ABBA-Mania caps ECCA's 50th anniversary

NICEVILLE — ABBA-Mania is this season’s finale of the Emerald Coast Concert Association’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The show will be at the Northwest Florida State College Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

ABBA-Mania has been called the No. 1 ABBA musical production in the world with stops in Malaysia, South America, The Dominican Republic, Jakarta, Grand Cayman Islands and The United States. ABBA-Mania was one of the shows to be invited to perform at the Royal Alexander Theatre in Toronto, according to the group’s publicity Web site.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, ABBA-Mania features nine musicians and vocalists in authentic costumes. They will perform 21 ABBA songs accompanied by members of the London, Ontario, Symphony Orchestra.

ABBA-Mania is a rock musical that takes you back to the disco era of one of the most successful pop bands in history.

Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson made up the pop group from Sweden who took the music world by storm from the early ’70s to the early ’80s.

This tribute concert, with the costume changes, choreography, the live band, backup singers and big studio sound, is for all ages to enjoy and sing along.

Songs include “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “SOS,” “Mamma Mia,” “Super, Trooper,” “Voulez Vous,” “I had a Dream,” “Dancing Queen” and many more.

Taking on the roles of the iconic pop stars are:

Monica Tietz of Penetang, Ontario, as Anni-Frid.

Mathew Whale of Hanover, Ontario, as Benny.

Michelle Truman of Milton, Ontario, as Agnetha.

Nick Pattison of Bridge, England, as Bjorn.

All four have extensive musical experience and training. Their vocal collaboration and stage performance combine to re-create the magic and excitement of an ABBA concert.

Tickets for ABBA-Mania at $30 per person are available at the box office or by calling 729-6000. Tickets at the door, if available, will be $35.

ECCA President Susan Kneller said the show was expected to be a sellout.

The ECCA is a state-chartered, non-profit organization. It was formed 50 years ago as the Playground Mutual Concert Association by a group of residents who were concerned about the lack of cultural events in the Fort Walton Beach area.

Though the name was changed in the 1980s, the goal has remained the same: to bring high quality performing artists from around the world to local stages and schools.

Its Educational Outreach gives students the opportunity to see professional performers close up through free appearances in schools.

In addition, through its Elderly Outreach and Americans with Disabilities Program, ECCA donates tickets to the handicapped, the Teresa and Bob Hope villages and retirement homes.

ECCA is run entirely by volunteers. They arrange concerts designed to appeal to the many and varied interests of potential audiences.

If you would like help by donating your time or money, call Kneller at 850-837-1742.