strip. This is a show that might work, because even though most people view The Lion King as strictly for families, it does have a strong appeal with adults, as well. No confirmation on this has yet to come through, though.
What kind of show would you like to see replace Mamma Mia! at Mandalay Bay?
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