Say ‘bula’ to Broadway as MAMMA MIA! The Musical dances its way to Fiji

Name: The Garden Coffee Shop
Start: 2024-04-27
End: 2024-04-27
Location: Raojibhai Patel Street

Dates: 9-17 February (8 performances)
Venue: Suva Civic Centre
Tickets: starting from just $11 and are ON SALE NOW online with MPaisa, MyCash, Visa or Mastercard at www.ticketmax.com/MMFJ

Get ready to shimmy along to smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! as Broadway sizzles on the Suva stage this February. Featuring icons like ‘Vude Queen’ Laisa Vulakoro and The Gang/VT1S sensation Soni Uluitoga, feel-good celebration of song and dance promises to have audiences laughing, clapping, and dancing along to their favourite ABBA classics for its entire run from February 9-17.

As Fiji’s art scene captures global attention, hosting a world-class production like MAMMA MIA! signals thrilling growth. “We’re thrilled for the show to unite our community,” shares director Michael Payer. “And even better – we’re spotlighting phenomenal local talents on the biggest stage.”

Tickets are already on sale to see the all-star Fijian cast of more than 30 performers, with beloved talents across ages and backgrounds, from stars like singer Paulini Bautani (playing ‘Donna’) and “Fijian Tenor” Justin Blake-Hickes (playing ‘Sam’), to 16-year-old sensation Lia Daunakamakama shining in the central role of bride-to-be Sophie. Familiar hits from the popular film like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance On Me” will have audiences on their feet as a live band brings the numbers to life.

The Suva Civic Centre will transform into the sun-drenched Greek island of Kalokairi, where young bride-to-be Sophie seeks to discover the identity of her father before her wedding in a story full of romance and laughter. The Festivals Company’s Director Sharleen Ali promises affordable tickets starting from just $11 so entire families can join. “Whether you’re from the village or from overseas, there’s a seat for everyone!” she says. “You can choose to see live, local performances for the same price as seeing a movie!

Embracing Inclusivity: MAMMA MIA!’s Accesible Performance Initiative

In an empowering first, the ‘Accessible Performance” on Saturday February 10th will also feature Fiji Sign Language interpretation and audio description, as well as wheelchair-accessible seating. “Inclusivity is key – the arts are for all Fijians to enjoy,” Ali affirms. Cast member Timi Raiwalui shared the significance of this initiative: “I’m so happy I can share this show with my 14 year-old cousin brother with hearing impairment, knowing no one will be left behind.”

This emphasis on showcasing local performers and making the arts genuinely welcoming for all Fijians has sparked immense excitement. MAMMA MIA! is set to be a crowning jewel of Fiji’s Arts Season 2024 alongside the 2nd annual Fiji Fringe Festival for local and international creatives which arrives in Suva and Nadi in March.

A Stellar Cast of Fijian Talent

MAMMA MIA!’s cast is a vibrant mix of Fiji’s finest performers. Leading the pack is Paulini Bautani as Donna Sheridan, alongside the ethereal Lia Daunakamakama as Sophie. The cast also features renowned artists like Laisa Vulakoro and Soni Uluitoga, bringing a unique Fijian flair to this global hit.

To fully appreciate the magic of MAMMA MIA! in Fiji, it’s essential to know the people behind the characters. Our separate feature delves into the lives and achievements of the cast and crew, from the visionary directors to the dynamic performers. Discover their stories and the unique flair each brings to this theatrical spectacle. Read more about The Creative Force behind this Mamma Mia production click here.

FULL CAST LIST

DONNA SHERIDAN
SOPHIE SHERIDAN
SKY
TANYA
ROSIE
SAM CARMICHAEL
HARRY BRIGHT
BILL AUSTIN
PEPPER
EDDIE
ALI
LISA
FATHER ALEXANDRIOS
SOPHIE UNDERSTUDY
SKY UNDERSTUDY
TANYA + ROSIE UNDERSTUDY
SAM, HARRY + BILL UNDERSTUDY
ALI + LISA UNDERSTUDY

Paulini Bautani
Lia Daunakamakama
Soni Uluitoga
Laisa Vulakoro
Sofaia Tukana
Justin Blake-Hickes
Henry Steele
Alby Eastgate
Akuila Tuivaga
Adriel Tuivaga
Julia Rosinitoba
Demetria Tawake
Timi Raiwalui
Demetria Tawake
Viasi Lawaka
VLY
Timi Raiwalui
Vika Tuisawau

Ensemble

Moimoi Baleilevuka
Juliette Chong
Jasmine Daunakamakama
Biau Dunn
Paula Eugene
Nemani Gaunavinaka
Zoe Korosavu
Bryannah Kutty
Viasi Lawaka

Saki Lutuvakula
Faranisese Nawamea
Emma Newland
James Rabuatoka
Jayzon Requina
Rosinda Soakai
Vika Tuisawau
Sadrishan Velaidan

With opening night nearing, seats for MAMMA MIA! are set to be the hottest tickets in town. Secure your spot now for a night of singing, dancing and laughter to remember – this is a show not to be missed!

MAMMA MIA! The Musical Fiji is presented by The Festivals Company as part of Arts Season 2024, with the support of the Fijian Government, Tourism Fiji, Value City and USP. Check out The Festivals Company on social media for more information, and follow the MAMMA MIA! The Musical Fiji Facebook event for updates.

About The Festivals Company

The Festivals Company is a champion for the modern stories of Fiji, shared through the creative arts. We burst onto the scene with the ﬁrst ever VT1S concert in 2021 and, since then, have produced major arts events including Timewarp festival, the Fiji Hip Hop Championships, Rep the Hood, Dance Fest Fiji and more. In 2023, we launched the inaugural Fiji Fringe Festival —Fiji’s new epicentre for the arts and emerging talent— which is back again in 2024. With MAMMA MIA!, we say ‘Bula!’ to Broadway as we bring musical theatre to Fiji for new opportunities for singers, dancers and actors to shine on stage. The Festivals Company is committed to creating sustainable platforms for local artists, and to being the bridge that connects Fiji’s artists to the world.